2006 Dodge Viper

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

With an 8.3-liter 510-horsepower (380 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-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 Coupe and Convertible offer outrageous performance in two stunning packages.

“Dodge Viper enthusiasts have always loved the idea of a Dodge Viper Coupe,” said Dan Knott, Director — Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler Group. “Many owners go racing, and a coupe is required under some racing-series rules. With the introduction of the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, we are giving them everything they’re looking for: outrageous power, stunning performance, awesome looks — and a hardtop.”

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Bold Looks, No-Nonsense Appearance

Dodge Viper SRT10 styling builds on cues from the original Viper R/T 10, with the signature crosshair grille design, deep-cut side scallops, swept-back fenders and lowered hood lines. Advanced materials such as resin injection molded (RIM) and sheet-molded composite (SMC) panels are used extensively in the front and rear fascia, deck lid, rear quarter panels, doors, hood, front fenders, cowl panel and windshield frame.

For 2006, Viper SRT10 Convertible is available in Viper Red and Viper Black. Later in the year, a special “Blue Mamba” edition will be available with a special interior package that includes black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and shift knob accents.

The exterior design of the all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, with its “double-bubble” roof and dramatic rear styling with wraparound taillamps reminiscent of the Viper GTS Coupe, is what sets it apart from its Convertible sibling — and connects it to the Viper heritage.

Another connection is the inaugural color scheme: The 2006 Viper SRT10 Coupe will be launched with a Viper Blue exterior accented with Stone White stripes, a nod to the blue-with-white-stripes motif of the original Dodge Viper GTS Coupe.

“It is important for us to sustain heart-pounding emotion in Viper design,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe design includes 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 Dodge Viper SRT10’s cockpit is notable for the race car-themed red pushbutton starter to get things going under the hood. Other race-inspired characteristics are evident throughout the cockpit, which features a performance-oriented, highly functional instrument panel with center-mounted tachometer and 220-mph speedometer.

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

“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.”

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

The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe will initially feature a black interior color scheme with blue accents throughout.

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Performance

An aluminum-block 8.3-liter (505 cu. in.) V-10 engine powers the Dodge Viper SRT10, generating 510 horsepower and 535 lb.-ft. (725 N•m) of torque — 90 percent of the torque available in the 1,500-to-5,600 rpm range. And with all that power comes certification as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV). Transferring the Dodge Viper’s power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in a world-class braking performance of 60 mph-to-zero in less than 100 feet.

Dodge Viper SRT10 performance is further defined by a race-bred aluminum, 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.

Where the rubber meets the road, Dodge Viper SRT10 rides on forged aluminum, polished 18-in. x 10-in. front and 19-in. x 13-in. rear wheels, clad in Michelin zero-pressure run-flat tires. Each tire includes low-pressure sensors in the valve stems.

New for 2006 are two options in wheels: a forged aluminum five-spoke wheel and an “H-spoke” forged aluminum wheel.

Altogether, the Dodge Viper SRT10 is capable of amazing performance figures: estimated 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds, top speed of 190 mph, and completion of the signature SRT 0-100-0 mph test in the mid-12-second range.

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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 seconds.

2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Ride and Handling

Ride and handling characteristics for the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe are 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. Two optional wheels will be available — an “H-spoke” wheel and a five-spoke wheel.

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Safety and Security Features

Following are safety and security features in the all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe:

• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System — This system offers enhanced protection for a range of occupants and is designed to identify the size of an occupant in the front passenger seat based primarily on weight
  

• Anti-lock Brake System — Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup, the ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
  

• Constant Force Retractors (CFR) — A mechanical device in each front seat belt is designed to mitigate the force of a seat belt according to the load or force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact
  

• Power-adjustable Pedals — Allows brake, accelerator and clutch pedals to move toward or away from the driver. This helps the driver achieve a safe and comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control
  

• Remote Keyless Entry — The remote keyless entry locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
  

• Three-Point Seat Belts With Pretensioners — During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, which reduces forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
  

• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System — This advanced system monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver to improper tire pressure conditions. Low pressure on any tire illuminates an amber warning indicator in the instrument cluster.