|
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.
|
