The concept of crossing a Viper and Ram is not something most zoologist lose sleep over at night. In 2004, the team at Dodge decided it would be worth a try. The result was a 5,000 lb. six-speed manual Viper powered 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 sports truck.
Power
Harbored under the hood of the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 hissed the twenty-valve 8.3-liter V-10 engine from the Dodge Viper. Producing 500 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 525 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm, the Viper engine, transformed the short-bed regular-cab Ram truck into a powerhouse on the drag strip. The mass amounts of power were passed through a Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox, the same as in the Viper, to the rear-wheels.
Performance
The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was not designed for off-road use and had limited hauling capabilities. The SRT-10 was designed to move 5,000 pounds of truck from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible. Car and Driver reported that the Dodge Ram SRT-10 could cover zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and the standing quarter-mile could be completed in 13.6 seconds at 105 mph.
Fuel Economy
Moving a large truck as quickly as possible required a lot of fuel and the 8.3-liter V-10 engine was thirsty. It had received an Environmental Protection Agency estimated 9 mpg within the city and 14 mpg while traveling on the highway. Equipped with a 26 gallon fuel tank, the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 could only travel 234 miles in the city or 364 miles on the highway before more fuel was required.
Exterior
Successfully transferring 500 horsepower and 525 ft. lbs. of torque to the pavement required a large contact area. To assist with this feat Dodge equipped the 2004 SRT-10 with 305/40ZR22 Pirelli Scorpion tires, which translated into one foot wide tires on each side of the SRT-10. The 22 inch alloy wheels were mounted to a 120.5 inch wheel base and the Ram SRT-10 measured 203.1 inches long, 79.9 inches wide and 74.4 inches high.
Interior
Maximum seating was limited to three passengers within the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10. Once inside the passengers were greeted to a Dark Slate Gray interior that had 40.9 inches of head room, 65.1 inches of hip room, 67 inches of shoulder room and 41 inches of leg room.
History
Many industry commentators argued that the first sport-truck was the 1978 Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck. The Li'l Red was equipped with a 360 cubic-inch V-8 and was quicker than a '78 Corvette. Years later Ford and Chevrolet began producing their own sport-trucks. The Ford F-150 and Chevy 454SS were the go-fast trucks of their heir. The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 not only marked Dodges return to this segment, it was also the most powerful production pickup truck the world had ever seen.
Significance
The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was about making a statement, not being a utilitarian pickup truck. With its limited payload and towing capacity and non-existent off-road capabilities, the SRT-10 was meant for the smooth pavement. The Ram SRT-10 was like many rare, limited editions and exotic vehicles. It was deigned to illustrate what Dodge was capable of, bring attention to the brand and people into the showrooms. The experts agreed that there appeared to be no practical reason for the SRT-10. The Dodge Ram SRT-10 was a truck designed to be powerful and fast while evoking a drivers passion.
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