In a time when most manufacturing plants utilise hundreds of state-of-the-art robots to assemble vehicles, a unique plant in Detroit is producing hand-built performance vehicles.

At the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, workers called “Craftspersons” hand-build the new Dodge Viper SRT10 and all-new 600-horsepower 8.4-litre SRT V-10 engine. Utilising 26 work stations on a 705-foot-long assembly line, 48 hand-picked UAW workers assemble each vehicle. Each vehicle remains stationary for up to 49 minutes per work area as the Craftspersons make any necessary adjustments. This process eliminates traditional repair stations with all procedures verified by Craftsperson team members.

Each Dodge Viper is primarily made of seven component modules (instrument panel, fuel tank, suspension corner modules, wheels and tyres, cooling module, lift gate assembly and full dressed engine). With the exception of the engine, all modules are shipped to the Conner facility from other locations. Stamping, casting and welding all take place off-site with body panels arriving already painted.

Normally performed only on race cars, an alignment machine sets caster and camber at normal ride height, at jounce and at rebound (upward and downward travel of suspension). Typical factory alignments set caster and camber in the normal ride height position only. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is the only U.S. production vehicle set up for such alignment at the factory.

“Our assembly process is just as exceptional as the car,” said Melissa Holobach, Plant Manager – Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights Vehicle Test Centre (SHVTC) and Pilot Operations. “The process of building these vehicles by hand has allowed us the freedom to produce race-inspired performance without the constraints of mass production,” Holobach said. “Our workforce is committed to producing the best vehicles possible and it shows in their commitment to detail.”

The all-new 600-horsepower 8.4-litre SRT V-10 engine is built next to the vehicle on a 24-station circular line by nine Craftspersons. These nine workers assemble and certify each engine before they are installed in the chassis.

Each Dodge Viper is tested in place on the assembly line utilising special rollers. At this stage the vehicle is a rolling chassis without its body panels. During this “roll test” it is driven through all six speeds of the transmission, up to 90 mph to verify vehicle function.

Since its introduction as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper has captured the hearts and imagination of enthusiasts around the world. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is offered in both Roadster and Coupe versions. With its dramatic styling and 600 horsepower, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is the ultimate American sports car.

“The 2008 Dodge Viper continues to be an icon for not only the Dodge brand but the Company,“ said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing. “Compared to our other manufacturing facilities, this is a very labour-intensive plant, but to build the Dodge Viper any other way wouldn't be right. This small craft shop allows us to produce a true American legend.”

The next chapter of Dodge Viper continues to set the definition of extreme, yet features greater levels of refinement and finish. The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: more horsepower, benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling.

While every SRT vehicle offers balanced overall performance, the heart and soul of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is its new powertrain. For 2008, SRT ups the ante with a new, 8.4-litre aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque.

With 600 horsepower – 90 more than before, and 0-to-60 mph performance in less than four seconds, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 sets a new benchmark for the ultimate American sports car.

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 will arrive in Dodge showrooms in North America with a new level of customisation options, including five new exterior colours, four new interior colour combinations and a new wheel design.

Street and Racing Technology
SRT manufactures Chrysler’s boldest, most distinctive products by single-mindedly following its core vision: Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility.