Here's the press release:
Chapter 3 for 2003: Dodge Viper SRT-10 Gives New Meaning to Extreme Performance
August 19, 2002
Since its introduction as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper has captured the hearts and imagination of enthusiasts around the globe. It has also captured its share of trophies on the track as a three-time FIA GT2 and Le Mans class champion.
The next chapter of Dodge Viper continues to set the definition of extreme, yet features greater levels of refinement and finish. In other words, Viper retains its essence - its "Viperness" - while taking natural steps forward.
Those who have never driven or ridden in a Dodge Viper can scarcely understand the way the car translates torque into forward momentum, nor can they fully appreciate the turning and braking capabilities of its massive tires and disc brakes.
The new Viper SRT-10 takes that unbelievable rush of performance to an entirely new level - beyond even that of the current American performance car standard. If one ride doesn't thrill, exhilarate, energize or excite you more than any other car on the road, check your pulse.
Convertible Top Opens the Possibilities for New Redesign
Engineers at Dodge, who had grown fond of their RT/10 Roadster and GTS Coupe and proud of the cars' performance capabilities, were fully aware of the wide tiretracks they would have to fill when the decision was made to create a new, true convertible version of America's ultimate sports car.
What began as a simple plan to alter the RT/10's roofline quickly grew to a "blue-sky" redesign when designers and engineers discovered that the accompanying 2.6-inch lengthening of the wheelbase would change more than 50 percent of the car's body panels and many chassis components. Vehicle synthesis engineers, never ones to sit idly by, set to work immediately using the stretch as their opportunity to find incremental ways to update and improve the car. And quicker than you can say "hasta la vista," the teams found out that with a little bit of tweaking here and an upgraded assembly there, they would have an entirely new car to build.
While the Chrysler Group's famously creative design office staged an internal search for the best new Viper design sketch, performance-minded engineers at then Team Viper began to analyze the opportunities that a redesign could offer on the performance front.
About the same time, combined marketing, engineering and communications teams from Dodge began polling key constituencies on what the next Viper should be - and as important, what it shouldn't be.
Among one of the most vocal and enthusiastic opinion groups - the owners AKA Dodge's Viper Nation - the replies consistently demanded...
More horsepower
Bigger brakes
Lighter weight
A new convertible top mechanism
A dead pedal
Greater interior comfort
Owners were also asked what they didn't want:
Digital instrumentation
Cruise control
Cup holders
A "bow-tie" lookalike
It was universally agreed that no matter the degree of change, certain Viper attributes - the car's legacy and signature to the world - must remain.
The message was loud and clear - Viper must be a front-engined, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It must have a V-10 making at least as much power as the current 450 hp versions. That a six-speed manual transmission be the only choice. That it be devoid of cupholders, cruise control and traction control. Viper would be a driver's package, and never a luxury boat posing as a sports car.
Viper Remains True to the Original Mission
Dodge took its directives and built a mission statement for the new car. When Dodge laid out the mission for its new 2003 Viper SRT-10 Convertible, it started with five vision statements:
Build a true convertible version of the original Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster
Refine the original caricature without losing its outrageous design
Raise the benchmark for unmatched performance
Maintain the back-to-basics approach from the original Viper
Preserve the American sports car heritage
The 2003 Viper SRT-10 once again underscores the core philosophies of the Dodge brand by being the ultimate automotive icon for extreme performance and extreme attitude.
"Back in 1992, the purpose was to re-orient what the Dodge brand was all about," said Jim Julow, Vice President - Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing. "We had just come out of a lot of years without any significant performance-oriented products. We needed to send a message that we had a new concept - a very historically accurate concept - but one which had not been seen in America for a long time. We wanted to come up with something that was so outrageous, so cutting edge, so purpose built that it said we still had a lot of car nuts around here; people with the know-how to put the most outrageous street car ever on the road.
"The continuation of the Viper allows us to hatch a whole new line of performance cars that go across more vehicle types than just two-door roadsters," continued Julow. "This whole SRT line of vehicles will aspire to be the Viper of their category."
Improving on a Legend
In creating the next chapter of Dodge Viper, the goal was also to enhance its unfiltered blend of performance.
As part of the Dodge Viper's complete redesign, more than 100 changes and improvements have been made to the chassis, brakes, suspension, tires, engine, transmission, cockpit, electronics and more than a dozen body panels.
Yet Viper retains a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a six-speed manual transmission. The commitment was made early on to use a racing-style chassis including fully independent four-wheel suspension, wide tires and wheels for maximum grip and massive brakes for stopping power.
A race-derived two-seat cockpit looks over a highly functional instrument panel with center-mounted tachometer and a 220 mile-per-hour speedometer. A traditional push-button starter reinforces the purposeful layout and race-car inspirations.
A new version of the Viper's four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system, originally introduced for the 2001 model year, is enhanced for this next-generation car.
With a new bored and stroked aluminum engine block that increases the Viper's displacement from 488 to 505 cu. in. and pushes its V-10 power output to 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque, Viper has no equal on the road.
"For a brand like Dodge, maintaining best-in-class performance claims are absolutely the most important thing we can do," said Julow. "As a brand, we must differentiate ourselves based on performance and driveability in creating a true enthusiast car. We need these proof points because frankly, not everyone wants to have a 500-horsepower, two-door convertible. Not everyone necessarily wants to have a turbocharged, manual transmission small car. Not everybody's looking for an aluminum block full-size truck.
But they're looking for a brand that's willing to put a little bit extra into everything it builds, and the proof points for that are the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) line, which pushes the envelope as far as we can."
On the Outside
With styling cues derived from the Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car first shown at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible packs an outrageous new design into a low-slung roadster shell.
Lowered hood lines, swept-back fenders and deep-cut side scallops take their cues from the classic original, yet bring the Viper into the 21st century. Improved aerodynamics and a partial undertray add functional performance enhancements.
Viper's visceral lines speak volumes of the passion that Dodge designers bring to their craft. The new Viper gives enthusiasts an American sports car that remains true to the credo of pure performance.
The new Viper has a new roofline profile with an easy-to-operate drop top. The Dodge Viper was initially introduced with a full-width sport bar that brought open-air motoring to the Dodge lineup. The second chapter of Viper history was written when the GTS Coupe was added in 1996, and added classic gran tourismo styling to match the car's prodigious performance capabilities.
The new Viper's bi-fold clamshell top with single center latch now makes it a true convertible, harking back to a time when sports cars delivered serious performance capabilities and stood for untamed freedom.
For drivers seeking the farthest edge of the performance envelope, Viper remains nothing less than a streetable supercar - sophisticated yet brutal.
The Dodge Viper SRT-10 is available in red, black and bright silver metallic.
The Dodge Viper SRT-10 will go on sale in Fall 2002 as a 2003 model. It will be built at DaimlerChrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich.
Competition Coupe
Debuting alongside the Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible will be the Viper Competition Coupe.
With a coupe-shaped composite body based largely on the Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car shown at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, and a track-ready chassis based on the new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible, this new car will emerge as a serious competitor from the first lap.
The objective was to create a racing car for Viper owners, strengthen the performance image for the Dodge brand, create awareness of the Performance Vehicle Operations group, continue Viper's road racing heritage and maximize use of existing SRT-10 parts to minimize cost.
The Competition Coupe makes extensive use of production pieces to keep the estimated retail price at $100,000. The Viper Competition Coupe will deliver racers an extremely high level of performance for the price. A full complement of racing enhancements, including window net, 27-gallon (100-liter) fuel cell, racing slicks, differential cooler and ducted brakes ensure that the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is track-ready as delivered.
Though largely based on the SRT-10 convertible, the Competition Coupe develops 20 more horsepower (520 bhp) and 15 more lb.-ft. of torque (540 lb.-ft.) than the street-going version. Power is enhanced via a performance camshaft and tuned exhaust.
The competition coupe also adds improved driver and engine cooling, a differential cooler, trap door oil pan and low-inertia flywheel.
Anti-lock brakes are modulated by an electronic front-to-rear braking distribution control.
Dodge has added a backbone FIA-legal safety cage with engine bay bracing to the production car's backbone tubular steel space frame. A single competition seat with six-point driver restraint system, driver-activated fire-suppression system and electronic dash and data acquisition system round out the racing modifications.
Double wishbone-type suspension is upgraded with spherical bearing control arm attachments, two-way adjustable coil over dampers and a driver-adjustable blade-type rear anti-roll bar. Three-piece aluminum wheels are shod with Michelin 315/30ZR18 front and 355/30ZR18 rear racing slicks.
Exterior aerodynamic enhancements include front splitter, larger rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing. Composite body panels, several of which are carbon fiber, are based on the Viper GTS/R Concept Car.
Every effort has been made to produce an affordable yet competitive GT-class race car, and Dodge executives expect high demand from its competition-oriented Dodge Viper owner base.
"The idea for a next-generation racing version came from the Viper owner body about two years ago," said John Fernandez, Director, Performance Vehicle Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corp. "A large proportion of owners enjoy racing their cars in organized competition."
Dodge officials expect to build 25 cars in the first year, but have the ability to expand production as demand grows. Plans include technical support for competitors at all major events. Parts may also be offered through DaimlerChrysler's Mopar Performance Parts division, and available through dealerships nationwide.
Performance targets for the Viper Competition Coupe are 3.8 sec. acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, a top speed of 185 mph, lateral acceleration of 1.25g and a curb weight under 3000 lbs. There are no plans at this time to homologate the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for American Le Mans Series or 24 Hours of Le Mans racing.
Production begins at DaimlerChrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (Detroit) in late 2002. The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe cannot be titled for highway use.
Performance Vehicle Operations; The Enthusiast Heart of the Chrysler Group
While Dodge owners have been busy grabbing life by the horns, Chrysler Group executives and engineers have been grabbing life by the throttle by ramping up plans for a new performance group and some of the most outrageous production vehicles ever developed by DaimlerChrysler Corp.
Officially known as Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO), the engineering team combines Chrysler Group's specialty vehicle and motorsports know-how, much like the profitable high-end vehicle conversion group at Mercedes-AMG.
"No other automaker has leveraged such resources to this extent," said Jim Schroer, Executive Vice President-Sales, Marketing and Service, DaimlerChrysler Corp. "We are combining our extensive motorsports experience, along with our legendary Viper development team and our Mopar Performance Parts, to create a line of extreme performance vehicles that will blow past everyone else.
"PVO brings together the best performance development processes, durable high-performance parts and some of our most talented and experienced motorsports and performance car engineers to produce truly exciting cars and trucks," added Schroer. Performance Vehicle Operations will become a profit center within the Chrysler Group focusing on enhancing Dodge, Jeep® and Chrysler brand product lines and image through high-end, limited-volume specialty vehicles.
Chrysler Group executives see an opportunity to expand the Chrysler Group's portfolio of specialty vehicles, performance models and performance parts.
PVO performance models engineered for the Dodge brand will carry the SRT badge. While Chrysler and Jeep performance lines will be announced in the future, Dodge SRT models are already being prepared for retail sale, beginning with the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, available in Fall 2002.
For Dodge, the SRT model-line philosophy represents a new twist, offering significant performance enhancements and a visual appeal. But compared with Dodge's R/T credo of "contemporary interpretations of performance," SRT will come to stand for "ultimate interpretations of performance."
The Dodge SRT performance signature includes high-output engine performance, sport suspensions, aggressive aerodynamic packages, performance wheel and tire packages, sport interiors and performance exhausts and brakes.
Biography
John Fernandez, Director, Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO)
John Fernandez, Director of PVO, is responsible for directing performance car and motorsports engineering for Chrysler Group. Beginning in 2002, PVO is making an impact on the Dodge NASCAR Winston Cup program by combining the technical expertise of Chrysler Group's specialty vehicles with the engineering program of Dodge Motorsports. Fernandez also oversees product direction for Mopar Performance Parts and other technical aspects of motorsports. Fernandez joined Chrysler Corp. in 1969 as a co-op intern who grew up watching Richard Petty racing on the dirt tracks of upstate New York. Fernandez became a full-time project engineer in 1972 after receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Detroit. Five years later, he earned his MBA at his alma mater. Fernandez came to Team Viper as Executive Engineer in 1997 and has brought his passionate focus to specialty vehicle engineering ever since, pioneering low-volume vehicles such as the new Neon-based Dodge SRT-4 and the Dodge Viper SRT-10.
The SRT Mission: Be the Fastest
Engineered by DaimlerChrysler's Performance Vehicle Operations team, the Dodge SRT - for Street and Racing Technology - lineup represents some of the most outrageous products ever developed by DaimlerChrysler. Whether it's the new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, soon-to-be-launched Dodge SRT-4 or Ram SRT-10, enthusiasts can look to Dodge as the claimholder to America's fastest, most powerful production cars in each of their market segments.
The Dodge Viper SRT-10's promise of more than 500 cubic inches of engine displacement - generating 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque - will make it truly unique in its performance specifications. The Viper SRT-10 is expected to achieve some of the highest all-around performance claims ever for a production vehicle.
The Dodge SRT-4 is designed to smoke the tuner market with an estimated top speed of 148 mph, sub-six-second 0-to-60 mph times and a $19,995 price tag. At 215 horsepower, the turbocharged SRT-4 will be the fastest car in the world under $20,000.
Big, fast and menacing describes the awesome Dodge Ram SRT-10 with its 8.3-liter all-aluminum V-10 engine that shares much of its design with that from the Viper. The Ram SRT-10 definitely hauls.
"These are the kinds of cars and trucks that our competitors can only dream about building," said Dodge's Jim Julow. "No matter where you look, Dodge wears its commitment to performance where everyone can see it.
"We've expanded the R/T line to nearly every product we build," said Julow. "We've made good on a promise to return to NASCAR's Winston Cup Series with a fully competitive program from the first green flag. And now it's a natural fit to introduce the Dodge SRT line, making Dodge the first of our Chrysler Group brands to feature the talents of the Performance Vehicle Operations team."
From a business case standpoint, the SRT family of vehicles will help increase the DaimlerChrysler revenue base by expanding the current product portfolio into the growing specialty market segment of customers willing to pay for high-performance vehicles.
These vehicles will increase recognition of the Dodge brand and strengthen its association with performance attributes.
SRT models give Dodge the opportunity to own a share of the aftermarket parts and accessories business and go after some of the market that is currently being satisfied by outside suppliers.
The SRT concept takes the previous R/T (Road and Track) theme to another level by offering specialty, high-performance vehicles bearing the Street and Racing Technology acronym.
"The SRT concept is pretty simple," said John Fernandez. "SRTs will be the fastest cars in their segment. When we do a four-cylinder compact, it will be the fastest small car. When we do a Ram pickup truck, it will be the fastest fullsize pickup truck. We know we can't approach Viper numbers with everything, but we can be the fastest vehicles in our segments. And we will keep them affordable, too, because Dodge is a mainstream brand."
Pride in Product
"The Viper is a rallying point within the company," said Jim Julow. "It sets a tone for all of our engineers. It has become the core of the brand within the company, as well. "It's kind of like our Dodge Motorsports NASCAR Winston Cup program.
It's a tremendous motivator within the company walls. It's something that makes the employees feel good about being involved with Dodge or having something to do with Chrysler Group vehicles."
Viper Owners: Dodge Ambassadors at Large
"Many Viper owners are kind of like the test pilots of 'The Right Stuff'," said Julow. "They're the crazy fringe; the fanatics. I think they called them the 'Mad Monks.' But what they do is they take a passion for a particular product and extend it to the whole brand. One of the most satisfying things about Viper owners is that back in the early 1990s, they had four or five vehicles for their fleet, one of which was a Dodge: and it was a Viper. And in many cases, you go back to those same households and they'll have four or five vehicles in their fleet, four or five of which are a Chrysler Group product: mostly Dodges.
"And so we've been able to extend this passion for Viper, its capabilities and design intent. They've become not just Viper advocates, but Dodge advocates. And that's really the whole point behind it in the first place."
Viper Owners Invitational
"Viper Owners Invitational (VOI) is the place to where the enthusiasts flock; like the swallows to Capistrano," said Julow. "You have to have a place for them to fraternize and conspire - and it's a little of both. So we provide them an outlet. Not that it's their only outlet; they provide a lot of their own outlets. For example, they do local Viper clubs. They do local Viper track days where they race each other. They do meets where they go to NASCAR races. There are a lot of ways that these people enjoy their passion. The Mecca of that whole system is VOI. I wish we could do them more often."
Owner Loyalty
"The Viper owners have been a loyal bunch of people to the company. They've changed their household and their business fleets over from various different products to Dodge and other Chrysler Group vehicles.
"We felt loyalty was owed them for their years of passion, support and brand advocacy. So we sold the first year of Viper SRT-10 production to existing owners. I don't know that anybody's ever done that. And it's certainly something we can't do forever. "I think it was a nice thing and an appropriate thing to do - to reward their loyalty over all these years - and let them stand first in line for the new ones. It really is kind of gratifying that you can take a whole year's worth of production and sell it within a 30-day timeframe. That tells you how passionate they are about their cars."
The Dodge Viper Lineup
Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster -
The original Dodge Viper. Introduced as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Served as 1991 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Began production in mid-1992 calendar year as a two-seat roadster. 2002 marks the final year for this design.
Dodge Viper GTS Coupe -
Originally designed as a one-of-a-kind show car, introduced in January 1993. Widely praised as a natural extension to the Viper line, the production version debuted in spring 1996. It was chosen that year as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. 2002 marks the final year for this design.
Dodge Viper GTS-R (later called GTS-R/T) -
An all-out racing version of the GTS Coupe producing approximately 700 horsepower and featuring a carbon fiber and Kevlar composite body. Raced as a "Chrysler Viper" in Europe. This car, which retails for $325,000, earned the 1997-1999 FIA GT2 (later GTS) championships, 1998-2000 LeMans GTS Class and 2000 Daytona 24 Hours outright.
Dodge Viper GT2 -
Commemorative 1998 model celebrating Viper's 1997 FIA GT2 World Championship. White with blue stripes, only 100 individually numbered copies produced. Featured high-mounted rear wing, special badging and graphics, front splitter and ground effects, blue interior accents with "Viper GTS-R" seat inserts, five-point restraint system and other special features.
Dodge Viper ACR -
American Club Racer (ACR) model was introduced as a limited-edition, street-legal performance model in the 1999 model year. ACR models feature modified suspension and 460 hp/500 lb.-ft of torque. Lightened for club racing, the ACR is at home both on the road and on the track.
