Dodge Ram

Another change for 2006 will be the availability of Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System on the Hemi V8 engine in the full size Ram. The weapon used by this task force is an assault vehicle that masquerades as a Dodge Viper. Also, a full screen mapping in-dash navigation system is now an option. Viper was an action-adventure TV series about a special task force set up by the federal government to fight crime in fictional Metro City, California. One notable version is the Mega Cab, featuring a 6-foot cargo box and 20 inches of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners. The show ran for four seasons, with the roadster appearing in the first three seasons, then replaced by the coupe in the fourth and final season. The 2006 Dodge Ram is an updated version of the previous generation. NBC created Viper which was a TV show in which the Dodge Viper itself starred.

It offered an AC electrical outlet panel for running an entire jobsite worth of power tools. Since it is not legal to drive the Tomahawk on public roads, the few that were sold through Neiman Marcus were sold as "rolling sculptures.". The press currently reports that the hybrid Ram will be available only for fleet purchasers and will not enter mass production. Bernhardt said four wheels were necessary to handle the power from the engine. However, the schedule for delivery slipped as Dodge backed away from the vehicle. Each pair of wheels is separated by a few inches and each wheel has an independent suspension. Dodge announced a mild hybrid version of the Ram, dubbed the Contractor's Special, in 2003. The Dodge Tomahawk can reach 60 mph in about 2.5 seconds, and has a theoretical top speed of nearly 400 mph.

Toyota's Tundra had never posed much of a threat, but a much larger 2007 model may erode Dodge sales further. The Dodge Tomahawk was driven onto stage by then-COO Wolfgang Bernhardt in full riding leathers. But the Ram's sales could not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 and the strong Nissan Titan in 2004 and 2005, with 400,543 Rams sold that year. A motorcycle carrying the Viper V10 was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were declining from a 2001 peak over 900,000 to the 850,000 area. Production of the truck continues in 2006. The redesigned DR trucks reignited sales, with 400,000 sold in 2002 and nearly 450,000 sold in 2003, a new high point for the Ram name. The trucks begain production in 2004 as a standard cab manual transmission only, with the quad-cab automatic following in 2005.

The four wheel drive light duty trucks (1500 series) lost their live axles in trade for an independent front suspension, but the heavy duty (2500 and 3500 series) retained the live axles for maximum durability and load capacity. The engine valve covers still read "VIPER" so it is indeed a Viper truck. The Cummins ISB Diesel was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2004. The package also includes a long list of other performance and styling modifications. It included an even larger grille, and special models kept interest up as most competitors had adopted the Ram's separate-fender look. It is available in either regular cab or quad-cab, short box with the Viper's 8.3 L V10 and either a Tremec T56 manual transmission or the 48RE four-speed automatic. This represented a major update including all new frame, suspension, power teams, interiors, and sheetmetal. A Dodge Ram SRT-10 is currently also being produced.

The third-generation Ram debuted for 2002. After a few one-off entries in the Spa 24 Hours, from 2006, the Viper Competition Coupe will race in Europe fulltime for the first time, joining the new FIA GT3 Cup with the Italian team Racing Box. By 2001, the Ram was back to 350,000 sales. In 2004 Samuel Hubinette used a Competition Coupe with modified axle for the Formula D in which he won the title before the car were barred by the end of the season (due to the fact FD would adopt D1 Grand Prix regulations from the following year which had already prohibited the car from competing) and were replaced by an SRT-10 the following season. Sales of this generation peaked at just over 400,000 in 1999 before declining against the redesigned Ford and GM trucks. The Viper Competition Coupe sees action in the highly competitive SCCA Speed GT World Challenge. The redesigned 1994 Ram was a tremendous sales success, with sales rocketing from 100,000 D-series models in 1993 to 240,000 in 1994, 280,000 in 1995, and nearly 400,000 in 1996. Pricing is approximately US$129,000.

The new Cummins ISB engine, introduced in 1999, is an unusual multi-valve pushrod engine. It is not sold through dealers and is purchased from Dodge directly as, essentially, a very expensive race car component. In 1998, Dodge introduced the "Quad-Cab", which used rear-hinged pillarless doors in the back for a wide cab opening. The "CompCoupe" comes equipped with a full roll cage, a racing fuel cell, and other racing-related equipment. A natural gas version of the 5.2 L engine debuted for 1995. The power and torque ratings have been improved, but the vehicle has been stripped of anything not essential for racing, such as the interior body panels, instrumentation, air conditioning, and stereo system which lightened the car by 380 lb (170 kg). Models were now the 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (¾-ton), and 3500 (one-ton). As of 2003, a special Dodge Viper SRT-10 Competition Coupe that is not street-legal is available from Dodge for race car drivers, picking up where the GTS-R racing variant left off.

