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Dodge Neon R/T Coupe provides racy stance in compact package
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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BRAINERD, Minn. -- To teach aspiring race drivers the wiles and wrinkles of high-speed car racing, instructors at the Skip Barber Racing School use for training a vehicle which may surprise the uninitiated: It's the Neon R/T by Dodge, a compact coupe or sedan rigged with special mechanical gear which set up aggressive handling maneuvers.
Neon performs like a race car?
It certainly does, as one driver proved in Minnesota recently at Brainerd International Raceway during a refresher course from Skip Barber. The school was used to prepare students for the Neon Now Challenge, a national series of SCCA-sanctioned street races conducted in another type of Neon with ACR Competition Package added for upgraded suspension and race equipment.
Since the inception of the Neon Challenge race series in 1994, which occurred shortly after the debut of the original Neon sedan, thousands of drivers have participated in bona fide sports car races because Neon offers an affordable path into the sport which usually brings heady entry fees due to the exorbitant cost of racing machines.
The Neon ACR Competition Package, which Dodge segments as the Competition Coupe, draws from an optional dual-cam 4-cylinder Neon engine and attaches 4-wheel disc brakes and firm-feel power steering, unlimited-speed engine controller, the competition suspension, a tachometer, P185/65HR14 performance tires mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, and cloth and vinyl bucket seats with 5-point safety belts.
Neon R/T also stocks the twin-cam engine, disc brakes, stiff sport suspension, tachometer, bolstered bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and R-rated 14-inch tires. It then applies appearance items like fog lights, rear decklid spoiler and racing stripes which mimic the stripes of Dodge's powerful Viper GTS coupe.
Dodge's Neons in several sporty versions differ for 1998 from some cushy Neons offered with Plymouth's badge.
In effect, Dodge's treatment of Neon now shapes the car in the modern image of all Dodges as sport-tuned machines ripe for action.
Of course, Neon from the outset as a 1995 model exhibited excellent ride and drive characteristics, while stocking an effusive 4-cylinder engine and providing more than expected in conveniences for prices which tally to $12,000 or so for a reasonably equipped model.
Conformed as either coupe or sedan, Neon provides more than adequate power, plus ample cabin space and fair comforts. All components of the sedan also apply to the coupe, by the way, including two engine choices.
Neon's base 2.0-liter engine, with overhead cam and four valves for each of four cylinders, produces good throttle response that climbs to 132 horsepower in high-revving arrangement.
The optional plant reaches 150 hp, thanks to the application of dual overhead cams. That equipment puts impressive zip in Neon's pedal -- it flies in an aggressive manner unlike any competitive coupe.
Combine that power with Neon's stock 5-speed manual shifter and you'll think you're driving a sports car, not a conventional compact. With race gear added, it offers the most fun you can have on wheels for a rock-bottom price.
My Neon R/T came alive on the 3-mile Brainerd race loop, where speed builds to triple-digit figures on the mile-long straightaway. The back half of Brainerd's circuit contains a series of tight right-left-right turns, and in the Barber school you learn to fling Neon through each curve with a graceful slide at entry followed by a transition to full power for exit.
Running to acute Turn Three at 105 mph takes both nerve and confidence in equipment. First, brake and shift down to reduce speed and transfer weight to front wheels, then cut steering wheel to induce a little lateral drift which points Neon's nose toward the apex of the curve. Once you're aimed through apex toward exit line, squeeze that accelerator to add power and rap it out into the straight that follows.
Walt Bohren, instructor for Skip Barber Racing, offered a critique of Neon from the passenger's seat: "The weight's distributed evenly, and with traction applied to front wheels you can push it harder and faster into a curve than expected. It's predictable under stressful driving situations, which is why we use it in schools."
Highly responsive and active, Neon allows an aggressive driver to sling the chassis around corners with confidence that the front-wheel-drive format will keep this car rooted to roadbed.
Beneath its skin, Neon sports a 4-wheel independent suspension system which delivers a sporty quality to the ride character.
Also, there's no-nonsense rack and pinion steering aboard, along with front disc brakes as standard issue.
Anti-lock brakes are available for the reasonable add-on figure of $565.
Neon's cozy but spacious interior, derived from a cab-forward design wrapped in window glass, contains safety systems like dual airbags plus comfort items such as bolstered front bucket seats separated by a console.
The cab-forward architecture, achieved by pushing wheels to corners of the rectangular plan, creates greater stability for handling and generates more than normal interior space -- almost 90 cubic feet. That means more elbow room, more shoulder space and -- with those broad rear doors of the sedan -- easy backseat entry and exit.
For the revamped issues of 1998, fine-tuning measures were effected, like new window seals to lock out wind noise from frameless windows, a revised air intake system and new engine mounts for quieter motor operation.
The conventional Neon for 1998 is called Highline, listing for $11,510 in coupe and $11,710 for sedan. Competition and R/T versions load that tab, but bottom lines cap around $15,000 for all editions.
With the R/T package color choices narrow to Flame Red, Intense Blue or Bright White. And, if preferred, those bold racing stripes may be deleted.
Mate Neon's engine power with a stock 5-speed manual shifter and you'll attain that sporty action.
An efficient 3-speed hydraulic automatic transmission is optional. Its system uses planetary gearing with electronically-controlled torque converter clutch.
Yet the best of all features may be one that's hard to find in this class: Neon feels downright exciting to drive.
1998 DODGE NEON R/T COUPE
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1998 DODGE NEON RT COUPE Specs |
| Description: |
Compact coupe, sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact coupe, sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
104.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
171.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 2.0-L I4
DOHC 2.0-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/3 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
29/38 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 11,000 to $ 15,000 |
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