2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Preview

Dodge shouldn't have to face such murmurings again now that the Viper SRT10 Coupe is unveiled. While the current roadster's

The first second-generation Viper to get a hardtop was the Viper GTS/R concept that appeared at the 2000 Detroit auto show. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

styling cues are evident in the front fascia, headlamps, hood, fender lines, and reverse canted engine vent cutouts behind the front wheels, the double-bubble roofline, raked rear window glass, Kamm tail, ovoid taillights and horizontal backup lamps pay homage to its 1996 through 2002 GTS predecessor in a big way, as does its dual Stone White racing striped, Viper Blue metallic paint scheme. Even the Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) on the decklid looks similar to the "snake-head" design on the old GTS.

"It was important for us to sustain the emotion in the design," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, Chrysler Group. "We wanted the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe design to include a nod to the original Viper GTS Coupe, but in a contemporary way."

Actually, the only bodywork that the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe shares with the Convertible is the front fascia and fenders, hood and doors. In addition to the new canopy and

The 2003 SRT10 was followed up by a limited run of non-street legal Competition Coupes purely meant for taking on Corvettes, Porsches and the likes on the racetracks of the world. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

decklid, the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe has a special windshield surround, door side glass, rear fascia, quarter panels and taillights.

It should be mentioned that the 2006 Coupe won't actually be the first second-generation Viper to get a hardtop, the first being the Viper GTS/R concept that appeared at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, also the first time the redesigned Viper was shown. It was followed up by a limited run of non-street legal Competition Coupes purely meant for taking on Corvettes, Porsches and the likes on the racetracks of the world.