Dodge Viper
Encyclopedia
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 Japan
ese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers
, and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.
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.
The engine weighed 711 lb (322.5 kg) and produced 400 bhp at 4600 rpm and 465 lbft at 3600 rpm, and thanks to the long-gearing allowed by the engine, provided fuel economy at a United States Environmental Protection Agency
-rated 12 mpgU.S. (5.1 km/L) city and 20 mpgU.S. (8.5 km/L) highway. The body was a tubular steel
frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass
panels. Some small bits of the suspension, (tie-rod ends and parts of the front wheel hubs) following the manufacturer's "engine first" mantra, were sourced from the Dodge Dakota
pickup
. It had a curb weight of 3284 lb (1,489.6 kg) and lacked all modern driver aids such as traction control
or anti-lock brakes. Car and Driver
magazine referred to this generation as "the world's biggest Fat Boy
Harley
", and likened driving it to "playing ping pong with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat." Despite this, in straight line performance, it completed a quarter mile (402 m) in 12.6 seconds and had a maximum speed of over 180 mph (289.7 km/h). Its large tires allowed the car to average close to 1 lateral g in corners, placing it among the elite cars of its day. However, the car proved tricky to drive at high speeds, particularly for the unskilled.
The car was spartan, although it featured inflatable lumbar support and adjustable seats. Along with the absence of exterior door handles, the vehicle lacked side windows and a roof. Although a soft top cover was available, it was designed primarily for indoor vehicle storage. Side curtains of fabric and clear plastic operated by zippers could be inserted into the door and hand-bolted when needed. All of these decisions were made to reduce weight. The battery is located in the sealed compartment over the rear wheel well to increase rear-end weight and traction. The car shipped with a tonneau cover and video tape on soft-top assembly (the soft top is removable and folds to fit in the trunk). In 1994 A/C was added as an option.
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
.
Despite its similar outward appearance, the car was distinct enough to be considered a new generation model. Extensive modifications included a reworked engine with higher power and less weight, an almost completely redesigned chassis that was made 60 lb (27.2 kg) lighter and 25% stiffer in torsional rigidity through meticulous computer analysis, a thoroughly redesigned suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Viper GTS had a lighter (approximately 650 lb (294.8 kg)) 450 bhp engine, which could complete the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds and 16 mi/h faster than its predecessor, and increased top speed by 11 mi/h or so. The revised suspension, stiffer chassis, and aerodynamic body raised lateral grip to 0.98 g (9.6 m/s²), although other reports show the 1992 model with 1.0 g. Contemporary tires have improved upon this measure significantly. Slalom runs could often reach or exceed 70 mi/h. Brakes once again lacked ABS initially, and proved to be the car's weakest point. The brakes hurt the car in numerous comparison tests, such as a 1997 "supercar comparison" by Motor Trend, in which the Viper GTS placed at the top against cars such as the Ferrari 355, Chevrolet Corvette
, Porsche 911 Turbo, Acura NSX-T
, Mitsubishi 3000GT, and the Toyota Supra
in all performance exercises except braking. The car not only placed last, but had considerably longer stopping distances than other vehicles. ABS was introduced further into the production run, though braking performance was not necessarily significantly improved. In a Sports Car International comparison conducted in 2002, the Viper ACR (with ABS) was compared to the 911 GT2 at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Both cars were very capable, and quick around the test track, but the Viper proved more difficult to drive, and the braking system was blamed very specifically for the gap in lap times (approximately GT2: 2 minutes, ACR: 2:04) between the two cars.
Along with the updated performance came the inclusion of some of the "luxuries" the car did without before. Dual front airbags were added to the vehicle's safety equipment list in 1996 on the GTS and 1997 on the RT/10 as mandated by the government. The car was also exported to Europe, where it was rebadged as a Chrysler, and sold under this marque from 1997 to 2003. European models had a detuned version of the Viper V10.
In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipers were sold. Minor evolutionary changes including new 18" diameter wheels and tires were introduced in the 1999 model. Subsequent versions featured light-weight hypereutectic pistons and an improved exhaust system, side exhaust having been dropped part way through production year 1996 for the RT/10; all production GTS Viper Coupes had rear exit exhaust. 1999 saw the introduction of the Cognac Connolly leather interior package. Continuing the refinements, ABS was introduced in 2001. In 2002, the end of second generation production was celebrated with the release of 360 commemorative "Final Edition" models. These models were painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 in 2003 and the GTS was replaced in 2006 by the SRT-10 Coupe.
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 and 525 lbft. Despite the power increases, engine weight was reduced to about 500 lb (226.8 kg). The chassis was also improved, becoming more rigid and weighing approximately 80 lb (36.3 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.
The Viper SRT-10 Coupe was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible, but takes its side and rear styling from the Competition Coupe. The coupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original along with the original GTS's tail lights, as well as offering the original GTS Blue with white stripes paint scheme on the initial run of First Edition cars like the original Viper coupe. The engine is SAE-certified to produce 510 bhp and 535 lbft. Unlike the original coupe, the chassis was not modified. This makes the coupe heavier than the convertible, and thus slightly slower to accelerate. Handling and high-speed performance are improved by the coupe's stiffer frame, reduced drag, and increased downforce.
No 2007 model Vipers were produced; instead, Chrysler extended production of the 2006 model while preparing the updated 2008 model.
Dodge Viper third generation (SRT-10 coupe)
Dodge Viper third generation Chipa Edition Red line
on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. The rev limit could be increased by 300 rpm due to the improved valve-train stability from both the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The engine was developed with some external assistance from McLaren Automotive
and Ricardo Consulting Engineers. Electronic engine control is developed by Continental AG; the controller can monitor the crankshaft and cylinder position up to six times during each firing and has 10 times more processing power than the previous unit.
Changes outside of the engine were less extreme. The Tremec T56 transmission was replaced with a new Tremec TR6060 with triple first-gear synchronizers and doubles for higher gears. The Dana M44-4
rear axle from the 2003–2006 model now has a GKN
ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential that greatly helps the tires in getting grip under acceleration. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new Michelin
Pilot Sport 2 tires increased grip and driver feedback and, along with revised suspension (springs, anti-roll bars, and shock valving), made the Viper more neutral in cornering.
The modifications made to the 2008 model year car were enough for Chrysler to make it distinct from the first SRT-10, and the 2008 model became known as Gen IV, just in time for release with Chevrolet's 638 hp Corvette ZR1. Another notable change is the reworking of the exhaust system; previous third-generation Vipers had their exhaust crossover under the seats which resulted in a large amount of heat going into the cockpit, which was done initially to help improve the car's exhaust note, since the first 2 generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. The 2008 Viper exhaust utilized a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the cockpit.
