Dodge to Produce Viper Coupe for Racing
MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 18 In August 1995, Dodge unveiled
an extraordinary racing coupe that would ultimately make an historic mark on
the world's motorsports stage.
The Dodge Viper GTS-R was the answer to enthusiasts and competitors who
asked if a racing version of the amazing Viper RT/10 was in the works.
In a repeat of history, Dodge today unveiled the next chapter in the Dodge
Viper racing legacy, the new Viper Competition Coupe.
"We knew when we introduced the GTS-R race car that it was ambitious, yet
extremely logical," said Jim Julow, Vice President, Dodge Global Brand Center.
"We set out to develop a history and tradition for our brand's performance
icon that would cast a halo over every racing endeavor, and every car and
truck we built.
"The Dodge Viper has exceeded our highest goals for what an American
sports car should be. But as we turn the page and herald the arrival of the
third chapter in the car's history -- the 2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 Convertible
-- we can't lose sight of the heritage this car has built. And with that, we
introduce a new generation of Dodge Viper racing car, the 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 RT-10 convertible, this
new car should emerge as a serious competitor from the first lap.
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 18 months ago," said John Fernandez, Director, DaimlerChrysler
Performance Vehicle Operations. "A large proportion of owners enjoy racing
their cars in organized competition."
"At the same time, DaimlerChrysler has received inquiries from major
motorsports sanctioning bodies looking for Dodge Viper participation," added
Fernandez. "Based on the input we're receiving, there appears to be real
demand for a factory race car."
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.
The Competition Coupe makes extensive use of production pieces to keep the
estimated retail price under $100,000. With well-over 500 horsepower and 500
lb.-ft. of torque on tap from even the stock 505 cubic-inch 2003 Dodge Viper
RT-10, the Competition Coupe will deliver racers an extremely high level of
performance for the price. A full complement of racing enhancements,
including cage, window net, fire suppression system, six-point restraints,
racing slicks, differential cooler and ducted brakes ensure that the Dodge
Viper Competition Coupe is track-ready as delivered. The Dodge Viper
Competition Coupe cannot be titled for highway use.
The Viper Competition Coupe's sleek concept car shape retains the 2003 RT-
10 Convertible's windshield, and as a result, affords the driver two inches of
additional headroom as compared to the GTS/R concept car.
Among those events in which the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe would be
eligible to compete are:
* Skip Thomas Viper Racing League -- The Viper Competition Coupe will
have its own class and be the primary wheel-to-wheel event at the Viper Days
weekends
* Grand American Cup -- The Viper Competition Coupe is eligible to
compete in the Grand Sports Class with the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911
* Speedvision World Challenge -- The Viper Competition Coupe is eligible
to compete in these American Le Mans Series support races
The Competition Coupe's predecessor -- called the Dodge Viper GTS-R and
based on the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe -- passes on one of the most
distinguished pedigrees in the modern history of endurance racing. The Viper
GTS-R earned five international GT championships including the 1999 and 2000
American Le Mans Series GTS class titles and the 1997-1999 FIA GT
Championships. The Viper finished 1-2 in the GTS class in three consecutive
years -- 1998-2000 -- and notched an amazing overall win at the 2000 Rolex 24
Hours of Daytona, the first for an American production-based car.
The Dodge Viper race car began life in the GT1 class in 1996. The
escalating costs persuaded the manufacturer to switch to the GT2 class for the
1997 season. The Viper's production volumes (approximately 2,000 annually)
qualified it for the category and it embarked on a racing program that was to
earn it a reputation as the most successful American production-based racing
car of all time.
As Dodge began to focus more of its engineering resources on development
of the next Viper -- the 2003 RT-10 -- it was announced in December 2000 that
the Dodge would take a hiatus from its factory support for Viper endurance
racing.
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.
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 model
year as a two-seat roadster. 2002 will mark 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 will mark 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 early 2000 (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 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 RT-10 Convertible -- Originally unveiled at the 2001 North
American International Auto Show, the RT-10 offered a first look at the third
chapter in the Dodge Viper history. The RT-10 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 in late 2002 as a 2003 model.
Dodge Viper Competition Coupe -- A closed-cockpit competition model based
on the next generation Dodge Viper Convertible. With concept car bodywork,
full racing cage and other safety features, this is an affordable, limited-
production race car for competition-oriented owners.
