Dodge is set to release a brand new, completely outrageous Halo car, and it won't be named the Viper.
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Tim Kuniskis, known as the Father of Hellcats, is making a return, and he’s just beginning. On Thursday, during Stellantis's announcement of its revitalization plans, Kuniskis, who is the head of American brands (including SRT) and CEO of Ram, had a surprise reveal for reporters: the Dodge Copperhead SRT. It’s being referred to as a “hyper muscle car” to fill a “white space,” per Kuniskis.
This is the previously unseen Charger-like SRT vehicle that was part of Dodge’s planned future lineup. The mystery is now solved.
Kuniskis humorously remarked that the paint wasn’t even dry on the car, which appeared to be a 3D-printed model, and kindly requested that attendees refrain from touching it. Clearly based on the Charger, the Copperhead features a shark-nosed front end, an enormous wing reminiscent of a Viper ACR, a sizable front splitter, front fender vents, and a ducktail spoiler. Two prominent oval exhaust tips are prominently positioned lower and centered at the rear. The taillights are horizontal and angled toward the back as if pinched. The rear glass includes vents on both sides, similar to those on the C8 Corvette, although this is not a mid-engine vehicle.
The mirrors are circular and reminiscent of the Viper. The door lines, roof line, and curved sides all rise toward the rear haunches, very much like the Copperhead concept presented at the 1997 Detroit auto show.
Picture the stance and door lines of the 1997 Copperhead concept combined with a Viper-like rear and the Charger design team embracing a “go wild” philosophy. That’s the mental image to conjure for the new Copperhead.
What powers it is anyone's speculation. However, the exhaust tips suggest it will produce loud noises and small explosions. A hood scoop draws in air, while side vents allow heat to escape from the engine compartment. A front aerodynamic wing is present, akin to the one on the electric Charger, which is noteworthy considering this appears to be a gas-powered vehicle.
There’s no information on when the Copperhead will be released or its price, but all elements laid out in today’s turnaround plan are expected to arrive by 2030. This seems promising.
Kuniskis noted that sometimes it’s not about asking for the price or fuel economy. It appears that’s the intention with the Copperhead. Dodge is introducing a halo vehicle, and it won’t carry a Viper badge.
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Dodge is set to release a brand new, completely outrageous Halo car, and it won't be named the Viper.
The Copperhead SRT was recently hinted at to the media as a "hyper muscle car" — without any images or pricing details, but it certainly carries a lot of Viper DNA.