Dodge Viper ACR Plus -
Mopar Performance Parts accessorized 1999 Dodge Viper ACR model tuned to produce more than 500 hp/530 lb.-ft. of torque.
Dodge Viper GTS/R -
Dodge Viper Concept Vehicle was first unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The GTS/R concept took racing-inspired technologies and applied them to a street car, wrapping them in an exciting new coupe shape. This same shape was the basis for the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe.
Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible -
Originally unveiled at the 2001 North American International Auto Show as the RT-10, it offered a first look at the third chapter in the Dodge Viper history. It is a true convertible with a more powerful V-10 engine (500 hp, 500 lb.-ft. of torque and 505 cubic inches displacement) and a new design inspired by the GTS/R concept. It's scheduled to go on sale Fall 2002 as a 2003 model. Known internally by the code VGX, the RT-10 was renamed the Dodge Viper SRT-10 in January 2002.
Dodge Viper Competition Coupe -
A closed-cockpit competition model based on the next generation Dodge Viper Convertible. With concept car body work, full racing cage and other safety features, this is an affordable, limited-production race car for competition-oriented owners. Late 2002 availability. Limited volume of 25-30 individual race cars.
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DESIGN
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Design Keeps "Viperness;"
Brings 21st Century Look to American Icon
Ever since its launch in 1992, The Dodge Viper has generally been accepted to be the most iconic American car of its era, not in the least because of its design.
As the time came to redesign Viper, the project from the onset centered around keeping the vehicle's "Viperness," the brute and honest American power and style the vehicle oozes.
In fact, the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 started as a project to develop a true convertible top for the existing Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster. But when designers first found out they would need to stretch the wheelbase and then learned that more than 50 percent of the body panels would be new, the decision was made to develop a brand new car.
The all-new Viper was developed at the Chrysler Group Design Studios by a team of designers under direction of Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Product Design. Osamu Shikado had the lead on the final exterior design, while Ralph Gilles lead the interior design efforts.
Biography
Osamu Shikado, Design Manager, Advance Product Design
Credited with the exterior of both the 1998 Chrysler Chronos and 1999 Chrysler Citadel concept vehicles, Osamu Shikado debuted his first-ever two-door car just two years ago. It was the 2000 Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car. At the same time Shikado was in the middle of the development of the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10.
Osaka, Japan - born Shikado (47) has been with the Chrysler Group Design Studios since 1994. He is married, has two children and now holds the job of Design Manager in Chrysler Group's Advance Product Design Studio in Auburn Hills, Mich.
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Exterior Design,
as told by Osamu Shikado
"When I look at the original Viper, the most important design cues are the two massive elements which interlocked at the middle of the body. The original Viper has distinctive characteristics, but from some angles it looks cartoonish.
"I added some crease lines on the body surface. It is the strongest departure from the very rounded original one. My intention was to make it appear to have been sculpted out of solid metal, representing strength and power.
"To enhance the new Viper's muscular form, we gave the body a strong profile with higher belt line, dramatic side gill and a 'bump-up' rear fender shape.
"A lower hood incorporates a larger grille opening - boasting an even bolder version of the Dodge-signature cross-hair design - and adds integrated engine louvers for effective airflow in the engine compartment.
"The rear wheels were moved back 2.6 inches and the A-pillar was pulled three inches forward to allow for bigger doors and for improved ingress and egress.
"I like the rear three-quarter view. It looks like some kind of predator set to capture the prey."
The Design Process
"In the beginning, there were 20 or more designers involved in the sketching process. Six of the sketches were picked and turned into scale models.
"The sketches were picked two weeks after the assignment, so we quickly could look at scale models. After several weeks we debuted these to (then DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President - Product Development and Design) Tom Gale and Trevor Creed. The decision was made to narrow down the themes to two full-size clay models which were fabricated into full-size fiberglass models.
"My model had an evolutionary Viper look, similar to what you see in the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. The other model still had 'Viperness', but was a radical departure from the original Viper. Ultimately, we decided against this over-the-top change."
Aerodynamic Tuning
"We were challenged several times to change some design details for aerodynamics. We spent a lot of time in the DC-Auburn Hills wind tunnel with a 3/8-scale model. Next we took the full-scale model to a place near Stuttgart called FKFS (Forschungsinstitut fur Kraftfahrwesen und Fahrzeugmotoren Stuttgart) where they have a full-scale wind tunnel.
"We tried to figure out what was the best design for the floorpan, and also what the optimum rear decklid height was. We looked at several other elements, such as a separate rear spoiler and the diffuser on the rear fascia.
