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This is my favorite car. Its just its looks that set it off for me. Also the performance figures are excellent too. |
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The new concept and the original both share the mystique of the GT40 name, they share not a single dimension. The concept
is more than a foot and a half longer and stands nearly four inches taller. Its new lines draw upon and refine the best features
of GT40 history and express the car's identity through modern proportion and surface development.
The GT40 concept casts the familiar, sleek silhouette of its namesake, yet every dimension, every curve and every line on
the car is a unique reinterpretation of the original. The GT40 features a long front overhang reminiscent of 1960s-era racecars.
But its sweeping cowl, subtle accent lines and fiber-optic headlamps strike a distinctly contemporary pose.
The front fenders curve over 18-inch wheels and Goodyear white-lettered tires. In the tradition of championship racers, the
doors cut into the roof. Prominent on the leading edge of the rear quarter panel are functional cooling scoops that channel
fresh air to the engine. The rear wheel wells, filled with 19-inch Goodyear tires, define the rear of the car, while the accent
line from the front cowl rejoins and finishes the car's profile at the integrated "ducktail" spoiler.
The interior design incorporates the novel "ventilated seats" and instrument layout of the original car, with straightforward
analog gauges and large tachometer. Modern versions of the original car's toggle switches operate key systems.
"Like its namesake, the GT40 concept is not over-wrought with advanced technologies," Mays says. "While it represents the
best of Ford design, engineering and expertise, it is a no-frills machine. You won't find voice-activated telematics here
- not even power windows - just pure, refined performance."
Looking in through the backlight, one finds the essence of the sports car in the MOD 5.4-liter V-8 engine and its complex
array of polished stainless-steel header pipes, braided stainless steel fuel lines with anodized aluminum fittings and supercharger
with intercooler.
"The GT40 concept should do three things: go fast, handle exceptionally and look great," says Chris Theodore, Ford's vice
president of North America Product Development. "To be true to its Ford heritage, we had to create a supercar that would be
uniquely a Ford. Anyone can do technology showpieces, high-displacement engines and modernistic designs, but there's much
more to a GT40. There's heritage and heart. We think this car remains true to the spirit of its predecessors."
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The Dodge Viper, all time American number one supercar, and I don't blame them either. But the new dodge is here, will it
prove as popular as its predecessor? I think it will. To make sure the Viper is as venomous as ever, the roadster will feature
a V10 engine with 500 horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. of torque, and 500 cubic inches (8.3-litre) displacement. The only transmission
available to handle the more potent power plant is a six-speed manual with overdrive. While performance numbers have not yet
been given, expect a 0-60 mph time below 4.0-seconds and a top speed of over 190mph! The 2003 Dodge Viper will still thrill
the enthusiast. They will just have to get used to being a little more comfortable. Some things are better the second time
around.
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There must have been some kind of mad scientist at the Chrysler Group thinking about breeding a Dodge Viper with a standard-issue
Dodge Ram. What kind of crackpot would think of such a thing? Take a totally redesigned 2002 short-wheelbase Ram pickup, add
the Viper's 8.3-litre V10 engine, and tack on some sporty ground affects and wheels. Then, top it all off with sticky tires,
an upgraded suspension, and a menacing hood. There you have it - the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10.
Those of you not intimately knowledgeable of the Viper's specifications need to understand what this means. Dodge is going
to build a truck that will put 500 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual transmission and two rear
wheels. Zero to sixty miles-per-hour can be scorched in 5.0 seconds on to a top speed of 150 mph. 24-inch wheels help to achieve
0.92 g's on the skidpad. A Chevrolet Camaro SS would have a hard time matching that. Heck, a new Corvette isn't much faster.
Four-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock will help rein in all of the Ram's ponies.
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