Muscle or Missile? |WILD FILE

If Yamaha's 130-hp V-Max is considered a Power Cruiser, then we imagine that makes Dodge's 500-hp Tomahawk Concept Vehicle a Megapower-Ultra-Holy-Cow-Cruiser. Dodge unveiled the Tomahawk--a Concept Vehicle at this stage--at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, drawing oohs and ahhhs from the four-and-two wheeled faithful alike.

Powered by the monstrous V-10, 8277cc motor from the asphalt-shredding Viper, the 1500-pound Tomahawk is claimed to put down a mind-numbing 500 hp, with 525 ft/lbs. of torque on tap. This ungodly amount of power is transferred to the ground via four wheels, which are separated by a few inches to give off a motorcycle-like appearance. Dodge boss Wolfgang Bernhard claims two wheels couldn't deal with massive power delivery, thus the hybrid design. Each wheel, however, has independent suspension.

Okay, so how fast is it? Dodge claims a 400-mph top speed, but no plans have been announced to verify that number. "The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the horns," says Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President in charge of Design. "In the case of Tomahawk, grabbing and holding onto anything for dear life is a necessity." No kidding.

Now for the bad news. Factory officials are undecided as to whether the Tomahawk will ever be built for sale. Even if it did, production would be limited to several hundred example and priced around $250,000. Listen closely and you can hear Jay Leno clearing a Tomahawk-sized space in his garage.

So what's it like to ride? Pick up a copy of the April 2003 issue of Motorcyclist for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes development story, as well as a first-ride impression.

Dodge Tomahawk Specifications

Engine: 8.3-LITER, OHV, 20-Valve SMPI V-10
Type and Description: 10-cylinder 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 505 cubic inches (8277 cc)
Construction: 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads
Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6)
Valve System: Two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder with roller-type hydraulic lifters
Fuel Injection: Sequential, multi-port electronic with individual runners
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Power (SAE net): 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 5600 rpm (60.4 bhp/liter) Torque (SAE net): 525 lb.-ft. (712 Nom) @ 4200 rpm
Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm
Fuel Requirement: Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M/2)
Oil System: Dry Sump
Oil Capacity: 8 qts. Mobil1 10W30 Synthetic
Cooling System: Twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fan
Coolant Capacity: 11 qts.
Exhaust System: Equal-length tubular stainless steel headers with dual collectors and central rear outlets

** PERFORMANCE:**
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: 300+ mph (est.)