Dodge Ram SRT-10
| Dodge Ram SRT-10 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Production | 2004-2006 |
| Assembly | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport pickup truck |
| Body style | Pickup truck |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Chrysler DR/DH/D1 platform |
| Related | Dodge Ram |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 8.3L 500 hp V10 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Regular: Template:Auto in Quad: Template:Auto in |
| Length | Regular: Template:Auto in Quad: Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Regular: Template:Auto in Quad: Template:Auto in |
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 was introduced at the January 2002 North American International Auto Show, but was not put into production until 2004. Unlike the previous Ram Trucks, the SRT-10 was built solely for the purpose of speed.
Development
The Dodge Ram SRT was created by DaimlerChrysler's PVO (Performance Vehicle Operations) division, using Dodge Viper and Chrysler Prowler engineers. Extensive wind tunnel testing was used in styling the exterior of the Ram SRT. This is the second time that Dodge has put a Viper engine into a Ram pickup. At the 1996 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge introduced a concept Dodge Ram with a Viper Generation 2 engine, but it was not put into production. The Dodge Ram VTS was painted Banzai Blue with dual white skunk stripes, housed a 488 cid. V10, a six-speed Borg-Warner manual gearbox, and 17 inch Viper GTS wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich 275/60-HR17 Comp T/A HR4 tires. Revell made a 1/25th plastic scale model of the Dodge Ram VTS.
Overview
The main attraction of the SRT-10 is its engine, which is an 8.3 Liter V10 Viper Engine. This engine produces 500 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 525 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The regular cab, with a total wet weight of 5100 lb, making the truck reach a top speed of 155 mph, and can accelerate the regular cab SRT-10 from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and the Quad Cab version in 4.9 seconds
Drivetrain
The V10 Viper engine, resting on unique engine mounts, delivers 90 percent of its 525 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500 to 5600 rpm. The cast aluminum cylinder block has cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main caps. The bore and stroke have been increased over previous Viper models. Compression ratio, firing order, rod length, block height and block length are unchanged from the generation three Dodge Viper engine setup. The regular cab features a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, while the Quad cab utilizes a 48RE four-speed automatic transmission modified from the Ram Heavy Duty transmission.
| Gear | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Final Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 2.66:1 | 1.78:1 | 1.31:1 | 1:1 | 0.74:1 | 0.5:1 | 4.11:1 |
Suspension
PVO engineers modified the Ram Heavy Duty's rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension for use in the Ram SRT. A fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in the industry, was used in conjunction with a custom tuned suspension, bringing the Ram SRT-10's ride height one inch lower in the front and two inches lower in the rear. Bilstein shock absorbers, performance-tuned springs and unique aerodynamic aids were used to enhance the Ram SRT's higher speed performance.
Exterior
One of the most noticeable exterior feature of the Ram SRT is a unique hood that features a wide power bulge and hood scoop. The hood scoop allows cool air to enter as well as forcing hot air to exit from the engine bay, thus helping the engine to develop more power as well as making the engine run cooler. "Viper Powered" badges were added to the sides of the power bulge, to hint at the monster engine lurking under the hood. Another exterior feature is a tonneau cover with an attached spoiler that was supposed to come standard on the 2005 Quad cab version and the 2006 models, but due to manufacturing problems, the tonneau cover was not installed on nearly half of the Ram SRTs intended. To help remedy this situation, Dodge added a $1000 credit and a regular spoiler to the Ram SRTs that did not receive the tonneau cover. In addition to style, the spoiler also helps with air flow and provides a reduction in lift and drag. The Ram SRT-10 has a bed size of 6 feet, making the regular cab's overall length 17 ft 7 in, and a 19 ft 2 in overall length for the Quad Cab. The Ram SRT also has a lower ride height than regular Ram trucks.
Interior
The stock stereo system of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is generous, consisting of 8 Infinity brand speakers and subwoofers pumping out a combined 505 watts of sound. It also comes with a carbon-fiber trimmed steering wheel and with heavily bolstered racing-derived suede-trimmed black leather seats for the comfort of riders. The center stack is adorned by silver trim and a silver trim strip, with the SRT-10 logo, resides on the passenger-side air bag. Taking a cue from the Dodge Viper, the Ram SRT comes with a red start button on the dash. The manual transmission regular cab comes with a Hurst shift lever, which sprouts from a silver metal shift bezel and is fitted with a Viper-style shift knob. Aluminum performance-inspired pedals replace the stock setup. The gauge cluster features satin silver-faced gauges and Viper font and graphics. The speedometer and tachometer were appropriately recalibrated to go with the Ram SRT's extreme performance.
Colors
Excluding the special editions, the 2004-2005 Ram SRT-10 comes in three colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, and Flame Red Clear Coat. The newly redesigned 2006 Ram SRT-10 comes in Mineral Gray Metallic, Inferno Red, and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.
