Character Concepts - Gaijin: Tools of the Trade - Tomahawk

TransportationThe Dodge Tomahawk Concept Motorcycle
Source: Dodge Tomahawk Motorcycle

Almost 400 MPH! That's the estimated top speed of the Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle concept. The alien machine appeared early this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and caused quite a stir.

Dodge built the machine after two employees began to toy with the idea of building a Dodge motorcycle to show up the Chevy powered Boss Hoss. Amazingly enough, management liked the idea and plans were laid for construction!

There's serious discussion at Dodge about putting the Tomahawk into production but at $250,000 each you can bet it will be limited. Even if you can handle the price, can you handle 1,500 pounds cranking out 500 horsepower, between your legs? If you can, the 505 cu. in. (8300 cc) aluminum Viper V-10 engine will take you to 60 MPH in 2.5 seconds and nothing on the street will ever catch you.

Few concept vehicles make it into production. The evolution of those that do usually results in the release of a production machine with a lot less flash than the original idea. In many cases it's a matter of having to wait for the available technology to catch up with the design. Today, micro technology and composite materials development is advancing at a staggering pace so ideas like the Tomahawk are more possible than ever. That's exciting and when you consider how innovative Dodge has become with their vehicle designs!

Your 500-HP V-10 Motorcycle Is Here
Source: Motorcycle Cruiser

Now that everyone on the block has a Valkyrie Rune on order, this $250,000 V-10 is just what the breakaway rider needs.

Though it has four wheels, Dodge's Tomahawk apparently does lean into corners.It's the new 8.3-liter, 500-horsepower V-10 from that "other" American motorcycle maker, Dodge. Well, maybe calling a Daimler-Chrysler's Dodge division a "motorcycle maker" is pushing it, since there aren't any plans yet to put the Dodge Tomahawk into production. However, the idea hasn't been ruled out, assuming there are enough people interested in coughing up $250,000 or so for one of a limited number of the 8277cc (505 cubic-inch), 1500-pound crotch rockets.

Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show on January 6, the machine is a concept vehicle, built both to grab the spotlight and to inspire both the public and Dodge's design team. "This is a bold-faced slap against mediocrity," enthused Trevor Creed, Chrysler's Senior VP of Design. "Tomahawk is a scintillating example of what creative minds can do when given the opportunity to run free. It is a pure mechanical sculpture and a joyous celebration of the artistry and emotion of design. Tomahawk moves design concept introductions and the concept car game to a whole new level. It's just that extreme and passionate; a glimpse into the soul and commitment of true enthusiasts."

Each wheel in the pairs is suspended independently of its partner."A motorcycle is the most beautiful way to showcase an engine," said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler's COO. And certainly this project is all about the engine. The aluminum Viper V-10 engine cranks out a claimed 500 ponies at 5600 rpm and 525 pounds feet of torque at 4200 rpm. It drives the dual spun-alloy rear wheels through a two-speed transmission and dual chains. Yes, there are two each 20-inch wheels front and rear, placed closely together, so it stretches the motorcycle concept a bit. Bernhard said the additional wheels were needed to handle all the power. Nonetheless, it still leans into corners.

The engine is the centerpiece and a stressed member of the monocoque-framed chassis, which features center-hub steering, a single-shock swingarm rear suspension and a 76-inch wheelbase. In its best automobile speak, Dodge describes the front suspension thus: "Outboard, single-sided parallel upper and lower control arms made from polished billet aluminum and mounted via ball joint to aluminum steering uprights and hubs with five degrees caster. Single, fully adjustable centrally located coil-over damper (2.25-inch coil with adjustable spring perch); pullrod and rocker-actuated mono linkage." There is a lockable parking stand.

Twist the throttle on 500 horsepower and you will probably want to rename Dodge's concept vehicle the Traumahawk.The seat height is listed at 29 inches, and fuel capacity is 3.25 gallons, which probably won't last 10 minutes at the machine's estimated 400-mph top speed. (We will believe that when we see it.) The estimated 0 to 60-mph time is 2.5 seconds, assuming you can find the necessary traction from the dual P150/50R-20 rear tires. "The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the horns," said Creed. "In the case of Tomahawk, grabbing and holding onto anything for dear life is a necessity."

Any decision about actually producing this monster (in limited numbers) will be made in a few months, after the company has seen reaction on the show circuit. We think they should, not just because everyone needs a quarter-million-dollar motorcycle (or is it a motorcycle-like machine?), but it will give you something invigorating to get around with on the days when your Viper just doesn't seem like enough fun. Plus, if you didn't get a Valkyrie Rune or a CVO Road King because every biker on the block could afford one, this will give you exclusivity, something you won't see on every street corner.

SPECIFICATIONS

We think its great that Dodge's design people have something fun to drive.DIMENSIONS: Overall Length: 102 in. Overall Width: 27.7 in. Overall Height: 36.9 in. Wheelbase: 76 in. Seat Height: 29 in. Curb Weight: 1,500 lbs Track, Front: 8.75 in. Track, Rear: 10 in. Weight Dist.: 51% rear Ground Clearance: 3 in. Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.25 gal.

ENGINE: Type: liquid-cooled 90-degree V-10 Displacement: 8277 cc (505 c.i.) Bore x stroke: 102.4 x 100.6mm Valve arrangement: 2 pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder, roller-type hydraulic lifters Fuel Injection: Sequential, multi-port electronic with individual runners Compression: 9.6:1 Power: 500 bhp@5600 rpm Torque: 525 lb.-ft. (712 Nom) @ 4200 rpm Max rpm: 6000

Dodge Tomahawk - Base Statistics

Strength: 25, Speed: 10, Defense: 25, Toughness: 20, Size: Medium, Powers: Enhanced Trait:Defemse 15, Super Speed 10 [Drawback: Duration - Limited to fuel consumption, Must refill after extended burst of speed, Flaw: Check Required - Ride Skill, Flaw: No Alternate Powers unless paid for as a Devise Power. Costs must be calcualted]

Features: Electronic Counter Measures/E-M Pulse generator - Small prtable generator positioned on the Tomahawk. Capable of generating a low grade e-m pulse that scrambles electrical equipment like wireless network towers and cellphones. DC 18, Range: 100 ft with a contnuous effect for 5 rounds before a 4 round recharge cycle.

Cost: [-78-]

Source Material - Role Playing Publications

System Reference Document, Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Modern System Reference Document, Copyright 2002-2004, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Mutants and Masterminds, Second Edition, Copyright 2002, Green Ronin Publishing LLC
Mastermind's Manual: Mutants and Masterminds, Second Edition, Copyright 2006, Green Ronin Publishing LLC
Ultimate Power: Mutants and Masterminds Second Edition, Copyright 2006, Green Ronin Publishing LLC

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