"The rear end is the thing we had to work on and change the most. The front of the body required very little tuning for engineering feasibility. For example, headlamps were packaged into a tight and very short front overhang. Also the rear fenders, rear decklid and rear fascia were optimized a couple of times for aerodynamic reasons such as the reduction of Cd (coefficient of drag) and the increase of downforce on the rear wheels.
"The reason we picked the FKFS wind tunnel is that it has a rolling road bed - a moving belt - so we could see the effect of aerodynamics on a driving vehicle. We could see the airflow over and under the body. We found out that the new aerodynamics were very effective, with a seven percent reduction in drag over the previous Viper roadster."
Biography
Ralph Gilles, Director of Design & Product Identification
Chrysler Group Design Studios Director of Design & Product Identification since 2001, Ralph Gilles is known for his work on the interior of the recently introduced 2002 Jeep Liberty and concept vehicles such as the 1998 Dodge Intrepid ESX2, 1998 Jeep Jeepster and 2000 Dodge Viper GTS/R.
American-born Gilles (32) grew up in Montreal. He started at the Chrysler Group Design Studios in 1992, is married and has two children.
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Interior Design,
as told by Ralph Gilles
"The interior is all about the driver - a performance environment. There is a huge emphasis on knowing what the machine is doing, focusing on the tachometer. The other gauges are secondary. And we found space for a dead pedal.
"For me personally, simplicity was another point. I didn't want the interior to be too gimmicky. Just straightforward, with basic shapes.
"The overall impression when someone gets in the car is every bit as good as any of the other supercars in fit and finish. In addition, the interior is very authentic, very honest.
"There are now some authentic metal pieces in the interior. The ring around the shifter is a die-cast metal piece. The door pulls are real metal. And we have a lot of exposed hardware, which is true to the functional mission.
"The starter switch is an exception - it's tongue-in-cheek. We had it in the 2000 Viper GTS/R concept. And we said to ourselves, 'Wouldn't it be cool?' And it never went away. We kept showing it, and showing it. People talked about it: 'You're not really going do that, are you?' We just never took it out. And low and behold, it got engineered and it's there. That was fun.
"Overall, the interior works, it's snug. It makes you feel contained. You feel like you're very secure in there. You can't help but feel like this was built for you."
New Interior Design Features
"What's new about this interior is the overall quality. The tachometer has a different placement from past models and is the largest of all the gauges. That's something that we researched. The tachometer is the only thing that most performance-oriented people care about. On the track, the rest - such as the speed - is irrelevant. And with this much power on tap, revs are very important. Performance as a theme is reinforced by all the elements of the interior.
"Similar to the starter switch, it has been a dream of our team to put exposed precision fasteners in a vehicle. We're glad we got to do it in this new Viper. And they are all functional. Every single one of them is actually attached to something. They hold the bezel together. They are not molded-in plastic dummies.
"The carbon fiber surface on the steering wheel leather is cool, too. That's a great idea that Margaret (Hackstedde, Director - Color, Fabric and Mastering Design) had. We used it in the Dodge Charger concept car years ago. It kind of went unnoticed, but we thought it was a unique design feature, and couldn't wait to find a place to use it.
"There are myriad little design elements that surprise and delight. You'll sit in your new Viper and say 'Wow, look at that. Someone really thought about that.'"
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TECHNOLOGY
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10
More Than 100 Changes Elevate its Technical Prowess
Beneath the skin that identifies the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 as the new incarnation of America's ultimate sports car lie hundreds of updates and improvements that combine to make it an outrageous performer in every regard.
The 2003 Viper SRT-10 was designed throughout to meet a single mission: improve the Viper, but retain all of its "Viperness." It retains a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat layout, while an all-weather convertible top replaces roadster and coupe offerings. The wheelbase has been lengthened 2.6 inches to accommodate convertible top stowage.
Engine
While virtually all new and more powerful than ever, the 8.3-liter, 505 cubic-inch Dodge Viper V-10 engine retains the basic architecture of its predecessor. The Viper's hand-built aura carries over to engine manufacturing, making the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant the only auto plant in America that builds its own engines.
The new engine delivers 90 percent of its whopping 525 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500 to 5600 rpm. The all-new cast aluminum cylinder block has interference-fit cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main caps, and overall sealing is also improved.
Both bore and stroke have been increased over past models, raising displacement volume by 3.5 percent to 505 cubic inches. Block length, block height, bore spacing, firing order, rod length and compression ratio are unchanged.
The Viper V-10 includes a six main bearing crankshaft with increased stroke length and cross-bolted main bearing caps. All-new cast aluminum alloy pistons, weighing slightly less than prior years - despite larger diameter - are included, as are all-new cracked-steel connecting rods that are lighter yet stronger than prior model years.
The engine features a brand new wet-sump oil system with twin, cast-in wing tanks. The bottom of the pan is 3/4-in. closer to the crank centerline, allowing the engine to be lowered in the car for improved weight distribution.
Cylinder heads on the Viper V-10 are redesigned semi-permanent mold (SPM) 356 T6 aluminum, with improved intake port, exhaust port and combustion chamber cooling and sealing. Lower-profile die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers with steel internal baffles and anti-slosh foam are also new for 2003.
A single-piece, central dual-plenum, cast aluminum intake manifold is also new. It boasts shorter runners and a single, non-staged two-barrel throttle body for lower hoodline and higher peak horsepower RPM. The intake manifold is an all-inclusive Integrated Air and Fuel Module (IAFM) with tubular fuel rails, injectors, sensors, wiring and throttle body - delivered assembled and pre-tested.
A lighter weight, lower friction valvetrain is virtually all new, with roller rocker assemblies, single valve springs and larger diameter intake valves.
The exhaust system is comprised of fabricated 1.625-in. diameter tubular stainless steel Tri-Y exhaust manifolds. Each manifold is close coupled to a 1.0-liter catalyst with secondary-1.0 liter door sill catalysts and resonators, and aft of those are dual cross-over pipes with an "H" in the middle ending at tuned side exhaust exits.
Other engine highlights include a new engine oil cooler, a new cooling system with power steering pump hydraulically driven fan, a new air cleaner assembly with dual oval air filter elements, and a new power steering pump and pulley.
Transmission
The Dodge Viper's Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission has become the standard of the performance car industry and is now featured in several competing models. It is fully synchronized with electronic reverse lockout and 1-4 skip shift. Other highlights include updated internal components improved with new heat-treating process, a short-throw shifter and single piece main shaft.
Transmission torque capacity improvements were developed from work with the Dodge Viper GTS/R race car.
Weight Reduction
As is the case with increased power, reduced weight is one of the two most effective means by which a car's performance can be enhanced. Overall, the SRT-10 weighs approximately 100 pounds less than previous models.
Thirty-four pounds were saved with the use of an award-winning one-piece magnesium front of dash, which replaces a multi-piece welded steel unit. Dodge engineers chose a cast magnesium instrument panel support, which provides lower torso energy management with no additional steel parts required - an industry first - as well as a weight savings. Use of magnesium played a further role in weight reduction, as the hard top standard feature was eliminated, with a change to an integral folding top with magnesium shell.
A full-width sport bar has been replaced by the integral folding top and vinyl-covered frame-mounted aluminum sport hoops. Additionally, the hood and front fenders have been redesigned, replacing the one-piece sheet-molded composite (SMC) clamshell hood with a conventional SMC hood and resin injection molded (RIM) fenders.
Other weight savings measures include use of zero pressure run-flat tires, which eliminate the need for the spare tire and jack; aluminum-bodied shock absorbers; side-exit exhaust with cross-over "H" pipe and resonators, which eliminates the need for full-length pipe routing of the mufflers; carbon fiber fender supports; and a new air conditioning compressor, which reduces weight by one pound.
Aerodynamics
DaimlerChrysler's rolling roadbed wind tunnel was used extensively for improved dynamic evaluation of the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. The car was tested and tuned for low drag and front/rear downforce balance. The coefficient of drag was reduced by seven percent over the previous generation roadster.
A new 2 mm aluminum belly pan improves airflow and increases vehicle stability. The pan starts just behind the engine and continues to the rear fascia. Positive downforce is measured at 150 mph. Additional venturi tunnels just aft of the front fascia reduce lift and direct air toward brake components.
Chassis/Suspension
Frame stiffness on the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is significantly increased for improved NVH and handling. A manufacturing process known as net form and pierce is used for improved dimensional control. Total torsional frame stiffness is increased 31 percent.
The Viper SRT-10's four-wheel independent suspension - with lightweight high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles - features revised geometry for greater limit-handling progressivity. It includes lightweight aluminum-bodied front and rear coil-over shocks with revised tuning and new springs, six-bolt hubs, and tubular stabilizer bars.
The high-tech Viper SRT-10 suspension includes a new Dana 44-4 Hydra-Lok torque-sensing, limited-slip differential with spread bearing design.
Steering is power-assist rack and pinion, with a 15.7:1 ratio.
Brakes
"World class" describes the stopping performance of the new Dodge Viper SRT-10, thanks to improved braking components. The new brakes consist of Brembo 44/40 dual opposing piston fixed front calipers with 14-inch rotors. In the rear, new Brembo 42/38 dual opposing piston rear calipers also grip 14-inch rotors. The 2003 Viper also gets a new remote-mounted Brembo parking brake rear caliper. Molded brake-cooling ducts are found up front.