DODGE VIPER COMPETITION COUPE VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Body Style Single-seat Grand Touring competition coupe (not street
legal)
Assembly Plant DaimlerChrysler Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (CAAP),
Detroit
ENGINE: 8.3-LITER, OHV 20-VALVE SMPI V-10
Type and Description 10-cylinder 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement 505 cubic inches
Construction 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners,
aluminum alloy cylinder heads
Bore x Stroke 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches
Valve System Two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder
with roller-type hydraulic lifters
Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port electronic with individual
runners
Compression Ratio 9.6
Power (SAE net) 520 horsepower (est.) @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 540 lb.-ft. (est.) @ 4600 rpm
Max Engine Speed 6100 rpm
Fuel Requirement Premium (93 octane)
Oil Capacity 10 quarts, Mobil 1 10W50 Synthetic
Exhaust System Stainless steel tubular headers, GTS-R-style low-
restriction racing mufflers, side exit
Emission Controls N/A
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator 125-Ampere high-speed
Battery Leak-resistant maintenance-free 650 CCA
FUEL SYSTEM
Type Racing fuel cell
Capacity 26.4 gallons (100 liters)
TRANSMISSION: MANUAL, SIX-SPEED OVERDRIVE
Type Tremec T-56 synchronized 6-speed manual
Gear Ratios
1st 2.66
2nd 1.78
3rd 1.30
4th 1.00
5th 0.74
6th 0.50
Effective Final Drive 3.07
Overall Top Gear 1.54
FINAL DRIVE
Description Frame-mounted hypoid bevel gear with speed-sensing
limited-slip differential
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES
Wheelbase 98.8 inches
Track, Front 61.6 inches
Track, Rear 64.6 inches
Overall Length 184.1 inches
Overall Width 77.2 inches (body), 79.1 inches (mirrors)
Overall Height 46.7 inches
Ground Clearance 3.0 inches
Curb Weight 3,200 lbs.
Weight Distribution, F/R 50/50
Frontal Area 21.5 ft2
Drag Coefficient .40
ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity 1
Type Recaro Pro Racer competition seat
Instrumentation Motec race dash and data acquisition system with
ECU interface, carbon fiber dash panels
Cockpit features CNC-machined front anti-roll bar adjuster, fire
suppression activation switch, electrical system
cut-off
SAFETY
Features Driver-activated fire suppression system, custom-
fitted side-window netting, Team Tech six-point
driver restraint system
BODY/CHASSIS
Layout Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Chassis Construction Backbone tubular steel space frame with separate
cowl structure and FIA-legal safety cage
incorporating engine bracing
Body Construction Composite body panels, Lexan rear window
Aerodynamics Wind-tunnel tuned rear wing, front splitter and
rear diffuser, partial undertray
SUSPENSION
Front Cast-aluminum unequal-length upper and lower "A"
arms with spherical bearing frame attachments,
2.25" race springs, Dynamic Suspensions monotube
coil-over, compression and rebound-adjustable
dampers, driver-adjustable blade-type anti-roll
bar, six-lug production hubs
Rear Cast aluminum unequal-length upper and lower "A"
arms with spherical bearing frame attachments,
Dynamic Suspensions monotube coil-over,
compression and rebound-adjustable dampers, high
rate anti-roll bar, six-lug production hubs
STEERING
Type Power-assisted rack and pinion, solid mounted with
travel restrictors
Overall Ratio 16.7
Turning Diameter 61.2 feet
Steering Turns 1.60
Column Production Viper with tilt
Wheel GTS-R type race wheel
TIRES
Type Michelin Pilot racing slicks
Size, Front P305/35ZR18
Size, Rear P345/30ZR19
WHEELS
Type and Material Three piece BBS, forged aluminum centers
Size, Front 18x11
Size, Rear 19x14
BRAKES
Type Four-wheel vented cast-iron disc, Brembo four-
piston/two-pad with advanced ABS. Electronically
adjustable front-rear bias, carbon fiber front
cooling ducts
DODGE VIPER COMPETITION COUPE PERFORMANCE ESTIMATES
0-60 mph Acceleration: 3.8 sec.
0-100 mph Acceleration: 9.2 sec.
0-1/4-mile Acceleration: 11.8 sec. @ 123 mph
Top Speed: 192 mph
60-0 Braking: 90 ft.
100-0 Braking: 260 ft.
Lateral Acceleration: 1.25g