The electrical system was completely revised for 2008. Changes included a 180-amp alternator, twin electric cooling fans, electronic throttles, and completely new VENOM engine management system. CAN bus architecture has been combined with pre-existing systems to allow for regulatory compliance. The fuel system was upgraded to include a higher-capacity fuel pump and filtration system.
Car and Driver
magazine tested the car, and found a 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, a 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h) time of 7.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds at 126 mi/h. Dodge's claims for top speed are 197 mi/h and 202 mi/h, for the Roadster and Coupe respectively. Car and Driver also tested the Viper's track performance, and managed a fast sub-3 minute lap time around Virginia International Raceway
. The Viper's time, despite hot weather, was faster than the Corvette Z06
, Ford GT
, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 Turbo, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2, Audi R8, and similar cars. According to Car and Driver and Motor Trend
, the car's slightly adjusted suspension setup and new differential gave it cornering ability as sharp as before with better control, feedback, and response.
On November 4, 2009, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles had announced that the Viper would end production in the summer of 2010.
On February 10, 2010, Dodge began accepting orders for the Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models.
Only 50 of these units will be produced (20 coupes, 18 roadsters and 12 ACRs). "Final Edition" cars carried the special build code,
"AXZ", and were to be the very last of the Viper cars. "Final Edition" Vipers were available in SRT10 Coupe and Convertible configurations.
July 1, 2010 brought about the then-end of production for the Generation 4 Dodge Viper. During an event hosted by Dodge and the Viper Club of America, the final production Gen 4 Viper, which was given a gold finish and accentuated by contrasting orange stripes, rolled off the assembly line and was presented before attendees of the ceremony. Its completion commemorated the end of the production run of the Gen 4 Viper.
, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne was reported
to have concluded his remarks by unveiling a rolling 2012 Dodge Viper prototype to dealer applause. There would be no 2011 Vipers instead rebooting the brand in model year 2012. Initial speculation of similarities to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
supercar, was refuted by Dodge head Ralph Gilles in the Detroit News on December 1, 2010. Key quotes from the Detroit News piece from Ralph Gilles that hint to the future of the brand include:
The Viper was also on display for one night only in Salt Lake City, UT at the 11th Viper Owners Invitational or VOI 11 from 09/31/2010-10/03/2010. CEO Ralph Gilles was present gathering feedback from the owners themselves on new exterior design of the snake. The Generation 5 badge was unveiled as well at this event on each dining table in the enormous hall.
In Autumn of 2011, Ralph Gilles announced that the Gen V Viper would debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2012 .
The third generation, phase I ZB Viper was being sold in Europe during 2005–2006, the first model to be sold as a Dodge, as part of Chrysler's new sales strategy for the European market. In the United Kingdom it is referred to as a Viper, but it is actually sold as the Dodge SRT-10, as the Viper name is a registered trademark in the UK. Prodrive
currently handles the importation and modification of Vipers to meet European laws. According to 2009 research by internet company Yahoo, the Viper is the car with the second-highest fuel consumption on sale in the United Kingdom
.
requirements, as well as to celebrate Chrysler winning the 1997 FIA GT2 class championship
, 100 modified Viper GT2 Championship Edition street-legal cars were sold. These upgraded GTS cars were rated at 460 hp (343 kW) and 500 lb·ft (678 N·m) of torque
. They had bodywork with similar appearance to the GTS-R, with the same color scheme, aerodynamics package, and visual options, in order to publicize the Viper's achievement in the FIA GT Championship
.
The American Club Racing (ACR) model was introduced in 1999. This model had suspension and engine enhancements focused on maximizing performance in road racing and autocross environments. Horsepower was, by the use of K&N air filters and smooth intake tubes, bumped to 460 hp (370 kW) in these models, while torque increased to 500 lb·ft (678 N·m). Weight was reduced by over 50 pounds (22.7 kg) by stripping the interior and removing other non-essential items such as the fog lamps (replacing them with brake ducts). The new stiffer, adjustable suspension removed another 14 pounds (6.4 kg) These models, which also have engine and handling modifications, has an "ACR" badge and 20-spoke BBS wheels.
A new ACR was added to the Viper line-up after the 2008 model year. Its upgrades were more drastic than the original, including street-legal racing tires, two-piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension, and significant aerodynamic revision. No engine modifications were made, so power and torque remain at 600 hp (450 kW) and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) as in the standard SRT-10. The ACR is street-legal, and is similar to the MOPAR Viper that Dodge displayed at various auto shows. Weight was also decreased by 40 lb (18.1 kg) by using the "Hardcore Package", without radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad or tire-inflator. Its aerodynamic upgrades produce about 1200 lbf (4.4 kN) of down-force at 150 mph (241.4 km/h), or roughly 10 times the downforce the standard Viper SRT-10 can produce at the same speed. The interior was upgraded only by the addition of a beacon-tripped lap timer (Hardcore Edition Only).
The Viper ACR was built alongside the standard SRT-10 at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit. The aerodynamic components were produced by Plasan Carbon Composites and assembled to the vehicle by Prefix Corporation located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
On September 14, 2011, on the Nürburgring
Nordschleife, a 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR captured the fourth fastest production car lap record with a 7:12.13 elapsed time.
A prototype 2008 Mopar
Viper Coupe, with 675 hp, appeared at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
, but is not planned for production. This concept appears to have been a sneak peek at the Viper ACR. Performance parts from this car are sold by Mopar
.
show, Chrysler displayed a highly tuned Viper SRT-10 in coupe form. The vehicle's name comes from the carbon fiber used to reduce the weight by 150 lbs (total down to 3200 lbs). However, even more significant were the engine modifications, which increased power to 625 hp; no torque or RPM figures were given. Along with the carbon fiber hardtop, a front splitter and rear spoiler were added, however these parts were not nearly as significant as those on the later SRT-10 ACR, and no downforce/drag information was provided to show that they were even functional. The car was a concept only, and never produced.
was a grand touring concept based on the Viper chassis that would have been equipped with the Hemi V-8
, with automatic transmission
. Price would have been slightly lower than other models.
The Dodge Copperhead
was a concept car based on the Viper platform that was intended as a cheaper, more nimble car. It was powered by a 220 hp 2.7L V6 engine instead of the Viper's V10. It never reached production. Dodge produced a limited-production Copperhead Edition Dodge Viper, with copper-colored paint similar to the concept car and other changes.
