| First generation SR |
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| Written by Erik | |
| Wednesday, 16 January 2008 | |
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The first prototype was tested in December 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Stealth due to complaints from the UAW, and went on sale in January 1992 as the soft roofed RT/10 Roadster.
The centerpiece of the car was its engine. Originally designed for a truck platform and based on the Chrysler LA design, a division of the Chrysler Corporation revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10 for the Viper by recasting the block and head in aluminum alloy. Some within Chrysler felt the pushrod two-valve design, while adequate for the truck application, was unsuitable for a performance car and suggested a more comprehensive redesign which would have included four valves per cylinder. Chrysler, however, was uncertain about the Viper's production costs and sales potential and so declined to provide the budget for the modification. The engine weighed 711 lb (323 kg) and produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 465 ft·lbf (630 N·m) of torque at 3600 rpm, and thanks to the long-gearing allowed by the torquey engine, provided surprising fuel economy at a claimed 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100 km) if driven sedately. The body was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels. Much of the suspension, following the manufacturer's "engine first" mantra, was sourced from the Dodge Dakota pickup. Typical of American performance car design, it had a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels; it was also very light in comparison to modern Ferraris with a curb weight of 3,280 lb (1,488 kg) and lacked many modern driver aids such as traction control or anti-lock brakes. Car and Driver magazine referred to this generation as "the world's biggest Fat Boy Harley", and likened driving it to "playing ping pong with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat." Despite this, in straight line performance, it completed a quarter mile in 12.6 seconds and had a maximum speed of over 180 mph (290 km/h). Its large tires allowed the car to average close to 1 g in corners, which is comparable to modern sports cars. However, the car could prove tricky to drive in some situations. The brakes were strong as well, but lacked ABS. Stopping distances, particularily to 0 mph, were poor compare to some other cars because of this. The car was also devoid of any real luxuries. Along with the absence of exterior door handles, the vehicle lacked windows and even a roof. Although a soft top cover was available, it was designed primarily for outdoor vehicle storage. In terms of interior space, the trunk was large enough for the rain cover and little else. Chrysler's purpose for the vehicle was clear in almost every aspect of its construction; from the unyielding bolstering of the seats to the side-exit exhaust that came with its own disclaimer against passenger injury. Performance came first, creature comforts last (if at all). |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 January 2008 ) |
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