The new Dodge entered the Guinness World Record as the fastest pickup in the world. The distinctive merit is that it is a standard vehicle out of the factory.
In February 2004, a Dodge Ram departure from the line of the plant located in Saltillo (Mexico) without any mechanical or aerodynamic modification, obtained in two passes in opposite directions an average speed of 154,587 miles per hour, equivalent to 248.7 km/h, managing to displace the previous mark reached by a Ford SVT F-150 Lightning ( 237 km/h).
The record was certified by Guinness World Records at SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). The van was driven by Brendan Gaughan, a Dodge driver in the NASCAR serial pickup category.
The development was carried out by the PVO (Performance Vehicle Operations) team equivalent to the AMG division of Mercedes. The PVO is also responsible for the Vipers running at Le Mans and the Dodge developments for NASCAR.
Chrysler Vice President of Design Trevor Creed explained that they spent months working in the wind tunnel and the result of the studies is seen on the deflector in front and on the small wing on the back.
The most obvious change outside of the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 is in the bulky hood and grille size, plus the “Viper Powered” badge on either side of the raised central area of the hood with air intakes.
The reduced distance from the ground is also highlighted. The new Ram will only be available in black, red and silver colours. The 22-inch wheels are the largest used by a production pickup.
There are even more details that resemble a sporty, such as the aluminum fuel tank cap, brake jaws between the spokes of the rims and the double exhaust outlets.
And after the success of the SRT-10 came the following question: can not you do the same but more practical for the common user who needs four seats and load capacity? The answer is yes. The Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab is a truck with good load capacity and four seats that does not resign to lose a horse...
It incorporates an automatic 4-speed 48RE gearbox specially adapted from a diesel engine suitable to withstand very high torque levels. The specially calibrated transmission for this Quad Cab has a two-span bar to ensure efficiency and durability.
The load drag capacity is impressive, over 3400 kg. Inside there is also a racing car feel, with a power button like the Dodge Viper, racing inspired seats and a leather and carbon fiber steering wheel.
6-speed manual gearbox with Hurst mechanism
0 to 100 km/h: 5.2 s
Case length: 1896 mm
Weight: 2268 kg
© Adrián Blanco 2004 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —