Info from the Detroit show?

GTS234

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Anyone with info and pictures from the SRT Coupe display at the Detroit Auto Show? Any pleasant surprises? Any more horsepower? An official name for the car?
 

Joseph Houss

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The DC media site has pictures that are identical to those that are already posted all over our website.

No "surprises" so far.

Official Name? Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe:


All-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe “Tops Off” Viper Line, Continues Viper Tradition of Power and Performance

Los Angeles, Jan 05, 2005
500/500/500 cubic inches, horsepower and torque on tap – with a top


SRT Performance: 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, 60-0 mph braking in less than 100 feet, 0-100-0 mph in low 12-second range


Hardtop 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 offers racing, autocross enthusiasts new alternative
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 – to the acclaim of “Viper Nation,” the community of die-hard Viper owners throughout the world.

“Demand for a Dodge Viper Coupe started the day we introduced the Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible for 2003,” said Dan Knott, Director, Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler Group. “The all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe is a natural evolution of the heritage of the Dodge Viper, and gives enthusiasts exactly what they’re looking for in the ultimate American sports car.

“Dodge Viper SRT10 customers want to go beyond the level of the regular enthusiast, to the level of outrageous performance,” said Knott. “Our all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe gives our customers that performance in a stunning new package.”

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 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe owner is often a racer, and the car has to scream that, even when it’s idling at the stoplight,” Creed added. “The bottom line is that the new Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe’s design says a lot about its unique character, and the car’s performance is the payoff.”

In many cases, a convertible is derived from a coupe. After the coupe’s top is removed, structural reinforcements must be added to regain torsional stiffness lost with the deletion of the roof structure.

In the case of the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, the starting point was the Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible, which has a stout structure to begin with. With the addition of the roof structure, the Viper SRT10 Coupe becomes even more torsionally rigid than the Convertible.

From an aerodynamic standpoint, the all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe is designed for increased downforce and high-speed stability, with a sloping roofline and decklid spoiler.


The only bodywork that the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe shares with the Convertible is the front fascia and fenders, hood and doors. In addition to the new canopy and decklid, the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe has a special windshield surround, door side glass, rear fascia, quarter panels and taillights.

The decklid for the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe was designed for customer convenience as well as structural integrity. The decklid opening is deeply integrated into the rear fascia, which offers a low lift-over height for stowing cargo. Gas struts hold the decklid in place when open; when closed, the decklid is secured with a lock that meets federal regulations for latch safety.

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.

The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe will be available initially in Viper Blue with twin Stone White racing stripes, harkening back to one of the most popular Vipers ever, the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Interior
The form-follows-function strategy continues inside the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe.

“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.”

Another functional interior feature for the many owners who will take their 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe racing is the roof and headliner structure that offers room to accommodate a safety cage, while maintaining as much headroom as possible.

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe-unique interior pieces also include various weatherstrip pieces, headliner, carpet and trim panels.

A result of the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe’s configuration is more usable trunk space – 4 cubic feet more than the Viper SRT10 Convertible, for a total of 6.25 cubic feet.

The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe also features a unique two-tone interior color scheme.

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.

Transferring the Dodge Viper SRT10’s power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Braking
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.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Ride and Handling
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 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe rides on unique forged aluminum wheels -- 18" x 10" front and 19" x 13" in the rear. Each is clad with a Michelin zero pressure run-flat tire, and each tire includes a low-pressure sensor in the valve stem.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe will be available in Dodge dealerships in the fall of 2005.


The Dodge Viper SRT10 is hand-built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.
 
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GTS234

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CNBC had an interview with the Chrysler CEO before 1pm about the company and the new Charger,and you could see (what appeared to be) the new Coupe over his right shoulder in the background (probably 50-75 ft away). On a turntable with a flat platform (didn't like that arched platform in the LA pictures, hard to get a good idea of the true ground clearance). Looks like a nice display. Hope we can see some pictures soon.

And I hope they give the car (the Viper in general) a push with the media and not let it get lost amongst their other cars that they have on display up there, or (more importantly) the competitors from the other manufacturers.
 

Hisserman

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So far there hasn't been any mention of the Viper in any of the media accounts from the show. It's still early in this first media only week, but it's disappointing that there isn't any emphasis yet. I'll try to keep everyone posted. I'll be on the floor this weekend.
 
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GTS234

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Watched the ZO6 introduction that hisserman linked in another thread (www.corvettez06.com). Boy, I mean, "GM-TV"? Wow, they don't screw around. Sure hope DC has something good (read that "BIG") planned for the Viper in Detroit.

I love my Viper and the Viper line in general, but I also grew up and made a living for a long time as a Bow Tie guy. Like the looks or not, the new Z06 is a heck of a car. I don't need another car in the garage, but I hope the new coupe turns out to make me more likely to overextend for it rather that the magnesium, titanium, carbon fiber, 427ci 500hp small block, 20 individual brake pad, blah, blah, blah, Vette. Come on DC, to heck with the 300c and the Charger, this is the Viper we are talking about here. Make a splash in Detroit!!
 

Hisserman

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In an interview published in the Detroit News today Dieter Zetsche mentioned in an off-hand way that "High-performance versions of the Dodge Viper sports car and Dodge Magnum wagon also are on the way this year." I hope his vision of a high performance version of the Dodge Viper isn't just a convertible with a toupee! He didn't elaborate, but let's hope he is talking about a horsepower boost (as an option?). :shocked:
 

rac156

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When the coupe was shown with the same 500 hp as the convertable I started wondering if perhaps DC was going the same route as GM with the corvette. A coupe, a convertable, and a super coupe. I guess its time to wait and see.
 

Hisserman

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They just announced from the auto show on tv a few minutes ago that the Saleen S7 is being boosted by 200 HP!! Their latest twin turbo beast comes from the factory with 750 HP and costs $550,000. Production is planned for 30 units/year. Nice car to run down to the grocery store in . . . :laugh:
 

rcdice

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When the coupe was shown with the same 500 hp as the convertable I started wondering if perhaps DC was going the same route as GM with the corvette. A coupe, a convertable, and a super coupe. I guess its time to wait and see.

That's a very strong possibility. Also, like it or not, perhaps it's wise on DC's part to wait this year out and see EXACTLY what rolls off the assembly line this fall in the way of the Z06. Better to know the competition than guess. Maybe they can take that extra time and tweak (read that change) the styling. The way I see it, either DC will anti up within the next few years with an all balls out new Viper or the Viper is dead. Unfortunately, this whole thing has the feel of a company trying to milk a few more years out of the brand before they kill it. Sorry to be so pessimistic. I'll never sell my GEN II, time will tell if I'll ever own a GEN III (IV?). With the current offerings on the block, I won't.
 
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GTS234

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rac156 wrote: "When the coupe was shown with the same 500 hp as the convertable I started wondering if perhaps DC was going the same route as GM with the corvette. A coupe, a convertable, and a super coupe. I guess its time to wait and see."

I guess it could be like the ACR coming out a few years after the GTS. I just think they are taking their chances hoping for the SRT and the Coupe to do well on their own while waiting to make a big splash later with a stronger Coupe. Might work, but more likely to hurt things in the near term.
 

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