In August 1995, Dodge unveiled an extraordinary racing coupe that would ultimately make an historic mark on the world s motorsports stage.
The Dodge Viper GTS-R was the answer to enthusiasts and competitors who asked if a racing version of the amazing Viper RT/10 was in the works.
In a repeat of history, Dodge today unveiled the next chapter in the Dodge Viper racing legacy, the new Viper Competition Coupe.
"We knew when we introduced the GTS-R race car that it was ambitious, yet extremely logical," said Jim Julow, Vice President, Dodge Global Brand Center. "We set out to develop a history and tradition for our brand s performance icon that would cast a halo over every racing endeavor, and every car and truck we built.
"The Dodge Viper has exceeded our highest goals for what an American sports car should be. But as we turn the page and herald the arrival of the third chapter in the car s history – the 2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 Convertible – we can t lose sight of the heritage this car has built. And with that, we introduce a new generation of Dodge Viper racing car, the Competition Coupe."
With a coupe-shaped composite body based largely on the Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car shown at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, and a track-ready chassis based on the new 2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 convertible, this new car should emerge as a serious competitor from the first lap.
Every effort has been made to produce an affordable yet competitive GT-class race car, and Dodge executives expect high demand from its competition-oriented Dodge Viper owner base.
"The idea for a next-generation racing version came from the Viper owner body about 18 months ago," said John Fernandez, Director, DaimlerChrysler Performance Vehicle Operations. "A large proportion of owners enjoy racing their cars in organized competition."
"At the same time, DaimlerChrysler has received inquiries from major motorsports sanctioning bodies looking for Dodge Viper participation," added Fernandez. "Based on the input we re receiving, there appears to be real demand for a factory race car."
Dodge officials expect to build 25 cars in the first year, but have the ability to expend production as demand grows. Plans include technical support for competitors at all major events. Parts may also be offered through DaimlerChrysler s Mopar Performance Parts division, and available through dealerships nationwide.
The Competition Coupe makes extensive use of production pieces to keep the estimated retail price under $100,000. With well-over 500 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from even the stock 505 cubic-inch 2003 Dodge Viper RT-10, the Competition Coupe will deliver racers an extremely high level of performance for the price. A full complement of racing enhancements, including cage, window net, fire suppression system, six-point restraints, racing slicks, differential cooler and ducted brakes ensure that the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe is track-ready as delivered. The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe cannot be titled for highway use.
The Viper Competition Coupe s sleek concept car shape retains the 2003 RT-10 Convertible s windshield, and as a result, affords the driver two inches of additional headroom as compared to the GTS/R concept car.
Among those events in which the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe would be eligible to compete are:
Skip Thomas Viper Racing League -- The Viper Competition Coupe will have its own class and be the primary wheel-to-wheel event at the Viper Days weekends
Grand American Cup – The Viper Competition Coupe is eligible to compete in the Grand Sports Class with the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911
Speedvision World Challenge – The Viper Competition Coupe is eligible to compete in these American Le Mans Series support races
There are no plans at this time to homologate the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for American Le Mans Series or 24 Hours of Le Mans racing.
