DODGE VIPER FOR 1999 -- EVEN MORE BITE

The Dodge Viper has been lauded as the ultimate American sports car since its debut in 1992. With 1999 model output to start late in 1998, the venomous Viper GTS Coupe and RT/10 Roadster receive a range of enhancements aimed at bringing both their appearance and road-biting ability to even higher levels.

New for 1999 on all Vipers is a larger wheel and high-performance tire combination to enhance cornering and stability without sacrificing other ride characteristics. Replacing the 17-inch wheels are 18-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot MXX3 speed-rated tires. Tire size is increased to P275/35ZR18 in the front and P335/30ZR18 in the rear. Aluminum wheels are painted, with polished rims optional.

Other changes for 1999 include reintroducing black to the existing choices of red and silver. On the GTS Coupe, wide dual silver stripes are offered with the red or black exterior, while the RT/10 is offered in red or black with no stripes. Silver comes with wide dual blue stripes on the GTS Coupe, with monotone silver offered on the RT/10.

Several interior enhancements have been made to both the Viper GTS Coupe and RT/10 Roadster for 1999, including power sideview mirrors, cloth-covered sun visors and a satin aluminum finish on several components including the gauge trim rings, parking brake handle and release button, shift lever shaft, gearshift knob and inside door release handles.

A new interior option offered on both Viper models for 1999 is a Cognac-colored Connolly^® leather accent package. The package includes Cognac trim panels and carpeting with Cognac Connolly leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob, parking brake boot and grip. This package is available on all Vipers with either black or silver monotone exterior colors, or black with silver stripes.

Since 1992, Dodge has sold more than 9,500 Vipers, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core. Currently, there are more than 1,700 members of the Viper Club of America and 27 Viper Clubs throughout the United States. Internationally, there are a total of six Viper Clubs in Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Germany.

"Viper continues as the ultimate American sports car and the performance icon of the Dodge brand," said Jim Julow, General Manager - Dodge Division. "Both the GTS Coupe and RT/10 remain true sports cars for true enthusiasts who demand the very highest level of pure performance."