Detroit Auto Show: Dodge Tomahawk: Breaking Boundaries at Full Throttle

    DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003; Life just got more extreme. Much more extreme.

    The Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle 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 nearly 400 miles per hour -- for
anyone who wants to test it.  The Tomahawk roared into public view at the
North American International Auto Show.

    "The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the
horns," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler Group.
"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 Dodge, the brand that continues to
drive its foot to the floor -- most recently with the all-new 2003 Viper,
Heavy Duty and Light Duty Rams and an SRT lineup dedicated to engineering the
most powerful production vehicles in their segments.

    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, 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 505 cu. in., 8300 cc aluminum 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 aluminum Viper V-10 engine
    Suspension:  Four-wheel independent suspension
    Horsepower/Torque:  500 hp/525 lb.-ft. of torque
    Estimated Top Speed:  Potentially more than 400 mph
    Style:  Single rider