[Source: DaimlerChrysler press release]

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.