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The Detroit auto show has seen a lot of concept cars over the decades, but a four-wheel motorcycle powered by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine is a first.

And it may turn out to be more than a concept.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler arm on Monday unveiled the Dodge Tomahawk -- essentially the 8.3 liter engine from a Dodge Viper mated to a motorcycle frame. Chrysler executives said while the chrome-draped Tomahawk was outlandish, they were seriously considering whether to build a few hundred at a price of at least $250,000 each.

"This is for people who are passionate about engines," said Chrysler Chief Operating Officer Wolfgang Bernhard, who rode the Tomahawk on stage during a media preview. "A motorcycle is the most beautiful way to showcase an engine."

The 1,500-pound Tomahawk can reach 60 miles an hour in about 2.5 seconds, and has a theoretical top speed of 300 mph. Each pair of wheels is separated by a few inches and each wheel has an independent suspension. Bernhard said four wheels were necessary to handle the power from the engine.

Chrysler executives said if the Tomahawk were put into production, it would draw attention to the Dodge brand in ways no ordinary sports car could. Bernhard said a decision on whether to build the Tomahawk could be made in several months.



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Born to be wild.

No Sir.. I Don't like it.. I think it's ugly.. But I guess it don't matter because I can't afford it. I'd like to have a Viper, but not that.. I'll stil with my Vulcan..

Looks like it belongs in TRON. Intreasting looking, but I dont see how it would be street legal. They could improve its looks though. 500hp, thats crazy. Would kill off quite a few people though.

Greg

How would it go around corners? Doesn't look like you could lean it over.... if not, it would have a pretty high center of gravity.

If my understanding of the article is right, they have independant suspesion for each? wheel. This would allow the inner wheel on the turn to adust with the lean.. I would think? Though it would still make a difficult turn.. I'm 6'5" and I ride my little Vulcan 500 and I have issues leaning into a really hard turn at high speed.. And that is a Tall bike or so it appears with that guy sitting on it.. Just my thoughts.. Could be wrong.. eGo

whats next... is GE gonna mount a jet engine to a Segway... for the people who love engines!!!