Wheels and Tires
Polished 18x10-inch front and 19x13-inch rear forged aluminum wheels with flush-mounted Viper medallion center caps wear P275/35ZR18 front and P345/30ZR19 rear black sidewall Michelin zero pressure (ZP) tires, with low-pressure sensors in the valve stems.
Exterior
All-new body panels retain Viper's traditional sports car design signature and continue extensive use of advanced materials.
New resin injection molded (RIM) and sheet-molded composite (SMC) panels make up the windshield frame, cowl panel, rear quarter panels, front fenders, doors, hood, decklid, and front and rear fascia.
The new Viper SRT-10 also displays a larger grille opening, and integrated louvers are prominent on the new, lower hood, as well as new stamped aluminum side sills with aluminum heat shields and bonded insulation.
Interior
A new driver-focused design makes up the interior of the new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, complete with a relocated, center-mounted tachometer, real machined metal surfaces and improved pedal placement. A new, traditional pushbutton starter refires old-time sports car memories.
The center gauge stack includes an oil pressure gauge and warning lamp; oil temperature gauge and warning lamp; coolant temperature gauge and warning lamp; voltage gauge and charging system warning lamp; passenger airbag off indicator lamp; and the pushbutton start switch.
Included in the main gauge cluster is a 220 mph (355 kph) analog speedometer with an LCD odometer and trip odometer; a 7000 RPM tachometer with an up-shift and redline indicator arrow lamp; warning lights for door ajar, door unlocked and low tires; information center with warning lamps for seatbelts, brake system, decklid ajar and airbag; turn signal indicator lamp; high-beam indicator lamp; fog lights indicator lamp; ABS indicator lamp; and check engine indicator lamp.
The full-length floor console is equipped with a soft-touch molded-shape padded arm rest, covered storage bin with mat, CD storage, cigar lighter and airbag deactivation switch.
Satin chrome is featured on the gear shift lever and knob, gear shift boot trim ring, parking brake release handle, door handles and release levers, while the shift knob, shift boot, parking brake handle, parking brake boot and steering wheel rim are leather.
The throttle, brake and clutch pedals are power-adjustable, with four inches total travel. The feature aluminum diecast pedal pads and adjustable aluminum driver's foot rest (dead pedal).
Driver and passenger bucket seats are preferred suede and leather-style with six-point restraint system provisions.
The in-dash AM/FM radio is equipped with a six-disc in-head CD changer. Other audio features include a seven-channel 310 watt (RMS) under-seat amplifier, two 3/4-inch instrument panel-mounted tweeters, two 6 1/2-inch low-mass full-range Alpine loudspeakers, one 6 1/2-inch subwoofer with ported enclosure and two 2 3/4-inch fill speakers mounted in the bulkhead.
A new air conditioning design allows for improved performance and the addition of blend air, while a new duct design gives greater airflow.
The new Viper SRT-10 also comes equipped with a new glove box with locking cover, and a new three-spoke, carbon fiber-look leather-wrapped steering wheel, with a Viper logo center medallion.
Convertible Top
The 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 introduces the first true convertible top to America's ultimate sports car. It is a manual bi-fold clamshell soft top with a rigid cloth-covered magnesium front panel, a single center latch and a heated glass blacklight.
Smart glass actuation lowers and raises windows by 8 mm upon entrance and egress for optimum door sealing. A rigid front panel doubles as a functional tonneau, with a 180-pound load capacity in stowed position. The flat surface is useful in parade activities.
Safety
Next Generation, Multistage driver and front passenger air bags are found on the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, as are outboard-mounted, constant-force seat belt retractors with pretensioners.
The 2003 Viper marks the first use of low-profile flat (beam-style) front windshield wiper blades for better wet-weather visibility.
Other safety features include zero pressure run-flat tires with low-pressure sensors in the valve stems (and low-pressure warning lamp in dash); child seat upper tether anchorage; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); an inside emergency trunk lid release; and an energy absorbing steering wheel.
Electrical
There are electrical system improvements abound on the new SRT-10, but all the while retaining Viper's signature simplicity.
A new battery run-down protection system automatically turns off accessories if left on for an extended time when the car is not running. It also includes an operator-activated feature, doubling battery storage time.
High-intensity discharge (HID) low- and high-beam headlamps provide improved light output, while additional Halogen bulbs are in place for high-beam fill lighting.
Standard keyless entry includes door lock and unlock, decklid release and a panic button.
Other electrical features include door locks that are power operated and speed sensitive; new flush-mounted, electro-mechanical front door handles; an electric rear window defroster; a new electrical harnesses, a 136 amp alternator and 2.0 kw starter motor; new engine management sensors and powertrain control module; and a 600 amp maintenance-free battery.