Dodge Copperhead
Encyclopedia
The Dodge Copperhead, also known as the Dodge Concept Car and Dodge Concept Vehicle, was a concept car
created by Dodge
as a slimmed-down version of the Dodge Viper
for buyers who couldn't afford the Viper's $75,000 cost.
unofficially renamed the car, with it being referred to as the 'Concept Vehicle' instead of 'Copperhead' in modern press kits, and on scale toys and merchandise. This made press kits or items with the Copperhead name collectibles.
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
created by Dodge
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
as a slimmed-down version of the Dodge Viper
Dodge Viper
The first prototype was tested in January 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers, and went on sale in January...
for buyers who couldn't afford the Viper's $75,000 cost.
Overview
The Dodge Copperhead was unveiled in 1998. Many reviewers were impressed with its aerodynamic, yet rugged, styling and the fact that its sale price would be about $30,000 USD ($45,000 less than the Viper). The Copperhead, unlike the Viper, was made more for handling and driving pleasure, while the Viper was made more for raw power. The Copperhead had excellent handling due to its low, wide stance. Dodge engineered the Copperhead to make the driver feel the road and the pavement, and this was done by stretching the wheels to the end of the frame, adding 5" of ground clearance and a stiff suspension, making this car marketed more towards enthusiasts. The Dodge concept was due to be released in 2000.Name controversy
After the unveiling of the Copperhead, Dodge got complaints from another company that had the copyrights to the Copperhead name and as a result, Dodge could not use it. To avoid lawsuits, DaimlerChryslerDaimlerChrysler
Daimler AG is a German car corporation. By unit sales, it is the thirteenth-largest car manufacturer and second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. In addition to automobiles, Daimler manufactures buses and provides financial services through its Daimler Financial Services arm...
unofficially renamed the car, with it being referred to as the 'Concept Vehicle' instead of 'Copperhead' in modern press kits, and on scale toys and merchandise. This made press kits or items with the Copperhead name collectibles.