Source: Dodge

6 January 2003


TOMAHAWK: BREAKING BOUNDARIES AT FULL THROTTLE


Life just got more extreme. Much more extreme.


The Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle, revealed by the Chrysler Group at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, shatters all the barriers of conventional thinking about personal transportation. This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is a sleek, rolling sculpture that combines art-deco styling with extreme engineering.


The 500-horsepower Viper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels gives this radical vehicle a potential top speed of 420 miles per hour - for anyone who wants to test it.


"The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the horns," said British-born Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler Group, as the Tomahawk roared into view. "In the case of Tomahawk, grabbing and holding onto anything for dear life is a necessity. It's just that extreme and passionate; a glimpse into the soul and commitment of true enthusiasts."


Initial reaction to the concept vehicle typically comes in two words: "Wow!" and "why?"


The "wow" is easy to understand from Chrysler Group, with a brand like Dodge that continues to drive its foot to the floor - most recently with the all-new 2003 Viper sports car - dedicated to engineering the most powerful production vehicles.


But "why" would a company, famous for its innovative car and truck designs, go down this particular path?


"Tomahawk is an icon of the extreme thinking for a brand that is known not only for the legendary Viper and Ram truck, but also for all new, innovative vehicles such as the Magnum SRT-8 and Durango concepts," said Creed.


That extreme thinking produced a machine in the true tradition of power-junkie passion, powered by a 8300 cc (505 cu.in.) aluminium Viper V-10 engine.


"This is a bold faced slap against mediocrity," Creed said. "Tomahawk is a scintillating example of what creative minds can do when given the opportunity to run free. It is a pure mechanical sculpture and a joyous celebration of the artistry and emotion of design."


The Dodge Tomahawk is a Chrysler Group design concept that is as much a Viper-powered work of art as it is a whole new type of vehicle invention. It is both a sculpture that can be ridden, as well as a bold statement about the Chrysler Group's enthusiast culture and passion for design.


"Tomahawk moves design concept introductions and the concept car game to a whole new level - as only Dodge and the Chrysler Group can," said Creed.


Dodge Tomahawk Concept Preliminary Specifications:


Engine: 505 cu. in./8300 cc aluminium Viper V-10 engine


Suspension: Four-wheel independent suspension


Horsepower/Torque: 500 hp/525 lb.ft. of torque


Estimated Top Speed: Potentially 420 mph


Style: Single rider