Friday, November 2, 2007

Chrysler Launches Production of New 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

Source: Autochannel (press release) (Original Article)

Chrysler Launches Production of New 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 at
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant

- 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 hand-built at the Conner Avenue Assembly
Plant
- Additional 90 horsepower on tap from all-new 600-horsepower
8.4-liter Viper SRT10 V-10 engine built at Conner Avenue Assembly

AUBURN HILLS - October 24, 2007: Chrysler LLC today announced the
manufacturing launch of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, which is being
built at the company’s Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

In a time when most manufacturing plants utilize 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-liter
SRT V-10 engine. Utilizing 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 tires,
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 Jetstar vehicle set up for such alignment …continue reading

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