, the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale is the fourth model in Zagato's TZ line and serves as Zagatos tribute to the 100th anniversay of Alfa Romeo. The car itself is based on the Viper ACR-X but with a new carbon fiber
body. As planned, only 9 vehicles will be built.
It was reported that Chrysler had intended to cease production of Dodge Viper in December 2009 and to sell off the Viper brand. Originally, Devon Motor Works
was the only bidder, bidding $5.5 million. However, following the Chrysler Group LLC's acquisition of Viper
assets, the company announced it was no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets and continuing the production of Dodge Viper SRT10. Nevertheless, Devon Motor Works later unveiled a Dodge Viper-based Devon GTX, as 2010 model. The special-edition Viper, called the Viper ACR-X, was produced to celebrate its last year and was delivered at a Viper Days event at Gingerman Raceway in June 2010. This special model is for track use only and is the spec car for the Dodge Viper Cup, and has an additional 40 horsepower (640 hp).
In 2012 a new Viper or replacement is expected.
Based on the Viper GTS, the GTS-R was launched in late 1995 as an attempt to prove the capabilities of the Viper design worldwide, although the racing programs mostly concentrated on Europe. Using production block, cylinder heads, and crankshaft, Dodge engineers were able to extract up to 750 hp from the normally 450 hp second-generation 8.0 L V10 engine. The chassis was re-engineered from the ground up by British sports manufacturer Reynard Motorsport
's Special Projects Division under chief engineer Paul Brown, while Oreca
assembled and maintained the racing cars.
The car made its competition debut in the 1996 24 Hours of Daytona
with Canaska Racing, followed by Oreca in the BPR Global GT Series
. Oreca went on to take most of the success with the Viper, winning the FIA GT Championship
three times, 24 Hours of Le Mans
class wins three times, and an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2000.
Between 1999 and 2002 Zakspeed
won the 24 Hours Nürburgring
three times, with Viper chassis C15 and C36. In an attempt to outsmart the 2003 24h rules in which the GTS-R was granted special admission as "Chrysler Viper 1.350 kg 90 Liter 2 x 30,8 mm (air restrictors)", Zakspeed entered as Dodge Viper. In pit stops, they filled with more than 90 liters of fuel, were penalized twice and finished fifth on track, with 134 laps. Afterwards, they appealed at DMSB and were disqualified altogether, with "Wertungsausschluss" (exclusion from classification) for the Chrysler Viper. As the rules limited engine capacity to 6200 cc since 2005, Zakspeed converted the engine into a V8 of that size.
Following the end of official factory support for the program in 2001, Vipers were used by privateer teams with much success. Viper GTS-Rs continued to be used competitively into 2007.
As of 2003 a special, non-street legal Viper SRT-10 Competition Coupe was available from Dodge for race car drivers, picking up where the GTS-R racing variant left off. The power and torque ratings were improved, and with the vehicle stripped of anything not essential for racing, such as the interior body panels, carpet, instrumentation, air conditioning, and stereo systems, which lightened the car by 380 lb (170 kg). The Competition Coupe comes equipped with a full roll cage, a racing fuel cell, and other racing-related equipment. It is not sold through dealers and is purchased from Dodge directly with a price of approximately US$155,000. The Viper Competition Coupe is raced predominantly in the U.S. in the Viper Racing League, sanctioned by Viper Days. The Viper Competition Coupe also races in the highly competitive GT class of the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge. Dan Archer was the 1999 GT driver's champion in a Dodge Viper.
In 2004 Samuel Hubinette
teamed up with Mopar and DC Performance in Los Angeles used a Competition Coupe with a modified rear axle for Formula D
, in which he won the title before the car was barred by the end of the season (as FD would adopt D1 Grand Prix
regulations from the following year, which had already prohibited the car from competing) and was replaced by an SRT-10 the following season.
After a few one-off entries in the Spa 24 Hours
, from 2006, the Viper Competition Coupe raced in Europe fulltime for the first time, joining the new FIA GT3 European Championship
with the Italian team Racing Box. At the end of the year Oreca announced the development of a package transforming the car to GT2 regulations in national championships.
The Primetime Race Group
use a Viper Competition Coupe in the American Le Mans Series
in the GT2 class. They began racing in the end of the 2007 American Le Mans Series season
. During the 2008 American Le Mans Series season
they raced full-time with Hankook Tires. The car's best result was a 5th place in the GT2 class at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring
. The team continued to develop and race the Viper in the 2009 American Le Mans Series season
, with Dunlop Tires.
Pre-production car
Pre-production cars are vehicles that allow the automaker to find problems before a new model goes on sale to the public. Pre-production cars come after prototypes, or development mules which themselves are preceded by concept cars...
as the pace car
Safety car
In motorsport, a safety car or pace car is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a caution period such as an obstruction on the track. During a caution period the safety car enters the track ahead of the leader...
for the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers
United Auto Workers
The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, better known as the United Auto Workers , is a labor union which represents workers in the United States and Puerto Rico, and formerly in Canada. Founded as part of the Congress of Industrial...
, and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.
The centerpiece of the car was its engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
. It was based on the Chrysler LA design
Chrysler LA engine
The LA engines are a family of pushrod OHV 90° V-block gasoline engines built by Chrysler Corporation and factory-installed in passenger vehicles, trucks and vans, commercial vehicles, marine and industrial applications from 1964 through 2003...
, which was a truck engine. The original configuration made it too heavy for sports car use, so Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
, then owned by Chrysler Corporation, revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10
V10 engine
A V10 engine is a V engine with 10 cylinders in two banks of five with a distinct exhaust note.- Mechanics :The V10 is essentially the result of mating two even-firing straight-5 engines together. The straight-5 engine shows first and second order rocking motion...
for the Viper by recasting the block and head in aluminum alloy
Alloy
An alloy is a mixture or metallic solid solution composed of two or more elements. Complete solid solution alloys give single solid phase microstructure, while partial solutions give two or more phases that may or may not be homogeneous in distribution, depending on thermal history...
. 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.
