The Dodge Ram SRT-10 is a sport pickup truck produced by American automaker Dodge in limited numbers. It 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 (430 mm) Viper GTS wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich 275/60-HR17 Comp T/A HR4 tires.
Dodge Ram SRT-10 engineThe SRT-10 features an 8.3 Liter Viper V10. [1] This engine produces 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. The regular cab, with a total curb weight of 5,130 lb (2,330 kg), reaches a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h), and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, whereas the Quad Cab, weighing 5,618 lb (2,548 kg), does 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 147 mph (237 km/h). The regular cab can complete the 1⁄4 mi (400 m) in 12.8 seconds at 108 mph (174 km/h), the Quad Cab in 13.2 seconds at 106 mph (171 km/h). The engine produces one horsepower for every 10.3 lbs of vehicle weight. The regular cab generates .86 g of grip on a 300 ft (91 m) skidpad, while the Quad Cab pulls .83 g.
Drivetrain
The V10 Viper engine delivers 90 percent of its torque from 1500 to 6600 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 second-generation Viper engine. 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. Both regular cab and quad cab utilize a Dana 60 rear axle.
Tremec T56
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 4.10:1 (2004); 4.56:1 (2005-06)
48RE
Gear 1 2 3 4 Final Drive
Ratio 2.45:1 1.45:1 1:1 0.69:1 4.56:1
Suspension
PVO engineers modified the Ram Heavy Duty's rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension for use in the Ram SRT-10. A fully hydroformed Dodge Ram frame, one of the stiffest in the industry[citation needed], 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-10's higher speed performance.
Exterior
The Ram SRT-10 has 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 indicate the SRT-10 engine 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 all 2006 models, but due to manufacturing problems was not installed on nearly half of the Ram SRT-10s intended. To help remedy this situation, Dodge added a $1000 credit and a regular spoiler to the Ram SRT-10s 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 6.5 feet (2 m), giving the regular cab an overall length of 17 ft 7 in (5.36 m), and 19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) overall length for the Quad Cab. The Ram SRT-10 also has a lower ride height than regular Ram trucks.
Interior
The stock stereo system of the Dodge Ram SRT-10 consists of 8 Infinity brand speakers. It also comes with a leather trimmed steering wheel and with heavily bolstered racing-derived suede-trimmed black leather seats. 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-10 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 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 recalibrated to match the Ram SRT-10's increased performance.
Colors
Excluding the special editions, the 2004-2005 Ram SRT-10 came in three colors: Brilliant Black, Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, and Flame Red Clear Coat. The redesigned 2006 Ram SRT-10 came in Mineral Gray Metallic, Inferno Red, and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.
Wheels
The stock 22-inch (560 mm) rims and Pirelli Scorpion P305/40R22 performance tires give 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-10. The standard ABS-equipped brakes are fitted with 15-inch (380 mm) rotors in front and 14-inch (360 mm) rotors out back. Each of the large rotors feature unique red calipers. 2004 models used two-piston sliding brake calipers front and rear; these were replaced with larger four-piston mono-block calipers up front in 2005-06. Two Nascar-inspired brake cooling ducts integrated into the front fascia provide plenty of cooling for the Ram SRT-10's brakes.
Quad Cab
Following the success of the Ram SRT-10 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-10 Quad Cab was fitted with a 4.56 final-drive gear ratio to improve low-end acceleration and was rated at 7,500-pound (3,400 kg) towing capacity. A body-color aluminum tonneau cover with an aerodynamic spoiler came standard on the Quad Cab. The Quad Cab was only offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 48RE borrowed from the Ram Heavy Duty.
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. Its paint scheme was white rally stripes on Electric Blue. Engine was also signed by Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group's former Chief Operating Officer.
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 badges 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 (560 mm) wheels, black chrome grill inserts, unique Night Runner badges, 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 was produced November 11, 2003. Ram SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006.[citation needed]
In the wake of severe market under-performance, production of the SRT-10 was halted by Daimler Chrysler far in advance of its original schedule.[citation needed] It is generally assumed[weasel words] 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.[2] According to the window sticker, the mpg on the Ram SRT-10 is 9 city and 12 highway. The total production for the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was 3,057. For 2005, the total production was 4,097 and the 2006 total production was 2,373.[citation needed] Due to the short 3 year lifespan of this truck, just 9,527 Dodge Ram SRT-10s were manufactured.
World record
February 2004 World RecordIn 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 (248.784 km/h). That record was then surpassed by the Australian HSV Maloo with a speed of 168.668 mph (271.445 km/h),[4] however the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is still the fastest truck sold in America today