Tag Archives: Dakota

Third Generation Friend – Dodge Dakota R/T

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The original Dodge Dakota (Sioux for friend) was a mid size pickup truck, less than half ton, launched in 1987, an upgraded second generation was launched in 1991.

Dodge Dakota R/T, Yanks Picnic, Shakespeare, County, Raceway,

The third generation Dakota’s were launched in in 1997 drawing heavily on the big rig look of the full size Dodge Ram styling first seen in 1994.

Dodge Dakota R/T, Yanks Picnic, Shakespeare, County, Raceway,

In 1998 a sports orientated R/T version of the Dakota was announced with a 250hp 5.9 litre / 360 cui Magnum V8 which was coupled with a heavy duty 46RE 4 speed automatic transmission. Additional R/T goodies included performance axle, cast aluminum wheels, limited slip differential, sport suspension and steering, uprated brakes, performance exhaust, monotone paint and bucket seats in the cab.

Dodge Dakota R/T, Yanks Picnic, Shakespeare, County, Raceway,

In 2000, the year the vehicle seen here at Shakespeare County Raceway was built, the Dodge Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award coming in second. The 4th generation Ram Dakota was launched in 2009 and the model was subsequently completely discontinued in 2011.

Thanks for joining me on this “Third Generation Friend” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Lighter Stiffer Faster – Chrysler Viper Phase II RT/10

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The Dodge Viper was conceived as a modern Cobra by Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios in 1988 and realised by 85 “Team Viper” engineers hand picked by Chief Engineer Roy Sjoberg ready the first deliveries in 1992.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

The brutal aesthetics are matched by a few agricultural underpinnings including a pushrod operated 2 valve per cylinder motor originally designed for the Dodge Dakota Pick up as were the tie rod ends and parts of the front wheel hubs.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

For 1996 the RT/10, like the model seen here at Summer Classics Easter Compton, was revised which resulted in a lighter car with a stiffer chassis and more powerful motor.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

Viper engine blocks aluminium cast versions of the cast iron Dodge Dakota blocks, with the castings originally being done by Lamborghini a Chrysler subsidiary at the time. In Phase II RT/10 form seen here the V10 produced 415 hp from its 7,998 cc / 488 cui.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

The RT/10 is intended to be a garaged vehicle originally these cars are supplied with a roof, side screens and instructional video on how it all fitted together.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

Vipers exported to Europe like the example seen here are sold under the Chrysler brand, but do not appear to differ in any other way than their Dodge branded siblings for the US domestic market.

Dodge Viper RT/10, Summer Classics, Easter Compton

Capable of reaching a 119 mph in a quarter mile run and with a top speed of over 180 mph the Viper’s only week spot has been it’s brakes even after ABS became available in 2001.

Second generation Phase II Vipers were replaced by the third generation ZB series in 2003.

Thanks for joining me on this “Lighter Stiffer Faster” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me for Ferrari Friday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

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