The engine weighed 711 lb (322.5 kg) and produced 400 bhp at 4600 rpm and 465 lbft at 3600 rpm, and thanks to the long-gearing allowed by the engine, provided fuel economy at a United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
-rated 12 mpgU.S. (5.1 km/L) city and 20 mpgU.S. (8.5 km/L) highway. The body was a tubular steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass
Fiberglass
Glass fiber is a material consisting of numerous extremely fine fibers of glass.Glassmakers throughout history have experimented with glass fibers, but mass manufacture of glass fiber was only made possible with the invention of finer machine tooling...
panels. Some small bits of the suspension, (tie-rod ends and parts of the front wheel hubs) following the manufacturer's "engine first" mantra, were sourced from the Dodge Dakota
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram division. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed by Dodge. The first Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model alongside the redesigned Dodge Ram 50...
pickup
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
. It had a curb weight of 3284 lb (1,489.6 kg) and lacked all modern driver aids such as traction control
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
or anti-lock brakes. Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine referred to this generation as "the world's biggest Fat Boy
Softail
The term softail refers to motorcycles and bicycles that feature a rear suspension system with springs or shock absorbers to absorb bumps. On Softail motorcycles, the shock absorbers or springs are often hidden underneath out of view to give the appearance of a hard-tail or rigid frame, however...
Harley
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
", and likened driving it to "playing ping pong with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat." Despite this, in straight line performance, it completed a quarter mile (402 m) in 12.6 seconds and had a maximum speed of over 180 mph (289.7 km/h). Its large tires allowed the car to average close to 1 lateral g in corners, placing it among the elite cars of its day. However, the car proved tricky to drive at high speeds, particularly for the unskilled.
The car was spartan, although it featured inflatable lumbar support and adjustable seats. Along with the absence of exterior door handles, the vehicle lacked side windows and a roof. Although a soft top cover was available, it was designed primarily for indoor vehicle storage. Side curtains of fabric and clear plastic operated by zippers could be inserted into the door and hand-bolted when needed. All of these decisions were made to reduce weight. The battery is located in the sealed compartment over the rear wheel well to increase rear-end weight and traction. The car shipped with a tonneau cover and video tape on soft-top assembly (the soft top is removable and folds to fit in the trunk). In 1994 A/C was added as an option.
Performance
Dodge Viper first generation- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 4.6 sec
- 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h): 9.2 sec
- quarter mile: 12.9 sec @ 113.8 mph (183.1 km/h)
- top speed: 184 mph (296.1 km/h) slalom: over 66 mi/h
- skidpad average g: 0.96
Second generation, Phase II SR (1996–2002)
A coupeCoupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
model called the GTS was introduced in 1996. Dubbed "double bubble
Dubble Bubble
Dubble Bubble is a brand of bubble gum invented in 1928 by Philadelphia-based Fleer. Walter E. Diemer — an accountant at Fleer — enjoyed experimenting with recipes during his free time. In an interview a few years before his death, he said, "It was an accident"...
", 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
Drag racing
Drag racing is a competition in which specially prepared automobiles or motorcycles compete two at a time to be the first to cross a set finish line, from a standing start, in a straight line, over a measured distance, most commonly a ¼-mile straight track....
and road racing
Road racing
Road racing is a general term for most forms of motor racing held on paved, purpose-built race tracks , as opposed to oval tracks and off-road racing...
. The GTS, like its predecessor, was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
.
Despite its similar outward appearance, the car was distinct enough to be considered a new generation model. Extensive modifications included a reworked engine with higher power and less weight, an almost completely redesigned chassis that was made 60 lb (27.2 kg) lighter and 25% stiffer in torsional rigidity through meticulous computer analysis, a thoroughly redesigned suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Viper GTS had a lighter (approximately 650 lb (294.8 kg)) 450 bhp engine, which could complete the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds and 16 mi/h faster than its predecessor, and increased top speed by 11 mi/h or so. The revised suspension, stiffer chassis, and aerodynamic body raised lateral grip to 0.98 g (9.6 m/s²), although other reports show the 1992 model with 1.0 g. Contemporary tires have improved upon this measure significantly. Slalom runs could often reach or exceed 70 mi/h. Brakes once again lacked ABS initially, and proved to be the car's weakest point. The brakes hurt the car in numerous comparison tests, such as a 1997 "supercar comparison" by Motor Trend, in which the Viper GTS placed at the top against cars such as the Ferrari 355, Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
, Porsche 911 Turbo, Acura NSX-T
Honda NSX
The Honda NSX, or Acura NSX, is a sports car that was produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It is equipped with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by an all-aluminium V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ...
, Mitsubishi 3000GT, and the Toyota Supra
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is a sports car/grand tourer that was produced by Toyota Motor Company from 1979 to 2002. The styling of the Toyota Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was both longer and wider. Starting in mid-1986, the Supra became its own model and was no longer based on the Celica...
in all performance exercises except braking. The car not only placed last, but had considerably longer stopping distances than other vehicles. ABS was introduced further into the production run, though braking performance was not necessarily significantly improved. In a Sports Car International comparison conducted in 2002, the Viper ACR (with ABS) was compared to the 911 GT2 at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Both cars were very capable, and quick around the test track, but the Viper proved more difficult to drive, and the braking system was blamed very specifically for the gap in lap times (approximately GT2: 2 minutes, ACR: 2:04) between the two cars.
Along with the updated performance came the inclusion of some of the "luxuries" the car did without before. Dual front airbags were added to the vehicle's safety equipment list in 1996 on the GTS and 1997 on the RT/10 as mandated by the government. The car was also exported to Europe, where it was rebadged as a Chrysler, and sold under this marque from 1997 to 2003. European models had a detuned version of the Viper V10.
In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipers were sold. Minor evolutionary changes including new 18" diameter wheels and tires were introduced in the 1999 model. Subsequent versions featured light-weight hypereutectic pistons and an improved exhaust system, side exhaust having been dropped part way through production year 1996 for the RT/10; all production GTS Viper Coupes had rear exit exhaust. 1999 saw the introduction of the Cognac Connolly leather interior package. Continuing the refinements, ABS was introduced in 2001. In 2002, the end of second generation production was celebrated with the release of 360 commemorative "Final Edition" models. These models were painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 in 2003 and the GTS was replaced in 2006 by the SRT-10 Coupe.
Performance (GTS)
Dodge Viper second generation, phase II SR- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 4.0 sec
- 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h): 8.6 sec
- quarter mile: 12.2 sec @ 119 mph (192 km/h)
- top speed: 185 mph (297.7 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 TechnologyStreet and Racing Technology
Street & Racing Technology is a high-performance automobile group within Chrysler LLC. SRT began as "Team Viper" to develop the Dodge Viper. It later merged with "Team Prowler", the developers of the Plymouth Prowler, to become Specialty Vehicle Engineering . This was renamed Performance Vehicle...
