THE Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle, recently revealed by the Chrysler Group, shatters conventional thinking about personal transportation.

This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is a sleek, rolling sculpture that combines art-deco styling with extreme engineering.

The 500-horsepower Griper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels gives the vehicle a potential top speed of 420 miles per hour - for anyone who wants to test it.

British-born Trevor Creed, senior vice president - Design, Chrysler Group, said: "The Dodge brand philosophy always challenges us to grab life by the horns. In the case of Tomahawk, grabbing and holding onto anything for dear life is a necessity. It's just that extreme and passionate; a glimpse into the soul and commitment of true enthusiasts."

But why would a company, famous for its innovative car and truck designs, go down this particular path?

"Tomahawk is an icon of the extreme thinking for a brand that is known not only for the legendary Viper and Ram truck, but also for all new, innovative vehicles such as the Magnum SRT-8 and Durango concepts,” said Mr Creed.

That extreme thinking produced a machine in the true tradition of power-junkie passion, powered by a 8300cc (505cu.in.) aluminium Viper V-10 engine.

The Dodge Tomahawk is a Chrysler Group design concept that is as much a Viper-powered work of art as it is a whole new type of vehicle invention. It is both a sculpture that can be ridden, as well as a bold statement about the group's passion for design.