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The ASC Diamondback Viper is a legacy of the consultancy work that American Specialty Cars - an aftermarket specialist and tuner that provides engineering services to major manufacturers - contributed to the Dodge Viper SRT-10: the coupe has been tuned and accessorised by McLaren Performance Techologies.
Though it's not quite Viper-meets-SLR, reduced in weight by 85lbs, the 615bhp Diamondback would be super-quick. ASC has produced the carbonfibre roof, rear deck lid, rockers, fascia, unique trim and a composite bonnet that shows off the engine's ten air intakes and port throttles - items reminiscent of the McLaren CanAm engines of the past. The Diamondback is finished in white with a broad racing stripe and both Viper Blue and McLaren Red pinstriping. ASC describes it as a "snake with an all-new skin."
ASC has also displayed further concepts in Detroit. The Cosmos is a Hummer H3 with an InfiniVue fabric two-way sliding-roof system, which allows open-top motoring in a variety of configurations. ASC also plans to sell the InfiniVue system - available in fabric, glass or lightweight resin - for mass production.
The Tri-Lite is a Toyota Sienna MPV with three moving roof panels, all made of polycarbonate resin which is half the weight of glass, yet stronger.
The ASC-Suzuki Wave, meanwhile, is one of two ASC-built prototypes built for Suzuki; it's a custom-painted Grand Vitara with a pull-out rear section containing a barbeque grille and cooler deck.
Further ASC prototypes on show in Detroit include the Helios, a four-door convertible seen last year, and the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, for which ASC supplies the convertible roof.
