More than a decade after the original Roadster concept was unveiled and seven years after the debut of the Coupe concept, the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit again rattles with excitement. DaimlerChrysler today took the wraps off a street-legal, Le Mans endurance race-inspired concept car, the Dodge Viper GTSR.

"The current Viper GTS-R was created in 1996 in response to numerous customer requests for an all-out racing version of the GTS Coupe," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President Product Development and Design. "Each limited edition Viper GTS-R is designed and built as a true competition car. So what if we were to perfect this racer for the street? The answer is the Viper GTSR concept."

The Dodge Viper GTSR concept keeps the spaceframe, aluminium suspension, 488 cubic inch (8-litre) aluminium V10 engine and high-performance six-speed manual gearbox now used in the current Viper, which is the undisputed ultimate American sports car. Like the race version, the engine now is dry-sumped and delivers 500 bhp, up 50 from the standard Viper GTS engine. Its torque is increased to 500 lb ft. Viper GTSR's one-piece carbon fibre body in Enhanced Viper Red and interior are redesigned from the ground up – literally.

"The chassis on the Viper GTSR is two inches lower to the ground," said Osamu Shikado, Design Manager responsible for the concept's exterior. "We also took an inch-and-a-half out between the sill and the roof, making this concept a significant three-and-a-half inches lower than the current GTS Coupe. Meanwhile, we added three inches to the wheelbase and two inches to the track, creating impressive proportions."

The Dodge Viper GTSR concept stays true to Viper's bold, muscular appearance but adds a contemporary and precise execution. The exterior design underscores the vehicle's power. Crisp lines introduce the concept to a longitudinal design, compared to the sumptuously rounded lines of the current version. Every detail is redesigned for maximum race-inspired functionality.

Air management is dramatically improved. A lower bonnet incorporates a larger grille opening – boasting an even bolder version of the Dodge-signature cross-hair design – and adds integrated engine louvres and a bigger NACA intake duct. Brake cooling openings are prominent in the front fascia and rear bumpers. An electronically adjustable front wind-splitter, large rear air diffuser and massive rear hoop spoiler with cockpit-controlled wing enhance the Viper GTSR's down force.

Says Shikado: "We gave the body a strong profile with higher belt line, dramatic side gill, 'bump-up' rear bumper shape and a more defined side crease. Seen from above, the race-inspired front-to-rear stripe now is tapered for a more dynamic appearance. Both front and rear light units and the driving lights are reminiscent of snake eyes. Light output is dramatically improved, just in case the concept needs to participate in an endurance race."

While the rear wheels were moved three inches backwards, the A-pillar was positioned three inches forwards. This allowed for larger doors and better ingress and egress. In making the Dodge Viper GTSR a more street-ready touring car, its interior offers the driver and passenger a purposefully sophisticated atmosphere with driver-focused instrument panel.

"The toggle switches, vertically stacked custom engine gauges and instrument lay-out with centred tachometer come straight from the track," said Ralph Gilles, the concept's interior Design Manager. "Extensive use of clear-coated raw carbon fibre reinforces the concept's race background. But the GTSR is more attuned to road use with all the expected amenities – including a high-end stereo, air conditioning and adjustable pedals – and black leather surfaces where it matters."

The centre stack of the instrument panel is a solid piece of aluminium with exposed fasteners housing the engine gauges, toggle switches, the concealed stereo and throttle body-style air vents. Said Gilles: "The driver should be aware of the Viper GTSR's awesome performance at all times, even in a traffic jam. Those tongue-in-cheek throttle vents play off its raw power."

The Dodge Viper GTSR concept vehicle is not only a show stopper, it is road ready. The vehicle is expected to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.75 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds and break the 200 mph barrier. Fourteen-inch ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers all-around and nineteen-inch wheels with P285/30 ZR Goodyear front tyres and twenty-inch rear wheels with P335/30 ZR tyres result in an even more impressive figure: 0-100-0 mph in 13.2 seconds.

"When we entered GT racing with the Viper GTS-R in 1996, we were instantly successful, defying all criticism," added Gale. "We have dominated the FIA GT2-Championship since 1997, causing our competitors to step up their efforts. Obviously we won't rest on our laurels, and the Dodge Viper GTSR concept shows the potential we have."

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