|
Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Dodge Viper
|
| VIPER LEGACY CONTINUES |
|
| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:28:31 |
| Rating |
 124 ( 29 +23.38% ) |
|
|
Description:
The legend of Dodge Viper - from the original RT/10 Roadster to the 1996 Viper GTS Coupe - has.grown to near mythic proportions since the first concept car was shown almost a decade ago.
Now in 1998, the Viper stays true to its heritage of delivering the most exhilarating driving experience of any open car in production today. Both the RT/10 and GTS Coupe power into 1998 with several enhancements and refinements.
Under the hood, weight has been further cut from the Viper through tubular exhaust manifolds; a low-overlap camshaft helps to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy; and an electronic radiator fan control reduces noise.
In the safety area, Viper benefits from next-generation air bags arid a passenger air bag cut-off switch. Security is improved with revised key locks and keyless entry system.
Colors for 1998 include Viper Bright Metallic Silver and Viper-Red, which are matched with a black monochromatic interior.
These subtle changes are part of the continuing saga of the Viper as it has developed over the last several years.
Viper Retrospective
Introduced amidst much fanfare and critical acclaim as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the first-generation Dodge Viper Roadster was produced from 1992 through 1996. It secured a place in automotive history books as a vehicle that defined a bold new chapter in Chrysler's history, and a commitment to set the new benchmark of what a pure American sports car should be. First-year demand far exceeded production, making the early Vipers one of the most sought after cars among both collectors and driving enthusiasts.
The 1996 Viper RT/IO Roadster received several enhancements, most noticeably the introduction of new exterior design themes, including red exterior paint with yellow five-spoke wheel, black exterior paint with a silver center stripe, and a white exterior with a blue center stripe. In addition, the side exhaust was changed to a rear outlet exhaust system for 1996.
Created in the mold of the world's premier Grand Touring cars, the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe represented the next dramatic chapter in Viper's evolution. While it retains the look of the original Viper Roadster, more than 90 percent of the car is new, including a new body, interior and an all-new (and all aluminum) V-10 engine with less weight (80 Ibs.) and an increase in hp to 450 hp (from 415 hp).
Equally important, the GTS Coupe introduced several interior features and amenities, including a pioneering (North American-first) adjustable pedal system, larger rear storage compartment, new instrument panel with revised gauge location and dual air bags. Many of these refinements are now standard on the 1998 Viper RT/10 Roadster.
"Both the Viper RT/10 Roadster and Viper GTS Coupe remain the deliberate, back-to-basics sports cars which have characterized Viper since it was first introduced to the public," says John Fernandez, Team Viper's Executive Engineer. "We've been careful to ensure that Team Viper remained true to its vision, from the original Viper RT/10 Roadster to the GTS Coupe, and finally the new RT/10."
In 1997, the Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster was heavily revised and is now powered by the same 488 cubic-inch V-10 engine originally engineered for the GTS Coupe. It produces 450 hp at 520b rpm and 490 pound-feet of torque at 3700 rpm - by far the highest output of any American production automobile. That power is channeled by a high-performance six-speed gearbox and transferred to the road via an independent front and rear suspension system.
Braking is provided by power-assisted four-piston caliper front disc brakes and a single-piston rear disc design. Viper RT/10 Roadster comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires on 17-inch rims.
In addition to the soft-top, the Viper RT/10 Roadster also features a removable body-color hard top that has been redesigned for increased headroom. The hard top is a "delete option" - meaning owners may decline to equip their Viper with the hard top for a lower base price. Air conditioning also is a delete option.
Like the Viper GTS Coupe, the Viper RT/10 Roadster has a smooth exterior design, free of add-one. Viper RT/10 Roadster offers an electronically assisted remote entry system and standard power glass windows. A manual override system can be accessed through the rear window, which has keylocks.
To improve the overall driving experience, Team Viper pioneered a unique adjustable pedal system in 1996, that allows the driver to move the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals up to four inches closer by simply turning a knob mounted under the steering column. That system was made available on all Viper RT/ In Roadsters, along with a tilt steering wheel and seat that allows generous fore-and-aft adjustment (5.2") in 1997.
The instrument panel features full analog instrumentation with a 7,000 rpm tachometer; 200-mph speedometer, engine coolant gauge, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge and voltmeter.
While the Viper's interior has evolved since 1989, it remains a simple, cleanly styled cockpit with the accent on function. |
|