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 and 525 lbft. Despite the power increases, engine weight was reduced to about 500 lb (226.8 kg). The chassis was also improved, becoming more rigid and weighing approximately 80 lb (36.3 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
Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Twin Turbo
The Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Twin Turbo is an upgraded version of the Dodge Viper offered for sale as a whole car or as an upgrade by Hennessey Performance Engineering, also known as HPE. It comes in two variants, a coupe and a convertible. It has a theoretical maximum production run of 24 vehicles...
.) 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
Suggested retail price
The manufacturer's suggested retail price , list price or recommended retail price of a product is the price which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sell the product. The intention was to help to standardise prices among locations...
US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
3000. 200 Mambas were produced.
The Viper SRT-10 Coupe was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible, but takes its side and rear styling from the Competition Coupe. The coupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original along with the original GTS's tail lights, as well as offering the original GTS Blue with white stripes paint scheme on the initial run of First Edition cars like the original Viper coupe. The engine is SAE-certified to produce 510 bhp and 535 lbft. Unlike the original coupe, the chassis was not modified. This makes the coupe heavier than the convertible, and thus slightly slower to accelerate. Handling and high-speed performance are improved by the coupe's stiffer frame, reduced drag, and increased downforce.
No 2007 model Vipers were produced; instead, Chrysler extended production of the 2006 model while preparing the updated 2008 model.
Performance
Dodge Viper third generation (SRT-10 roadster)- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 3.9 sec
- 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h): 8.36 sec
- quarter mile: 11.77 sec @ 123.68 mph (199 km/h)
- top speed: 189.5 mi/h
- slalom: 70.4 mph (113.3 km/h)
- skidpad average acceleration: 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2)
- 100–0: 274 ft (83.5 m)
Dodge Viper third generation (SRT-10 coupe)
- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 3.8 sec
- 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h): 8.36 sec
- quarter mile: 11.77 sec @ 123.68 mph (199 km/h)
- top speed: 192.6 mi/h
- slalom: 70.4 mph (113.3 km/h)
- skidpad average acceleration: 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2)
- 100–0: 274 ft (83.5 m)
Dodge Viper third generation Chipa Edition Red line
- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 3.5 sec
- 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h): 8.1 sec
- quarter mile: 11.54 sec @ 123.68 mph (199 km/h)
- top speed: 199 mi/h
- slalom: 70.9 mph (114.1 km/h)
- skidpad average acceleration: 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2)
- 100–0: 274 ft (83.5 m)
Fourth generation, Phase II ZB (2008–2010)
In 2008, with the introduction of the 510 cu in (8.4 l) V10, the Viper produced 600 bhp at 6000 rpm and 560 lbft at 5100 rpm, and also received better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne cam-in-cam variable valve timingVariable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. The rev limit could be increased by 300 rpm due to the improved valve-train stability from both the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The engine was developed with some external assistance from McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive, commonly referred to as McLaren, is a British automotive manufacturer of high-performance vehicles. The company was established as McLaren Cars in 1989 as a producer of road cars based on Formula One technology...
and Ricardo Consulting Engineers. Electronic engine control is developed by Continental AG; the controller can monitor the crankshaft and cylinder position up to six times during each firing and has 10 times more processing power than the previous unit.
Changes outside of the engine were less extreme. The Tremec T56 transmission was replaced with a new Tremec TR6060 with triple first-gear synchronizers and doubles for higher gears. The Dana M44-4
Dana 44
The Dana/Spicer Model 44 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corp. and is used extensively among automobile manufacturers and in the automotive aftermarket area as well. The Dana 44 was first manufactured in the 1940s and is still being manufactured today, both front and rear axle variants...
rear axle from the 2003–2006 model now has a GKN
GKN
GKN plc is a multinational automotive and aerospace components company headquartered in Redditch, United Kingdom. The company was formerly known as Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds and can trace its origins back to 1759 and the birth of the Industrial Revolution.GKN is listed on the London Stock...
ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential that greatly helps the tires in getting grip under acceleration. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
Pilot Sport 2 tires increased grip and driver feedback and, along with revised suspension (springs, anti-roll bars, and shock valving), made the Viper more neutral in cornering.
The modifications made to the 2008 model year car were enough for Chrysler to make it distinct from the first SRT-10, and the 2008 model became known as Gen IV, just in time for release with Chevrolet's 638 hp Corvette ZR1. Another notable change is the reworking of the exhaust system; previous third-generation Vipers had their exhaust crossover under the seats which resulted in a large amount of heat going into the cockpit, which was done initially to help improve the car's exhaust note, since the first 2 generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. The 2008 Viper exhaust utilized a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the cockpit.
The electrical system was completely revised for 2008. Changes included a 180-amp alternator, twin electric cooling fans, electronic throttles, and completely new VENOM engine management system. CAN bus architecture has been combined with pre-existing systems to allow for regulatory compliance. The fuel system was upgraded to include a higher-capacity fuel pump and filtration system.
Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine tested the car, and found a 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, a 0-100 mph (160.9 km/h) time of 7.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds at 126 mi/h. Dodge's claims for top speed are 197 mi/h and 202 mi/h, for the Roadster and Coupe respectively. Car and Driver also tested the Viper's track performance, and managed a fast sub-3 minute lap time around Virginia International Raceway
Virginia International Raceway
The Virginia International Raceway is a road course located in the community of Alton, Virginia near Danville, Virginia. It is found less than a half-mile from the North Carolina/Virginia border just outside Milton, North Carolina on the banks of the Dan River...
. The Viper's time, despite hot weather, was faster than the Corvette Z06
Corvette Z06
Corvette Z06 refers to a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette.There are three iterations of the Z06:*C2 Z06 - Based on the C2 Platform in 1963*C5 Z06 - Based on the C5 Platform from 2001 - 2004...
, Ford GT
Ford GT
The Ford GT is a mid-engine two-seater sports car. Ford Motor Company produced the Ford GT for the 2005 to 2006 model years. The designers drew inspiration from Ford's GT40 race cars of the 1960s.- Development :...
, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 Turbo, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2, Audi R8, and similar cars. According to Car and Driver and Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
, the car's slightly adjusted suspension setup and new differential gave it cornering ability as sharp as before with better control, feedback, and response.
On November 4, 2009, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles had announced that the Viper would end production in the summer of 2010.
On February 10, 2010, Dodge began accepting orders for the Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models.
Only 50 of these units will be produced (20 coupes, 18 roadsters and 12 ACRs). "Final Edition" cars carried the special build code,
"AXZ", and were to be the very last of the Viper cars. "Final Edition" Vipers were available in SRT10 Coupe and Convertible configurations.
