2003 Dodge Ram SRT-10

Chicago, Ill., Feb. 13, 2003 - The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is built for speed. With a top speed of 150 mph and the biggest engine in a performance pickup, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 backs up its claim as the baddest truck on the block.

More than just a big engine, Ram SRT-10 adds the largest standard wheels and tires, the largest brakes in its class and acceleration to match its macho looks. Únique in a world of look-alike trucks, the Ram SRT-10 is a radical, custom-built performance truck, but straight from a manufacturer and with performance cues direct from the Dodge Viper SRT-10, the ultimate sports car.

Absolute Power = Absolute Domination

From the beginning, the engineers at Performance Vehicle Operations knew the powertrain was in place. The 8.3-liter Viper V-10 was upgraded for 2003 with a new bored and stroked aluminum engine block that increased the Viper engine's displacement from 488 to 505 cubic inches, and pushed its V-10 power output to 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque.

Resting on unique engine mounts, the new V-10 engine delivers 90 percent of its whopping 525 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500 to 5600 rpm. The all-new cast aluminum cylinder block has interference-fit cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main caps. Both bore and stroke have been increased over previous Viper models. Block length, block height, bore spacing, firing order, rod length and compression ratio are unchanged.

The Viper V-10 includes a six main bearing crankshaft with increased stroke length and cross-bolted main bearing caps. All-new cast aluminum alloy pistons - weighing slightly less than prior years despite larger diameters - are included, as are all-new cracked-steel connecting rods that are lighter yet stronger.

Cylinder heads on the Viper V-10 are redesigned using semi-permanent mold (SPM) 356 T6 aluminum, with improved intake port, exhaust port and combustion chamber cooling. Lower-profile die-cast magnesium cylinder head covers with steel internal baffles and anti-slosh foam also are new for 2003.

A single-piece, central dual-plenum, cast aluminum intake manifold is also new. It boasts shorter runners and a single, non-staged two-barrel throttle body for higher peak horsepower RPM. The intake manifold is an all-inclusive Integrated Air and Fuel Module (IAFM) with tubular fuel rails, injectors, sensors, wiring and throttle body - delivered assembled and pre-tested.

A Ram Heavy Duty cooling system is modified to handle the needs of the new Viper engine. A custom dual exhaust system is mounted to new exhaust manifolds.

The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 focuses its power through a new Hurst shift linkage and a modified version of the Viper SRT-10's Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The T56 is fully synchronized with electronic reverse lockout. A new driveshaft runs to the Viper-sourced transmission and a modified differential with a 4.10 rear axle delivers the torque to the road.

Suspension

Working with the fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in the industry, PVO added a custom tuned suspension, dropping the Ram SRT-10 one inch at the front and two inches at the rear. New front and rear strut assemblies and a rear sway bar were added to handle the increased cornering loads.

Next came Bilstein shock absorbers, performance-tuned springs, unique aerodynamic aids to enhance the Ram SRT-10's higher speed performance, and 22-inch custom "Viper-style" wheels and 305/40 Pirelli Scorpion Tires.

Big brakes, another Dodge Ram staple, are also part of the equation on the 2004 Ram SRT-10. The standard ABS-equipped brakes are fitted with new 15-inch rotors on the front brakes. Rear brakes are modified Ram Heavy Duty 14-inch rotors. Front and rear brakes feature unique red calipers. The new front fascia features brake ducts to provide plenty of cooling for track sessions.

Features

The most noticeable exterior feature of the new 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is a unique hood that features a wide power bulge and scoop sitting atop the signature cross-hair grille. "Viper Powered" badges on either side of the hood scoop leave no doubt as to what resides underneath.

Keeping things simple, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is available in black, red and silver only. The updated Ram lines of the Ram SRT-10 provide a look of machined elegance with a lower - and even bolder - stance than the standard Ram. The Ram SRT-10 rides on unique 22-inch polished aluminum "Viper-style" wheels, the largest wheels available on production pickup.

The new front fascia, unique hood with integrated air intake, billet grille, lower ride height and ground-effect moldings provide plenty of "hunkered down" attitude even before the red ignition button is punched.



"There is a slightly understated air about the SRT-10, especially considering its performance potential," said Rick Aneiros, Vice President, Truck Design. "But as powerful as the overall theme of the Ram SRT-10 is, we were determined not to make this another boy racer truck. We added functional aero tweaks to deliver a truck that can handle 150 mph-plus speeds. Its true design identity is found in the unique details, such as the red brake calipers visible behind the new 22-inch wheels, the mesh grille covering the air intakes and the lowered stance. The SRT-10 is instantly recognizable as something different from Ram, more powerful but with subtle detailing. It means business."

Inside, heavily bolstered racing-derived leather seats with black suede perforated inserts and a carbon-fiber leather trim steering wheel let drivers know this is no ordinary Ram. The "SRT-10" logo is embroidered on the headrests. Silver trim adorns the center stack and a silver trim strip with an "SRT-10" badge resides on the passenger side air bag. A red Viper start button on the dash provides further evidence that this Ram is something special. A custom "Hurst" shift lever sprouts from a silver metal shift bezel and is topped by a Viper style shift knob. Aluminum performance pedals replace the stock set up.

A new gauge cluster with satin silver-faced gauges feature Viper font and graphics and 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 Dodge Ram," said Mark Trostle, Design Manager, Truck Exterior and Interior Studios. "The carbon fiber trim on the leather steering wheel, satin silver center 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."

Source - Chrysler Media