What is it?
2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 Convertible
What's special about it?
Dodge's 2003 Viper production car will be the only car on the planet to boast 500 horsepower and 500 ft-lbs. of torque from an engine displacing at least 500 cubic inches. Dodge is touting the 500/500/500 formula when discussing the all-new, Viper RT-10 Convertible, which goes on sale in August 2002.
Overall design of this new American sports car is very close to the Dodge Viper GTS concept introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. While Dodge officials are mum about the future of the hardtop GTS (it will be back, don't worry), the goals for the RT-10 Convertible were to create a lighter, more powerful, better handling car than before that retained the original Viper's back-to-basics design philosophy and gave buyers a true convertible top that was easy to use. It would appear, at first glance, that they have succeeded.
The 8.3-liter (505 cubes of displacement) V10 engine makes 500 horsepower and 500 ft-lbs. of torque, which is plenty to move the 3,357-pound roadster with extreme alacrity. The power is transferred to monster 19-inch rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. A four-wheel, fully independent suspension keeps the huge P275/35ZR18 front and P345/30ZR19 rear tires planted on the pavement, and an upgraded version of the current four-wheel disc ABS system will be employed.
Outside, stylists have successfully retained the original Viper's outrageous flavor but have updated the look using sharper lines, a lower hood, and a smooth underbody tray to improve aerodynamics. Integrated hood louvers make for cleaner design and a larger cross-hair grille improves cooling, while larger headlamps illuminate the road ahead with greater authority. The signature side scallops are deeply cut for an aggressive appearance.
Inside, Viper fans will find a familiar look, tidied up with a centrally mounted tachometer, a 220-mph speedometer, and vertically stacked secondary gauges. Chrysler parts bin stereo and climate controls greatly improve ergonomics, and a snazzy, brushed aluminum trim plate surrounds the manual shifter. A push-button starter emulates that found in the Honda S2000. Remaining from the old car are side-mounted exhaust pipes, but they don't intrude as much as before, making entry and exit easier, especially after running the car hard and heating up the doorsills. In back, taillights derived from the Dodge Copperhead concept car reside above deep-cut wells in the rear fascia.
Key Dimensions (in inches):
Length: 175.5
Width: 84.8
Height: 47.6
Wheelbase: 98.8
Track, front: 57.8
Track, rear: 60.9
Why should you care?
It's no secret that today's Corvette is America's best sports car. You can't find more compelling bang for the buck. But this tempting new Viper may cause moneyed enthusiasts to think twice about spending a little extra green for the meanest, baddest-ass sports car on the planet.
2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 Convertible
What's special about it?
Dodge's 2003 Viper production car will be the only car on the planet to boast 500 horsepower and 500 ft-lbs. of torque from an engine displacing at least 500 cubic inches. Dodge is touting the 500/500/500 formula when discussing the all-new, Viper RT-10 Convertible, which goes on sale in August 2002.
Overall design of this new American sports car is very close to the Dodge Viper GTS concept introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. While Dodge officials are mum about the future of the hardtop GTS (it will be back, don't worry), the goals for the RT-10 Convertible were to create a lighter, more powerful, better handling car than before that retained the original Viper's back-to-basics design philosophy and gave buyers a true convertible top that was easy to use. It would appear, at first glance, that they have succeeded.
The 8.3-liter (505 cubes of displacement) V10 engine makes 500 horsepower and 500 ft-lbs. of torque, which is plenty to move the 3,357-pound roadster with extreme alacrity. The power is transferred to monster 19-inch rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. A four-wheel, fully independent suspension keeps the huge P275/35ZR18 front and P345/30ZR19 rear tires planted on the pavement, and an upgraded version of the current four-wheel disc ABS system will be employed.
Outside, stylists have successfully retained the original Viper's outrageous flavor but have updated the look using sharper lines, a lower hood, and a smooth underbody tray to improve aerodynamics. Integrated hood louvers make for cleaner design and a larger cross-hair grille improves cooling, while larger headlamps illuminate the road ahead with greater authority. The signature side scallops are deeply cut for an aggressive appearance.
Inside, Viper fans will find a familiar look, tidied up with a centrally mounted tachometer, a 220-mph speedometer, and vertically stacked secondary gauges. Chrysler parts bin stereo and climate controls greatly improve ergonomics, and a snazzy, brushed aluminum trim plate surrounds the manual shifter. A push-button starter emulates that found in the Honda S2000. Remaining from the old car are side-mounted exhaust pipes, but they don't intrude as much as before, making entry and exit easier, especially after running the car hard and heating up the doorsills. In back, taillights derived from the Dodge Copperhead concept car reside above deep-cut wells in the rear fascia.
Key Dimensions (in inches):
Length: 175.5
Width: 84.8
Height: 47.6
Wheelbase: 98.8
Track, front: 57.8
Track, rear: 60.9
Why should you care?
It's no secret that today's Corvette is America's best sports car. You can't find more compelling bang for the buck. But this tempting new Viper may cause moneyed enthusiasts to think twice about spending a little extra green for the meanest, baddest-ass sports car on the planet.
Add A Comment »