January 8, 2002

Detroit Auto Show
Dodge Ram SRT-10
Baddest Ram pickup has Viper V10 engine

Chrysler Group Vice President, Sales and Marketing Jim Schroer, right, COO Wolfgang Bernhard and Executive Vice President Product Development and Quality Rich Schaum, left, enjoy the excitement moments after the Dodge Ram SRT-10 show truck made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show today. Photo: Joe Wilssens. Click image to enlarge

Detroit, Jan 8, 2002 - Dodge unveiled its boldest, baddest and fastest full-size pickup, the new Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 show truck. A production version of this show truck will appear at a later date.

Filling the engine-bay of the Ram SRT-10 is the largest engine in a factory pickup truck - the 8.3-litre V-10 that powers the 2003 Dodge Viper. The V-10's horsepower rating surpasses any other pickup. Providing an estimated 500 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Ram SRT-10's power is channelled through a Viper six-speed manual transmission that connects to a modified differential and new driveshaft.

The Ram SRT-10 will accelerate to sixty mph in an estimated 5.0 seconds and deliver an estimated top speed of 150 mph. More impressively, Ram SRT-10 runs the 0-100-0 mph dash in an estimated 18 seconds.

Click image to enlarge

Keeping all this power in check is a modified Ram rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension from the 2002 Dodge Ram, which set new handling standards for full-size pickups. Blessed with the stiffest frame in Ram history, the Ram SRT-10 makes the most of its exclusive 24-inch wheels and 305/35 R24 high-performance tires, pulling an estimated 0.92 g's on the skid pad and hitting almost 70 mph on the slalom. A recalibrated, quick-ratio power steering unit enhances steering feel.

The Ram SRT-10's handling is enhanced by the addition of performance-tuned springs and shocks, a rear sway bar and an inch-lower ride height. Bringing the Ram SRT-10 to a halt are four-wheel disc Viper brakes, equipped with standard ABS. Fascia-mounted, faired-in brake ducts aid cooling.

Available in black or red only, the crisp lines of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 provide a look of machined elegance with a lower -- and an even bolder -- stance than the standard Ram. The new front fascia, hood with integrated air intake, billet grille, one-inch lower ride height and ground-effect mouldings provide plenty of "hunkered down" attitude even before the ignition key is turned. From the side, Ram SRT-10 is distinguished by an aluminum fuel filler, SRT-10 badging and red Viper brake calipers visible behind the 24-inch wheels. A bed-mounted hard tonneau, spoiler and custom rear fascia with cutouts for dual exhausts provide the view for the majority of the motoring public.

Inside, red-piped leather and carbon fibre-look accents complement the performance attitude established by the SRT-10's outward appearance. Silver-faced gauges with Viper font and graphics have an appropriately recalibrated speedometer and tachometer to accommodate the SRT-10's visceral performance. The best-in-class interior space is maintained from the standard Ram.

"We wanted to capture the feel of a sports car without sacrificing the safety, utility and luxury afforded by the standard 2002 Dodge Ram," said Mark Trostle, Design Manager, Truck Exterior and Interior Studios. "The carbon fibre-look leather steering wheel and shift boot, satin chrome centre console and interior door handles and the unique door trim panels differentiate the SRT-10 from the standard Ram and create an environment that enhances the sport/performance feel of this truck."

More News from the show....