Dodge unveiled the Copperhead Concept in 1997 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Designed by John E. Herlitz, the two-door roadster was envisioned as a less expensive alternative to the Dodge Viper. Its aerodynamic shape and Copper Fire Orange color were attractive and appealing, as was the envisioned price at about $30,000 (USD), over less than half the cost of a Viper. While the Viper excelled in power and performance, the Copperhead was built for driving pleasure, comfort, and handling.

The Copperhead wore unique styling that borrowed some of the design cues from the Viper. It rested on a 110-inch wheelbase platform and had an overall length of 167 inches, a height of 49.7 inches, and was 72 inches wide. Compared to the Viper, the Copper had a foot longer wheelbase, a shorter overall length, wheels that were slightly moved forward to improve handling, smaller hood louvers, smaller Viper taillights, and side inlet pits (rather than the regular side performance inlets). It was devoid of front air intakes, the headlights were positioned below the hood, and there was a larger front bumper, larger wheel fenders, and a slightly smaller front grille.

The interior was functional, practical, and unique, with four gauges positioned in the center of the dashboard consisting of a speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge and engine oil. Located beside these displays were status indicators for high beam lights and turn signals. Below the gauges was a center console control area housing the temperature display, climate control, radio FM display, and a pair of air conditioning fans. The center console, with a design resembling a copperhead snake, had a five-speed manual transmission shifter and a handbrake. The steering wheel design was the same used for the Phase ZB series Vipers.

Mounted at the front under the long and graceful hood lurked an all-aluminum (LH), dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) V6 engine displacing 2.7 liters and producing 220 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 188 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 RPM. It was paired with a five-speed close-ratio manual transmission and sending power to the rear wheels. The chassis, heavily based on the Dodge Viper, was carried by 225/40R18 tires at the front and 255/40R18 at the rear. The suspension used double wishbones with coil over dampers.

After the Dodge Copperhead was introduced, a complaint arose regarding ownership rights to the name 'Copperhead.' Billy Gibbons of the American rock band ZZ Top owned a customized 1950 Ford Coupe that was registered with the 'Kopperhead' name. Unofficially, DaimlerChrysler renamed the car 'Concept Vehicle' in press kits, scale toys, and various merchandise.

The Dodge Copperhead was featured in the games, Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2. Following the name controversy, the Copperhead was renamed as the 'Concept Car' in the games.

by Dan Vaughan