July 1, 2010 brought about the then-end of production for the Generation 4 Dodge Viper. During an event hosted by Dodge and the Viper Club of America, the final production Gen 4 Viper, which was given a gold finish and accentuated by contrasting orange stripes, rolled off the assembly line and was presented before attendees of the ceremony. Its completion commemorated the end of the production run of the Gen 4 Viper.
Performance (2008 base model)
Dodge Viper fourth generation, phase II: 3.4 sec : 7.6 sec- quickest quarter mile: 10.92 sec @ 127.79 mph (205.7 km/h)
- top speed: 202 mph (325.1 km/h)
- slalom: 74.2 mph (119 km/h)+
- skidpad average acceleration: 1.06 gG-forceThe g-force associated with an object is its acceleration relative to free-fall. This acceleration experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of non-gravitational forces acting on an object free to move. The accelerations that are not produced by gravity are termed proper accelerations, and...
(10.4 m/s²): 270 ft (82 m)
Fifth generation (2012–)
At a dealer conference on September 14, 2010 in Orlando, FloridaOrlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne was reported
to have concluded his remarks by unveiling a rolling 2012 Dodge Viper prototype to dealer applause. There would be no 2011 Vipers instead rebooting the brand in model year 2012. Initial speculation of similarities to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and later released for sale for the 2007 model year...
supercar, was refuted by Dodge head Ralph Gilles in the Detroit News on December 1, 2010. Key quotes from the Detroit News piece from Ralph Gilles that hint to the future of the brand include:
- "The new Viper is not based on anything else".
- "The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore."
- "I want the new Viper to be a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people. We've never had stability control on a high-performance car, which is about to happen on the new car."
The Viper was also on display for one night only in Salt Lake City, UT at the 11th Viper Owners Invitational or VOI 11 from 09/31/2010-10/03/2010. CEO Ralph Gilles was present gathering feedback from the owners themselves on new exterior design of the snake. The Generation 5 badge was unveiled as well at this event on each dining table in the enormous hall.
In Autumn of 2011, Ralph Gilles announced that the Gen V Viper would debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2012 .
Europe
The second generation, phase II SR Vipers were exported to Europe, where they were sold as Chryslers.The third generation, phase I ZB Viper was being sold in Europe during 2005–2006, the first model to be sold as a Dodge, as part of Chrysler's new sales strategy for the European market. In the United Kingdom it is referred to as a Viper, but it is actually sold as the Dodge SRT-10, as the Viper name is a registered trademark in the UK. Prodrive
Prodrive
Prodrive is a British motorsport and automotive engineering group based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. It designs, constructs and races cars for companies and teams such as Subaru, Aston Martin and Ford...
currently handles the importation and modification of Vipers to meet European laws. According to 2009 research by internet company Yahoo, the Viper is the car with the second-highest fuel consumption on sale in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
Viper GT2
In order to meet FIA homologationHomologation (motorsport)
In motorsports, homologation is the approval process a vehicle, race track or standardised part must go through to race in a given league or series. The regulations and rules that must be met are generally set by the series' sanctioning body...
requirements, as well as to celebrate Chrysler winning the 1997 FIA GT2 class championship
1997 FIA GT Championship season
The 1997 FIA GT Championship season was the first season of FIA GT Championship motor racing. It featured a series for Grand Touring style cars broken into two classes based on power and manufacturer involvement, called GT1 and GT2...
, 100 modified Viper GT2 Championship Edition street-legal cars were sold. These upgraded GTS cars were rated at 460 hp (343 kW) and 500 lb·ft (678 N·m) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
. They had bodywork with similar appearance to the GTS-R, with the same color scheme, aerodynamics package, and visual options, in order to publicize the Viper's achievement in the FIA GT Championship
FIA GT Championship
The FIA GT Championship was a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The championship was mostly concentrated in Europe, but throughout the years has visited other continents including Asia and South...
.
Viper ACR
A new ACR was added to the Viper line-up after the 2008 model year. Its upgrades were more drastic than the original, including street-legal racing tires, two-piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension, and significant aerodynamic revision. No engine modifications were made, so power and torque remain at 600 hp (450 kW) and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) as in the standard SRT-10. The ACR is street-legal, and is similar to the MOPAR Viper that Dodge displayed at various auto shows. Weight was also decreased by 40 lb (18.1 kg) by using the "Hardcore Package", without radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad or tire-inflator. Its aerodynamic upgrades produce about 1200 lbf (4.4 kN) of down-force at 150 mph (241.4 km/h), or roughly 10 times the downforce the standard Viper SRT-10 can produce at the same speed. The interior was upgraded only by the addition of a beacon-tripped lap timer (Hardcore Edition Only).
The Viper ACR was built alongside the standard SRT-10 at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit. The aerodynamic components were produced by Plasan Carbon Composites and assembled to the vehicle by Prefix Corporation located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
On September 14, 2011, on the Nürburgring
Nürburgring
The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. It is located about...
Nordschleife, a 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR captured the fourth fastest production car lap record with a 7:12.13 elapsed time.
Viper ACR-X
To commemorate the end of the second generation Viper and mend the gap from the car's production end until the release of the new car, Dodge offered an improved version of the ACR specifically designed to run in the Dodge Viper Cup Series. This car, named Viper ACR-X, added to the basic ACR 40 hp, a new set of downforce-enhancing front canards, and new materials that, along with a stripped interior, reduced weight to 3300 lb (1,496.9 kg). It is a purpose-built race car, and is not street-legal. According to Dodge, the car beat the regular record-holding ACR around Laguna Seca by about three seconds (1:33.9 to 1:31). Price increased by US$12,000, to $110,000. Production was planned for the spring of 2010.Mopar Concept Coupe
Mopar
Mopar is the automobile parts and service arm of Chrysler Group LLC. The term was first used by Chrysler in the 1920s and has been in continuous use ever since. Mopar parts are original equipment manufactured parts for Chrysler vehicles...
Viper Coupe, with 675 hp, appeared at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
, but is not planned for production. This concept appears to have been a sneak peek at the Viper ACR. Performance parts from this car are sold by Mopar
Mopar
Mopar is the automobile parts and service arm of Chrysler Group LLC. The term was first used by Chrysler in the 1920s and has been in continuous use ever since. Mopar parts are original equipment manufactured parts for Chrysler vehicles...
.
