This Outlandish and rather spartan two-seater roadster appeared at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show. Not only did it proclaim a no-frills, back to basics approach, it also reaffirmed a corporate commitment to the large front engine/rear driver concept. The power unit in question was an 8 litre, cast-iron, V10 pushrod unit, intende to power a new range of Chrysler trucks and sports utilities. This was mounted in a robust tubular-steel chassis with all-independent suspension.
These unconventional mechanicals were concealed beneath an equally unusually styled steel body with fibreglass extremities, utterly distinctive, yet recalling Ferrari and Jaguar styling cues. Another visual ingriedient came from the Anglo/American AC Cobra. Carroll Shelby, its creator, was recruited by Chrysler to provide invaluable input to the development of this concept. The Viper name underlined this relationship. |
