The Third Generation Dodge Viper Arrives in Coupe Form

The Dodge Viper legend began with the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster and grew with the introduction in 1996 of the Dodge Viper GTS Coupe. History is repeating itself.

When the third-generation Dodge Viper made its debut in 2003, it did so in the form of a convertible. For 2006, the Dodge Viper SRT10 debuts in an all-new Coupe form.

Dodge Viper SRT10 is about uncompromising performance and stunning looks. With an 8.3-liter 500-horsepower V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), and a bold appearance marked by Dodge’s signature crosshair grille design, deep-cut side scallops, swept-back fenders and lowered hood lines, the Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible had no equal. Until now.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Exterior

The exterior design of the all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, with its "double-bubble" roof and dramatic, unique rear styling with wrap-around taillamps reminiscent of the Viper GTS Coupe, is what sets it apart from its Convertible sibling - and connects it to the Viper heritage.

"It was important for us to sustain the emotion in the design," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, Chrysler Group. "We wanted the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe design to include a nod to the original Viper GTS Coupe, but in a contemporary way."

The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe design also took some of its cues from Dodge Viper’s heritage. For example, the Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) on the decklid, although all-new for 2006, looks similar to the "snake-head" design on the Viper GTS of 1996-2002.

"For helmet clearance, we brought back the ‘double-bubble’ roofline from the original Dodge Viper GTS," said Creed. "In fact, we began the process by utilizing a mannequin with a helmet to determine the height and shape of the roof."

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Powertrain

The magic numbers for the Dodge Viper SRT10 are 500/500/500 - representing 500 horsepower, 525 pound-feet of torque and 505 cubic inches of displacement.

An aluminum-block 8.3-liter (505 cu. in.) V-10 engine powers the 2006 Viper SRT10 Coupe, generating 500 horsepower (372 kW) and 525 lb.-ft. (712 N-m) of torque. Ninety percent of the torque is available to the driver across a wide band -- the 1,500-5,600 rpm range.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Ride and Handling

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe braking power is defined by Brembo 44/40 dual opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual opposing calipers in the rear, gripping four 14-inch rotors. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents lockup during hard braking.

This system results in a world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet, and completion of SRT’s signature 0-100-0 mph test in the low 12-second range.

Handling and ride characteristics for the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe is derived from a race-bred, four-wheel independent suspension featuring lightweight, high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, damped by lightweight coil-over shock absorbers. Power is delivered to the pavement via a Dana 44-4 Hydra-Lok speed-sensing limited-slip differential.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 is hand-built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Press Release