SRT-10 Carbon
For the 2003 SEMASEMA
Specialty Equipment Market Association of the automobile aftermarket was formed in 1963 by Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand, Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon, and Vic Edelbrock, Jr...
show, Chrysler displayed a highly tuned Viper SRT-10 in coupe form. The vehicle's name comes from the carbon fiber used to reduce the weight by 150 lbs (total down to 3200 lbs). However, even more significant were the engine modifications, which increased power to 625 hp; no torque or RPM figures were given. Along with the carbon fiber hardtop, a front splitter and rear spoiler were added, however these parts were not nearly as significant as those on the later SRT-10 ACR, and no downforce/drag information was provided to show that they were even functional. The car was a concept only, and never produced.
Firepower
The Chrysler FirepowerChrysler Firepower
The Chrysler Firepower was a Dodge Viper based concept car. It also takes some of the styling cues from the Chrysler Crossfire that DaimlerChrysler produced under the Chrysler brand. The Firepower's engine was a 6.1 L Hemi V8. According to Chrysler, this engine produced and could propel the...
was a grand touring concept based on the Viper chassis that would have been equipped with the Hemi V-8
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, with automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. Price would have been slightly lower than other models.
Copperhead
The Dodge Copperhead
Dodge Copperhead
The Dodge Copperhead, also known as the Dodge Concept Car and Dodge Concept Vehicle, was a concept car created by Dodge as a slimmed-down version of the Dodge Viper for buyers who couldn't afford the Viper's $75,000 cost.-Overview:...
was a concept car based on the Viper platform that was intended as a cheaper, more nimble car. It was powered by a 220 hp 2.7L V6 engine instead of the Viper's V10. It never reached production. Dodge produced a limited-production Copperhead Edition Dodge Viper, with copper-colored paint similar to the concept car and other changes.
Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale
Designed by ZagatoZagato
Zagato is a design consultancy and engineering services company situated just outside Milan, Italy.The company's premises occupy an area of , of which are covered....
, the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale is the fourth model in Zagato's TZ line and serves as Zagatos tribute to the 100th anniversay of Alfa Romeo. The car itself is based on the Viper ACR-X but with a new carbon fiber
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers about 5–10 μm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber...
body. As planned, only 9 vehicles will be built.
Recognition
- John Lingenfelter Memorial TrophyCar and Driver Supercar ChallengeCar and Driver is home to the John Lingenfelter Memorial Trophy. This award is given annually at their Supercar/Superfour Challenge.* 2001 Winner - 2000 Lingenfelter Twin-Turbo Corvette Stage II* 2002 Winner - 2000 Lingenfelter Twin-Turbo Corvette Stage II...
- 2008 Most Expensive Car for Repair Costs, Bankrate.comBankrateBankrate, Inc. is a consumer financial services company based in North Palm Beach, Florida, in the United States. Bankrate.com, perhaps its best known brand, is a personal finance website.-History:...
- The 25,000th Viper is owned by Kurt BuschKurt BuschKurt Thomas Busch is an American NASCAR and NHRA driver. He drives the No. 22 Shell Oil Company/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will race on an "opportunity permitting" basis in the Pro Stock division of NHRA...
and the milestone was commemorated by Bob Nardelli, Chrysler LLC Chairman, in a ceremony at the Conner plant in March 2008.
Production
Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production was transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001.It was reported that Chrysler had intended to cease production of Dodge Viper in December 2009 and to sell off the Viper brand. Originally, Devon Motor Works
Devon Motor Works
Devon Motorworks is a Los Angeles, California-based industrial design house, currently specializing in the development of premium specialty vehicles, with an eye toward additional lifestyle products in the future.- Company :...
was the only bidder, bidding $5.5 million. However, following the Chrysler Group LLC's acquisition of Viper
assets, the company announced it was no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets and continuing the production of Dodge Viper SRT10. Nevertheless, Devon Motor Works later unveiled a Dodge Viper-based Devon GTX, as 2010 model. The special-edition Viper, called the Viper ACR-X, was produced to celebrate its last year and was delivered at a Viper Days event at Gingerman Raceway in June 2010. This special model is for track use only and is the spec car for the Dodge Viper Cup, and has an additional 40 horsepower (640 hp).
In 2012 a new Viper or replacement is expected.
Production Numbers, by Model Year
| Year | Model | Production number |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | RT/10 | 285 |
| 1993 | RT/10 | 1043 |
| 1994 | RT/10 | 3083 |
| 1995 | RT/10 | 1577 |
| 1996 | RT/10 | 721 |
| 1996 | GTS | 1166 |
| 1997 | RT/10 | 117 |
| 1997 | GTS | 1671 |
| 1998 | RT/10 | 379 |
| 1998 | GTS | 837 |
| 1998 | GT2 Championship Edition | 100 |
| 1999 | RT/10 | 549 |
| 1999 | GTS | 484 or 699 |
| 1999 | ACR | 215 |
| 2000 | RT/10 | 840 |
| 2000 | GTS | 731 |
| 2000 | ACR | 218 |
| 2001 | RT/10 | 874 |
| 2001 | GTS | 650 |
| 2001 | ACR | 227 |
| 2002 | RT/10 | 545 |
| 2002 | GTS | 759 |
| 2002 | ACR | 159 |
| 2003 | SRT-10 Convertible | 1875 |
| 2004 | SRT-10 Convertible | 2435 or 2433 |
| 2005 | SRT-10 Convertible | 2010 or 2003 |
| 2005 | SRT-10 Coupe | zero or 6 |
| 2006 | SRT-10 Convertible | 752 |
| 2006 | SRT-10 Coupe | 1117 |
| 2007 | ---- | No 2007 Model Year Vipers. |
| 2008 | SRT-10 Convertible | 712 |
| 2008 | SRT-10 Coupe | 688 |
| 2008 | ACR | 179 |
| 2009 | SRT-10 Convertible | 167 |
| 2009 | SRT-10 Coupe | 241 |
| 2009 | ACR | 245 |
| 2010 | SRT-10 Convertible | Final number pending. |
| 2010 | SRT-10 Coupe | Final number pending. |
| 2010 | ACR | Final number pending. |
| 2010 | ACR-X | Final number pending. |
| 2011 | ---- | No 2011 model year Vipers. |
Sales
| Calendar Year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 1,315 |
| 2000 | 1,470 |
| 2001 | 1,388 |
| 2002 | 1,511 |
| 2003 | 2,103 |
| 2004 | 1,782 |
| 2005 | 1,652 |
| 2006 | 1,455 |
| 2007 | 435 |
| 2008 | 1,172 |
| 2009 | 482 |
| 2010 | 392 |
Motorsports
Following the release of the Viper in 1992, several North American and European teams attempted to race Viper RT/10s. Based on production cars and using an added roof for rigidity, the cars were not able to perform as hoped. Although they were never officially backed by Dodge, the company became interested in developing a fully backed race car by the time the second-generation Viper was under development.Viper GTS-R
Based on the Viper GTS, the GTS-R was launched in late 1995 as an attempt to prove the capabilities of the Viper design worldwide, although the racing programs mostly concentrated on Europe. Using production block, cylinder heads, and crankshaft, Dodge engineers were able to extract up to 750 hp from the normally 450 hp second-generation 8.0 L V10 engine. The chassis was re-engineered from the ground up by British sports manufacturer Reynard Motorsport
Reynard Motorsport
Reynard Motorsport was at one time the world's largest racing car manufacturer. Initially based at Bicester and latterly at Reynard Park, Brackley, England the company built successful cars in Formula Ford 1600, Formula Ford 2000, Formula Vauxhall Lotus, Formula Three, Formula 3000 and Indy...
