Doug Supercharged Vipers
Enthusiast
Here's some invaluable information lent to our ears by Ms. Cindy Henderson (Plant Manager at CAAP) this past weekend at our "Viper Tech Talk." Once again, Ms. Henderson was gracious enough to take the time out of her busy schedule to make the commute all the way from Detroit to make our acquaintance. Please note: these are just some of the facts discussed at our meeting and I did my best to relay the good word to all of you. Although, I did my best to keep them most accurate, these facts were jotted down on my note pad (I couldn't have left any of you in the dark!).
Details for 2002 Viper:
- It takes 2.5 days to build a Viper from start to finish.
- Only 8 Vipers are built per day. (That is a VERY small amount in contrast to other automotive manufacturers).
- The 2002s are STILL under construction and will be until next July.
- The last constructed 360 Vipers for 2002 will be red w/stone-white stripes.
- For the last 2002s, DC may build 6 coupes and 2 R/Ts per day due to the fact "NO coupe will be built for the next 3 - 4 years."
Plans for the 2003 SRT 10:
- "What you see is what you get," there will be NO change (of course for subtle or improvements) for the 2003 Vipers. The way you see is them is the way you'll receive them. Other than emissions changes, they ARE built!
- There will be NO coupe for the next 3 - 4 years.
- There will be 1,900 Vipers constructed for the 2003 model year.
- 2003s are truly "hand built."
- The engine has been completely changed.
- ALL colors will be constructed at once. Contrary to our beliefs, DC does NOT do "paint and body work," assembly only. Hence, panels are prepainted before they hit the plant, DC only assembles them.
- Interior will NO longer have Cognac, Just Black and maybe Gray.
- As always, the Viper is a "loss leader" which means no direct profit from it's existence.
Competition Coupe:
- Will be built at CAAP.
- 2003 model years will only have 25 built.
- Next year may build 50 cars.
- The Competition Coupe "just squeaked by" decibel acceptance.
SRT Ram:
- 5000 Rams will be constructed.
- 17 months away from building.
- May have automatic transmissions.
- Most likely to have 22" rims with an optional set of 24" available.
Prowler:
- ("Put a fork in it, it's done!"). Sadly enough, last week was the last to build Prowlers after 5 years of construction. The Prowler will NO longer be built
.
Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did!
Regards,
Doug Levin
Details for 2002 Viper:
- It takes 2.5 days to build a Viper from start to finish.
- Only 8 Vipers are built per day. (That is a VERY small amount in contrast to other automotive manufacturers).
- The 2002s are STILL under construction and will be until next July.
- The last constructed 360 Vipers for 2002 will be red w/stone-white stripes.
- For the last 2002s, DC may build 6 coupes and 2 R/Ts per day due to the fact "NO coupe will be built for the next 3 - 4 years."
Plans for the 2003 SRT 10:
- "What you see is what you get," there will be NO change (of course for subtle or improvements) for the 2003 Vipers. The way you see is them is the way you'll receive them. Other than emissions changes, they ARE built!
- There will be NO coupe for the next 3 - 4 years.
- There will be 1,900 Vipers constructed for the 2003 model year.
- 2003s are truly "hand built."
- The engine has been completely changed.
- ALL colors will be constructed at once. Contrary to our beliefs, DC does NOT do "paint and body work," assembly only. Hence, panels are prepainted before they hit the plant, DC only assembles them.
- Interior will NO longer have Cognac, Just Black and maybe Gray.
- As always, the Viper is a "loss leader" which means no direct profit from it's existence.
Competition Coupe:
- Will be built at CAAP.
- 2003 model years will only have 25 built.
- Next year may build 50 cars.
- The Competition Coupe "just squeaked by" decibel acceptance.
SRT Ram:
- 5000 Rams will be constructed.
- 17 months away from building.
- May have automatic transmissions.
- Most likely to have 22" rims with an optional set of 24" available.
Prowler:
- ("Put a fork in it, it's done!"). Sadly enough, last week was the last to build Prowlers after 5 years of construction. The Prowler will NO longer be built
Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did!
Regards,
Doug Levin
