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2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Preview

The GTS is Back in a Big Way

I remember how giddy I was when I received the invitation to join Chrysler Group in Santa Barbara, California for the introduction of the Viper SRT10 back in the summer of 2002.

I have to admit to being a little intimidated too, after hearing so many stories about the unwieldy nature of Dodges racetrack-bred supercar. Fortunately for me, not as familiar with track cars as some of the more seasoned journalists that frequently attend such launches, the completely reworked 2003 Viper was a lot more forgiving than the previous generation RT/10.

I also found its styling more sophisticated, having

"We wanted the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe design to include a nod to the original Viper GTS Coupe, but in a contemporary way," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

never completely warmed up to the pumped up muscularity of the outgoing car. The SRT10 seemed leaner, more finely sculpted than the old Viper, and overall more European.

But not everyone was as impressed as I was. I overheard some of my colleagues complaining

I can still remember the feeling I got when I received an invitation to test drive the completely reworked 2003 Viper SRT10 back in the summer of 2002. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

that the new car didnt appear as omnipotent as its predecessor, a grumbling that was reiterated by the president of the Viper club who was also on hand for the launch.

Dodge shouldnt have to face such murmurings again now that the Viper SRT10 Coupe is unveiled. While the current roadsters styling cues are evident in the

The first second-generation Viper to get a hardtop was the Viper GTS/R concept that appeared at the 2000 Detroit auto show. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

front fascia, headlamps, hood, fender lines, and reverse canted engine vent cutouts behind the front wheels, the double-bubble roofline, raked rear window glass, Kamm tail, ovoid taillights and horizontal backup lamps pay homage to its 1996 through 2002 GTS predecessor in a big way, as does its dual Stone White racing striped, Viper Blue metallic paint scheme. Even the Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) on the decklid looks similar to the "snake-head" design on the old

The 2003 SRT10 was followed up by a limited run of non-street legal Competition Coupes purely meant for taking on Corvettes, Porsches and the likes on the racetracks of the world. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

GTS.

"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."

Actually, 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

"The all-new 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe is a natural evolution of the heritage of the Dodge Viper." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

SRT10 Coupe has a special windshield surround, door side glass, rear fascia, quarter panels and taillights.

It should be mentioned that the 2006 Coupe wont actually be the first second-generation Viper to get a hardtop, the first being the Viper GTS/R concept that appeared at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, also the first time the redesigned Viper was shown. It was followed up by a limited run of non-street legal Competition Coupes purely meant for taking on Corvettes, Porsches and the likes on the racetracks of the world.

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