Wheels
The stock 22 inch rims and Pirelli Scorpion P305/40R22 performance tires gives the SRT-10 the grip that helps it achieve record breaking speed. The brakes were modified from the Ram Heavy Duty truck for use in the Ram SRT line. The standard ABS-equipped brakes are fitted with 15-inch rotors on the front and 14-inch rotors for the back. Each of the large rotors feature unique red calipers. Two Nascar-inspired brake cooling ducts integrated into the front fascia, provide plenty of cooling for the Ram SRT's brakes.
Quad Cab
Following the success of the Ram SRT regular cab, Dodge decided to introduce a Quad cab version starting in the 2005 model year. The new Quad cab was aimed at the performance truck enthusiast who wanted a performance pickup, but not at the expense of room for the family and towing capacity. The Dodge Ram SRT Quad cab was fitted with a 4.56 gear ratio to improve low-end acceleration and to provide a 7,500 pound towing capacity. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover with an aerodynamic spoiler comes standard on the Quad cab. Unfortunately they only offer the Quad Cab in a 4-speed Automatic which seems to be the main reason why their re-sale value has dropped more than the Regular cab.
Special Editions
Dodge released several limited editions of the Ram SRT alongside the standard regular cab and Quad cab versions.
- VCA Edition - 50 produced. Released at the 2004 Daytona Motor Speedway Race in February. Consisted of Electric Blue Paint Job and White Ralley Stripes. Engine was also Sighned by Wolfgang Behrnard.
- Yellow Fever - 500 produced, painted in Solar Yellow exterior paint and black "fanged" stripe on top of hood, comes with two-tone interior which features a yellow center stack bezel, yellow door spears, yellow stitching on steering wheel, seats and Regular Cab manual transmission shifter and yellow embroidering on the SRT-10 floor mats. Also comes with special Yellow Fever Edition badging and a serialized Yellow Fever dash plaque.
- Commemorative Edition - in 2005 - 200 produced, features Bright White exterior paint with Electric Blue stripes. Interior enhancements include blue stitching on the seats, shift boot, shift knob and steering wheel. Floor mats are embroidered in matching stitching with the SRT-10 logo. In addition, the Commemorative Edition includes standard polished wheels, brushed aluminum scuff plates, and hard tonneau cover.
- Night Runner - 400 produced, painted in Brilliant Black exterior paint, comes with Dark Nickel Pearl finish 22-inch wheels, black chrome grill inserts, unique Night Runner Badging, a black center stack and center console bezel overlay, and a serialized Night Runner dash plaque. Only available as a 2006 regular cab or 2006 Quad cab.
End of Production
The first SRT-10 rolled off the assembly line and onto showroom floors January 2004. Ram SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006. It is rumored that the SRT-10 might be replaced by a Ram SRT-8 model featuring a larger displacement Hemi-powered V8. Final production numbers are not yet available.
In the wake of severe market underperformance, production of the SRT-10 was halted by DaimlerChrysler far in advance of its original schedule. It is generally assumed that the reason the trucks sold so poorly was low consumer demand for vehicles with poor gas mileage in an environment of rising gas prices: [1] According to the window sticker, the mpg on the Ram SRT-10 is 9 city and 12 highway. As of August 8, 2006, it was common for new SRT-10s to be selling from a dealer's lot for as little as $28,000 . Through 2005, around 4,500 Ram SRT-10s have been sold.[2]
The total production for the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was 3,057. For 2005, the total production was 4,027. The 2006 production numbers are unavailable at this time. Due to the short 3 year lifespan of this great truck, less than 6,500 Dodge Ram SRT-10s were manufactured. Compared to the 35,000 Ford Lightnings, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is truly a limited edition truck.
| 2004 Color Breakdown | Regular Cab |
|---|---|
| Black | 1269 |
| Red | 1040 |
| Silver | 698 |
| VCA Edition | 50 |
| Total | 3057 |
| 2005 Color Breakdown | Regular Cab | Quad Cab |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 471 | 1136 |
| Red | 453 | 777 |
| Silver | 280 | 280 |
| White (CE) | 163 | 0 |
| Yellow | 195 | 272 |
| Total | 1562 | 2465 |
Popular Culture
In February 2004, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 set both the Guinness World Record and Sports Car Club of America's record for the world's fastest production truck[3] with an average speed of 154.587 mph. However this record has since been broken by the Australian Holden Special Vehicles LS2 6.0 litre V8 Maloo R8 Ute setting the new speed at 271.44 km/h (168.7 mph).
In the Transformers Alternators line, Optimus Prime's vehicle mode is a red regular cab SRT-10. The mold was also used to create Alternators Nemesis Prime, an "evil" version of Prime. Nemesis featured a black vehicle mode with red tinted headlights and windshield, and was an exclusive created for San Diego Comic-Con.