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1997 Dodge Copperhead
Dodge Copperhead Concept (1997) - Interior
Dodge Copperhead Concept (1997) - Interior sketch
Images: Dodge
If the Dodge Viper reinvented the Shelby Cobra, the Copperhead sought to resurrect the Austin Healey... so Dodge claimed. This 1997 design exercise served up a V6 2.7-litre 200bhp engine in a compact (by US standards) package. True to its name, Reptilian cues included faux snakeskin upholstery and tyres that left a snakeskin print in their wake. On test, the Copperhead reached 135mph and clocked 62mph in 6.5 seconds. Maybe it was just too venomous to market?
"If Dodge Viper is credited for re-inventing the Shelby Cobra, then Dodge Copperhead should be credited for re-inventing a car in the tradition of the Austin-Healey 3000," said John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation’s Vice President of Product Design. "Copperhead will fit comfortably into any sports car enthusiast’s garage — and budget."
"Copperhead will be the sports car of choice for those enthusiasts who like lithe, aerodynamic treatments combined with a low center of gravity," said K. Neil Walling, Chrysler Corporation’s Design Director. "We designed Copperhead to look fast by utilizing minimal overhang and pushing the wheels way out to the front and rear corners."
Родстер Dodge Copperhead (Мокасиновая змея) выполнен по мотивам автомобилей Jaguar и Austin Healey, гонявшихся на скоростных трассах Калифорнии в 50-х годах. Под капотом 6-цилиндровый двигатель мощностью 220 л. с., который приводит через механическую КПП задние колеса. Copperhead напоминает змею не только хищным обликом. Многие элементы интерьера обшиты натуральной кожей, выделанной под змеиную.
Source: Simon Hacker/MSN Cars; Wikipedia; М. КАДАКОВ - Газета «АВТОРЕВЮ», №1 (140) 1997
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