Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper is one of the first V10-powered cars in the world, made by the Dodge division of Chrysler. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1991 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, and numerous variations, has made many appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos. Although Chrysler considered ending production because of financial problems,chief executive Sergio Marchionne announced and showed on September 14, 2010 a redesign of the Viper for 2012.

 

First generation RT/10 (1992–1995)

The first prototype was tested in January 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers, and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.

 Viper RT/10

The centerpiece of the car was its engine. It was based on the Chrysler LA design, which was a truck engine. The original configuration made it too heavy for sports car use, so Lamborghini, then owned by Chrysler Corporation, revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10 for the Viper by recasting the block and head in aluminum alloy. Some within Chrysler felt the pushrod two-valve design, while adequate for the truck application, was unsuitable for a performance car and suggested a more comprehensive redesign which would have included four valves per cylinder. Chrysler, however, was uncertain about the Viper's production costs and sales potential and so declined to provide the budget for the modification.

Performance

Dodge Viper first generation

• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 4.6 sec
• 0-100 mph (160 km/h): 9.2 sec
• quarter mile: 12.9 sec @ 113.8 mph (183.1 km/h)
• top speed: 164 mph (264 km/h)
• 700 ft (210 m) slalom: over 66 mph (106 km/h)
• skidpad average g: 0.96

 

Second generation, Phase II SR (1996–2002)

A coupe model called the GTS was introduced in 1996. Dubbed "double bubble", the roof featured slightly raised sections above each seat to accommodate usage of helmets, a throwback to its intended purpose. Vipers can be seen participating often in drag racing and road racing. The GTS, like its predecessor, was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.

 Phase II SR Viper RT/10, GTS

Performance (GTS)

Dodge Viper second generation, phase II SR

• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 4.0 sec
• 0-100 mph (160 km/h): 8.6 sec
• quarter mile: 12.2 sec @ 119 mph (192 km/h)
• top speed: 185 mph (298 km/h)
• slalom: 73.6 mph (118.4 km/h)
• skidpad average acceleration: 1.01 g (9.9 m/s²)

Third generation ZB (2003–2006)

The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2003, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. The new Viper SRT-10, which replaced both the GTS and the RT/10 was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. The engine's displacement was increased to 505 cu in (8.3 L) which, with other upgrades, increased output to 500 bhp (370 kW) and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m). Despite the power increases, engine weight was reduced to about 500 lb (230 kg). The chassis was also improved, becoming more rigid and weighing approximately 80 lb (36 kg) less than the previous model. An even lighter and stronger chassis was planned, but was abandoned because of cost (parts from the planned suspension were used in the Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Twin Turbo.) The initial model was a convertible. In 2004 Dodge introduced a limited-edition Mamba package; Mamba-edition cars featured black interiors, with red stitching and trim and price increased by about MSRP US$3000. 200 Mambas were produced

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