CHAPTER THREE IN THE LEGEND OF DODGE VIPER BEGINS:

CHRYSLER INTRODUCES 1997 VIPER RT/10 ROADSTER

AUBURN HILLS, MICH.

In the eight years since its concept car introduction stunned automotive enthusiasts worldwide with its aggressive styling and brute power, the legend of Dodge Viper - from the original RT/10 Roadster to the 1996 Viper GTS Coupe - has grown to near mythic proportions.

Now, for the 1997 model year, Viper again bursts onto the automotive landscape with the re-introduction of the Viper RT/10 Roadster. Incorporating many of the refinements first introduced on the all-new 1996 Viper GTS Coupe, Viper RT/10 Roadster also stays true to its original heritage by continuing to deliver the most exhilarating driving experience of any open car in production today.

"The 1997 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster clearly marks another chapter in the continuing evolution of the Viper saga," said John Fernandez, Team Viper's Executive Engineer. "Viper Roadster benefited in several important ways from the engineering changes made to the GTS Coupe. By sharing the same 450 horsepower V10 engine, suspension system, tires, brakes and gearbox, the Viper RT/10 and GTS Coupe are almost mechanically identical. However, the Viper RT/10 Roadster remains distinctly a roadster, with all the open-air excitement driving enthusiasts have come to expect."

 

VIPER HISTORY: CHAPTER ONE

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 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/10 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.

 

VIPER HISTORY: CHAPTER TWO

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) V10 engine with less weight (80 lbs.) and an increase in horsepower 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 1997 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," said Fernandez. "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 for 1997."

 

CHAPTER THREE: 1997 RT/10 VIPER ROADSTER

The Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster is now powered by the same 488 cubic-inch V10 engine originally engineered for the GTS Coupe. It produces 450 horsepower at 5200 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 R/T10 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 1997 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 for 1997.

Like the Viper GTS Coupe, the Viper RT/10 Roadster has a smooth exterior design, free of add-ons. Viper RT/10 Roadster now offers an electronically assisted remote entry system, and, for the first time, standard power glass windows. A manual override system can be accessed through the rear window, which has keylocks.

To improve the overall driving experience, the Team Viper pioneered a unique adjustable pedal system 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 is now featured on all Viper RT/10 Roadsters, along with a tilt steering wheel and seat that allows generous fore-and-aft adjustment (5.2").

While the Viper's interior has evolved since 1989, it remains a simple, cleanly-styled cockpit with the accent on function. 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. Safety items include standard driver and passenger air bags and three-point inboard-mounted seat belts.

For the first time, both the Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster and GTS Coupe are available in either blue with white painted stripes or solid red. Silver wheels are standard on the RT/10 Roadster in blue, while red RT/10 Roadsters feature standard gold wheels. Also available as options are additional wheel choice colors and special badging.

 

1997 DODGE VIPER CHRONOLOGY

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