Dodge Viper Owners First in Line for New 2003 Model

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 10 -- Viper owners, Dodge loves ya.

And to show its appreciation, Dodge will give its current Viper owners the red carpet treatment by offering them the first shot at the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible when it goes on sale in Fall 2002.

Dodge announced today a ``customer-driven distribution plan'' for sales of what company officials expect will be one of the most collectible, sought- after vehicles in the company's history.

``When we began selling the Dodge Viper GTS Coupe in 1996, we gave our RT/10 owners the first opportunity to purchase the new car,'' said Jim Julow, Vice President - Dodge Global Brand Center. ``These enthusiasts have stuck with the company through thick and thin, and serve as ambassadors for the Dodge brand. It's a small token of our appreciation that we can offer an opportunity that we expect will be very popular among the loyal Viper owner body.''

The new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible is expected to begin arriving in dealerships late in 2002, but owners will need to move fast if they intend to buy the ultimate American sports car.

Current Viper owners who purchased their cars new may make advance reservations to order the all-new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. Owners with confirmed reservations will then have the option of placing early orders for the first year's production of the new convertible, which is expected to be in short supply.

Advance reservations are no guarantee of vehicle availability, and will be offered to qualified potential buyers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dodge Viper Headquarters will take registrations from Dec. 10 to Jan. 10 from eligible customers who have purchased a new Viper before Nov. 15, 2001, and still own their car.

Reservations are being accepted at www.viperclub.org and www.2003vgx.com , as well as at the Viper Headquarters hotline, 877-468-6864 (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. ET).

Following ownership verification, Viper headquarters will send a non- transferable numbered reservation certificate to the owner. Those owners with reservations will then have until February 28, 2002 to see their Dodge Viper dealer with the registration certificate, place a valid deposit on the order and confirm intent to purchase the car. Reservations expire after Feb. 28.

Other interested customers may be able to place their orders following the Feb. 28 cutoff if production capacity is not filled by current owner orders.

Since 1992, Dodge has sold more than 14,000 Vipers, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core. Currently, there are more than 3,600 members of the Viper Club of America affiliated with 40 Viper chapters throughout the world, 33 of which are in the United States.

The 2003 Viper SRT-10 will be the only car in the world with a 500/500/500 performance blend. The 505 cubic inch, 500 horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. of torque engine, coupled to a six-speed gearbox, 19-inch tires and wheels and a race- bred suspension will make the Dodge Viper one of the most powerful production cars ever made.