PRESS RELEASE
Chrysler Introduces Dodge Copper Head at North American Auto Show
Another Snake in the Pit?
Dodge Copperhead Concept Car Offers Affordable Performance
DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- Chrysler Corporation today
unleashed another Snake concept into its den of enthusiast sports cars -- but
it's a pit Viper of a different color. The Dodge Copperhead concept car,
perhaps a perfect stablemate for the Dodge Viper, was unveiled at the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"If Dodge Viper is credited for re-inventing the Shelby Cobra, then Dodge
Copperhead should be credited for re-inventing a car in the tradition of the
Austin Healey 3000," said John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation's Vice
President of Product Design. "Copperhead will fit comfortably into any sports
car enthusiast's garage -- and budget."
Dodge Copperhead is a Copper Fire Orange, front engine, rear-wheel-drive,
two-seat roadster convertible. While comparisons to the Dodge Viper are
inevitable, Copperhead strikes its own distinct image with its sleek
dimensions. Compared to its older sibling, the Dodge Viper (also introduced
as a show car six years ago), Copperhead is three inches narrower, eight
inches shorter, and has an extra 12 inches of wheelbase.
"Copperhead will be the sports car of choice for those enthusiasts who
like lithe, aerodynamic treatments combined with a low center of gravity,"
said K. Neil Walling, Chrysler Corporation's Design Director. "We designed
Copperhead to look fast by utilizing minimal overhang and pushing the wheels
way out to the front and rear corners. Copperhead offers another exciting
design proportion for the Dodge brand."
When conceiving the Copperhead, Chrysler designers incorporated
proportional lessons learned during the development of Plymouth Prowler,
proportions which emphasize a sports car ancestry and street rod heritage.
Designers achieved Copperhead's sleek dimensions by moving the front and rear
wheels to the limits of the vehicle's frame. The styling cue is enhanced with
cast aluminum wheels (18"x8"/front, 20"x9"/rear), making for an almost
serpentine vehicle profile. An air scoop grille, deep-set quad headlamps,
elongated hood with dual air scoops, drastically-sloped windshield and
scaled-down dorsal fin on the rear decklid contribute to the Copperhead's
sinuous feel.
Copperhead's interior is designed to complement the exterior and features
contoured bucket seats with an unconventional Deep Amethyst snakeskin-like
leather finish. The tachometer is placed at the centerline of the driver
while gauges, HVAC, radio/cassette controls are smartly placed in the center
stack. The center console features a gear shift and door lock/window
controls. When viewed in its entirety, the center console and instrument pod
has an uncanny likeness to the head of a copperhead snake.
Copperhead's performance is defined by an all-new, aluminum block,
high-output 2.7 liter four cam V-6 which churns out 220 horsepower. The
vehicle's powerplant is coupled with a close ratio, five-speed manual
transmission, which ensures the necessary power for immediate torque and
traction. Copperhead's significant footprint and wide tires (complete with
snakeskin tread) provide stability and precise handling.
A short-and-long arm (SLA) coil/shock front and rear suspension provides
comfort and handling. With a mere five inches of ground clearance, the
Copperhead provides sports car enthusiasts with what they crave most -- a true
feel for the machine and road combined.
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 167.0
Overall Width: 72.0
Overall Height: 49.7
Wheelbase: 110.0
Front Track: 60.0
Rear Track: 60.4
Wheels: Cast Aluminum
Front 18 x 8
Rear 20 x 9
Tires: Goodyear
Front P225/40 R 18
Rear P255/40 R 20
Engine: 2.7 Liter, V6
220 Horsepower (ACT)
Drivetrain: Five Speed Manual
Rear-Wheel Drive
Body: Two Door Roadster
All-Steel Unitized Construction
Suspension: Front SLA Coil Over Shock
Semi-Trailing "A" Arm
Brakes: ABS
Four Wheel Disc
Color: Exterior: Copper Fire Orange
Interior: Deep Amethyst with Vermillion
Red Accents
CONTACT: Bryan Zvibleman, 810-512-2686, or Tony Cervone, 810-512-2700, both of Chrysler