Sidewinder
Show Truck

• Original year: 1999
• Company: Revell
• Scale: 1/25
• Designer: Chrysler Corporation

The Dodge Sidewinder is one of a long line of show stopping concept vehicles from Chrysler, another example of how Chrysler's designers are continually pushing the envelope in terms of style and performance. The Sidewinder is a radical mix of styling cues from production Dakota pickups and with street rod/sport truck design elements, all draped over a muscular Viper drive train. The Sidewinder made its debut at the 1996 SEMA show to rave reviews and made the rounds of all the major 1997 auto shows, but it's probably a little too radical to see life as a production vehicle.

Under the forward-tilting clamshell hood of the Sidewinder sits a hot-rodded Dodge Viper 8.0 liter V-10 engine producing 600-plus horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. Instead of the standard Viper six-speed, the Sidewinder features a four-speed automatic transmission for easy boulevard cruising. The front double-wishbone and rear five bar link suspension also come from the Viper parts bin, but features four wheel ABS with 15 inch disc brakes. Massive 21 inch front and 22 inch rear cast aluminum wheels are mounted on Goodyear tires with a wild hot rod flame tread pattern. The street rod styling themes continue into the interior, with oversized gauge pods and whimsical "whoa" and "go" brake and gas pedals.

Dave's comments:

A V-10 VIPER engine! There's a lot more to this little Dakota than meets the eye. Looks like a fine family car to me.