But it was the 8.0 L V10 engine and its 450 ft.lbf (610 Nm) of torque that was noticed by serious users. In addition to the race cars, 100 street versions of Dodge Viper GTS-R were made, which was rated 460 hp (343 kW) and 500 ft·lbf (678 N·m) of torque[1]. It featured a semi truck-look front end with separate fenders and an oversized grille. When the checkered flag dropped on the 24th hour of the longest day in racing, Viper GTS–R racers finished first and second in their class to become the first American car to win at Le Mans in three decades, and the first–ever production–based American car to grace the winner's circle. The Ram line was redesigned for 1994 and was an instant hit. In 1998, Team Viper returned to Le Mans to set new track records in practice. These early B Series engines have been know to go 350,000 miles before first overhaul. Oreca switched to the prototype class in 2000, but customer Vipers continued to be the most competitive in the series.

This engine, part of the Cummins B Series, is the largest straight-6 engine ever produced for passenger vehicles. The next year, Team Viper (who now switched services to Oreca) switched to the GT2 class and proceeded to dominate, winning five titles in the FIA GT Championship between 1997 and 2002. A Cummins turbodiesel option was added for big (400 ft.lbf / 542 Nm) torque needs. The car made its competition debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona with Canaska Racing in 1996, then the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when a GTS-R finished tenth overall in its very first run for glory. The D-series trucks sold poorly compared to the Ford and General Motors products, with just under 100,000 sold most years of their production. Using such production engine components as the block, cylinder heads, and crankshaft, Team Viper engineers were able to extract 700 hp from the normally 450 hp second generation 8.0 L V10 engine. The engines wore the "Magnum" name for 1992 and 1993 with much higher output. However, rumors and pieces of information exist that suggest that the next generation Viper, codenamed ZC, will be introduced in the 2008 model year and will have an 8.4 L engine producing 700 hp.

The Ram 100 models were renamed "150S" for 1990, and the exterior was redesigned the next year, including Dodge's trademark crosshair grille. After the introduction of the C6 Corvette, the Viper's position as the top American supercar under six figures began to fade. Rear anti-lock brakes were also made standard. The third-generation Viper has been sold in Europe since 2004, the first model to be sold as a Dodge, as part of Chrysler's new sales strategy for the European market. The 5.9 L V8 also received fuel injection that year for 20 hp (15 kW) more power. The new coupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original, along with the original GTS's tail lamps, for an added homage to the original Viper coupe. The Slant-6 was dropped in favor of a 3.9 L fuel injected V6 with 25% more power. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible but takes its side and rear styling cues from the Competition Coupe (see below).

The engines were updated for 1989. The new Viper SRT-10 Coupe (no longer called the GTS) was introduced in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. The 5.2 L engine received electronic fuel injection for 1988. The initial model was a convertible. A "Ram-Trac" shift-on-the-fly transfer case was added for 1985, and both the crew cab and Utiline flared bed were dropped for 1986. The engine has been enlarged to 8.3 L which increased output to 504 hp (375 kW) and 525 ft·lbf (711 N·m) of torque. 100 models were added for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim on low-output manual transmission Slant-6 trucks. The new Viper SRT-10 was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork.

Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D-series pickups (known as the Adventurer) dating back to 1972 with wraparound taillights and square headlights. The Dodge Viper underwent a major model change in 2003, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology / SRT) group. Standard cab, "Club" extended cab, and crew cab versions were offered along with 6.5 ft and 8 ft bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes. Starting in 2000 model year, the car has cast pistons that are not as strong when adding boost or nitrous. Like other domestic makers, Dodge used 150 to mean a half-ton truck, 250 to indicate a ¾-ton, and 350 for one-tons. The 1999 model was the last Viper that has forged pistons from the factory. The first-generation Ram trucks, introduced for 1981, kept the previous generation's model designations: "D" meant rear wheel drive while the "W" Power Ram meant four wheel drive. The second-generation Vipers were exported to Europe, where they were sold as Chryslers.

. In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipers were sold. The Ram is built at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Saint Louis Assembly North in Fenton, Missouri, and Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan. The car also won its class in the Le Mans 24 Hours from 1998 to 2000. The Ram was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1994, and the Ram Heavy Duty won that award for 2003. Dodge contracted French racing team Oreca to build a racing version of the Viper known as the GTS-R in the FIA GT Championship's GT2 category, where they won the series in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002 (the last two with Larbre Competition). The name was first used in 1981 on the redesigned D Series, though it came from the hood ornament used in the 1930s and 1940s trucks. Vipers can be seen participating often in drag racing, road racing and drift racing.

The Ram is a full-size pickup truck from DaimlerChrysler's Dodge brand. Indeed, the Viper's performance has made the vehicle popular for both amateur and professional racers. URL accessed on April 8, 2005.. An interesting feature of the coupe was the "double bubble" roof contours; two small humps to accomidate drivers wearing helmets. Edmunds.com. A coupe model, called the GTS, was also introduced in 1996. A Dodge Ram History. A number of third party firms have modified the car to boost performance.

On the rear of the box was a stripe with a "Rumble Bee" picture, meant to be reminiscent of the Super Bee. Second generation models increased engine power, improved suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996-2002 Viper GTS had a 450 bhp (336 kW) engine, which could complete the quarter mile 0.7 seconds faster and increased top speed by 35 km/h (22 mph) or so. It was only available on regular cab/short-box pickups and included lower body cladding, a hood scoop, and a specially-trimmed interior. Despite this, in straight line performance, it completed a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds and had a maximum speed of 264 km/h (164 mph). Rumble Bee - The Rumble Bee edition was mainly a trim package on the Hemi Ram. Typical of American performance-car design, it had a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels; it was also heavy with a curb weight of 1,488 kg (3,280 lb) and lacked many modern driver aids such as traction or anti-lock brakes. Daytona - Introduced for 2005, the Ram Daytona features 20 in chrome wheels, custom paint, the Hemi engine, and a tall rear spoiler reminescent of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona from the late '60s. The body was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels.

Power Wagon - Introduced for 2005, the Power Wagon comes with the 5.7 L new Hemi engine, locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, oversized off-road tires and a winch. The engine produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 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. In 2004, the truck won the Guinness record of "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" of 154.587mph[1]. However, Chrysler was uncertain about the Viper's production costs and sales potential and so declined to provide the budget for the modification. It now has a 48RE four speed auto transmission that was taken from the Heavy Duty Rams with the Cummins engine. Some within Lamborghini felt the pushrod two-valve design, while adequate for the truck application for which the engine was originally created, was unsuitable for a performance car and suggested a more comprehensive redesign which would have included four valves per cylinder. For 2005, Dodge debuted a Quad Cab version of the Viper V10 powered truck. Originally designed as a truck engine and based on the Chrysler LA engine, Lamborghini, then 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, and giving the engine a significant power boost.

The 2004 version was available only in a single cab with a 6 speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. The centerpiece of the car was its engine. SRT-10 - This version is a regular or quad-cab body with the Dodge Viper's V10 engine, massive Pirelli 22" rimmed tires, custom lowered suspension, unique bucket seats, full body kit, and a spoiler. It first debuted in 1991 with three pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Stealth, and went on sale in January 1992 as the targa-roofed RT/10 Roadster. The first prototype was tested in December 1989. Most saw claims to kinship with the Cobra as a marketing exercise, although Carroll Shelby was involved in the initial design of the Viper.

While there are some who insist that the iconic AC Cobra was a source of inspiration, the final version of the Viper was far too large and heavy to seriously claim any direct lineage with the compact and lightweight vehicle. The Viper was developed as a modern take on the classic American muscle car. . Viper production began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Connor Avenue Assembly in October of 1995.

The Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car, the most powerful production car made by Dodge. Crash (2005) featured a black Viper ACR. Banlieue 13 (2004) briefly featured an early-production Viper RT-10. Michel Vaillant (2003) featured a racing edition Viper GTS-R.

2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) briefly featured a yellow Viper SRT-10. The Ninth Gate (1999) also featured a Viper RT-10 in a car chase. Inspector Gadget (1999) featured a blue Viper GTS being broken into. RPM (1998) featured a red Viper RT-10 in a car chase.

The Nutty Professor (1996) featured a red Viper RT-10 being driven by the protagonist. 1997 FIA GT2 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ World Championship. 1998 FIA GT2 Driver’s and Manufacturer’s World Championship. 1998 FIA GT2 - First and Second Place 24 Hours of Le Mans, first American car to win at Le Mans in three decades, and very first "production american car".

2004 SCCA SpeedWorld GT - Drivers Championship. 2004 World Speed Record - Dodge SRT-10 Ram - 154.587 mph flying kilometer. John Lingenfelter Memorial Trophy.