's Special Projects Division under chief engineer Paul Brown, while Oreca
Oreca
Oreca is a French racing team, founded and run by Hugues de Chaunac, former team manager of F1 team AGS. Oreca has had success in many areas of motorsport including Formula Three where drivers including Alain Prost, Jacques Laffite and Jean Alesi have won the French Formula Three Championship for...
assembled and maintained the racing cars.
The car made its competition debut in the 1996 24 Hours of Daytona
24 Hours of Daytona
The 24 Hours of Daytona, currently known as the Rolex 24 Daytona for sponsorship reasons, is a 24-hour sports car endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is run on a combined road course, utilizing portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield...
with Canaska Racing, followed by Oreca in the BPR Global GT Series
BPR Global GT Series
The BPR Global GT Series was a grand tourer-based sports car racing series which ran from 1994 to 1996 before becoming the FIA GT Championship in 1997...
. Oreca went on to take most of the success with the Viper, winning the FIA GT Championship
FIA GT Championship
The FIA GT Championship was a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The championship was mostly concentrated in Europe, but throughout the years has visited other continents including Asia and South...
three times, 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
class wins three times, and an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2000.
Between 1999 and 2002 Zakspeed
Zakspeed
Zakspeed is a motor racing team from Germany, founded in 1968 by Erich Zakowski and nowadays run by his son Peter Zakowski. Their home town of Niederzissen is located not far away from the Nürburgring race track.-1973 to 1981: Saloon and sports car racing:...
won the 24 Hours Nürburgring
24 Hours Nürburgring
The 24 Hours Nürburgring is a touring car and GT endurance racing event on the Nürburgring Nordschleife . With a lap length of over , it allows the participation of more than 200 cars, and over 700 drivers.-Overview:...
three times, with Viper chassis C15 and C36. In an attempt to outsmart the 2003 24h rules in which the GTS-R was granted special admission as "Chrysler Viper 1.350 kg 90 Liter 2 x 30,8 mm (air restrictors)", Zakspeed entered as Dodge Viper. In pit stops, they filled with more than 90 liters of fuel, were penalized twice and finished fifth on track, with 134 laps. Afterwards, they appealed at DMSB and were disqualified altogether, with "Wertungsausschluss" (exclusion from classification) for the Chrysler Viper. As the rules limited engine capacity to 6200 cc since 2005, Zakspeed converted the engine into a V8 of that size.
Following the end of official factory support for the program in 2001, Vipers were used by privateer teams with much success. Viper GTS-Rs continued to be used competitively into 2007.
Viper Competition Coupe
In 2004 Samuel Hubinette
Samuel Hubinette
Samuel Hübinette, aka The Crazy Swede , is a Swedish professional race car driver and Hollywood stunt driver. He started working as a test driver for Volvo Cars...
teamed up with Mopar and DC Performance in Los Angeles used a Competition Coupe with a modified rear axle for Formula D
Formula D
Formula DRIFT or Formula D is the premier United States drifting series. Formula Drift, Inc. was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership that brought D1 Grand Prix to the United States. The new entity would solely own,...
, in which he won the title before the car was barred by the end of the season (as FD would adopt D1 Grand Prix
D1 Grand Prix
The , abbreviated as D1GP and subtitled Professional Drift, is a production car drifting series from Japan. After several years of hosting amateur drifting contests, Option magazine & Tokyo Auto Salon founder Daijiro Inada, and drifting legend Keiichi Tsuchiya hosted a professional level drifting...
regulations from the following year, which had already prohibited the car from competing) and was replaced by an SRT-10 the following season.
After a few one-off entries in the Spa 24 Hours
Spa 24 Hours
The Total 24 Hours of Spa is an endurance racing event held annually in Belgium at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Conceived by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem just one year after the first 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race was run under the auspices of the Royal Automobile Club Belgium...
, from 2006, the Viper Competition Coupe raced in Europe fulltime for the first time, joining the new FIA GT3 European Championship
FIA GT3 European Championship
The FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more...
with the Italian team Racing Box. At the end of the year Oreca announced the development of a package transforming the car to GT2 regulations in national championships.
The Primetime Race Group
Primetime Race Group
The Primetime Race Group is a privateer motorsport team from Hollywood, Florida which currently competes in the American Le Mans Series and the International Motor Sports Association Lites Series, a support series of the ALMS....
use a Viper Competition Coupe in the American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
in the GT2 class. They began racing in the end of the 2007 American Le Mans Series season
2007 American Le Mans Series season
The 2007 American Le Mans Series season was the 9th season for the IMSA American Le Mans Series. It was a series for Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Touring race cars divided into 4 classes: LMP1, LMP2, GT1, and GT2. It began March 17, 2007, and ended October 20, 2007 after 12 races...
. During the 2008 American Le Mans Series season
2008 American Le Mans Series season
The 2008 American Le Mans Series season was the tenth season for the IMSA American Le Mans Series. It was a series for Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Tourer race cars divided into four classes: LMP1, LMP2, GT1, and GT2...
they raced full-time with Hankook Tires. The car's best result was a 5th place in the GT2 class at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring
2008 12 Hours of Sebring
The 2008 Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida was the 56th running of this event and the opening round of the 2008 American Le Mans Series season. It took place at Sebring International Raceway, Florida on March 15, 2008...
. The team continued to develop and race the Viper in the 2009 American Le Mans Series season
2009 American Le Mans Series season
The 2009 American Le Mans Series season was the eleventh season for the International Motor Sports Association's American Le Mans Series. It began on March 21, 2009, and ended on October 10, 2009 after ten events. The series was composed of Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Tourer race cars divided...
, with Dunlop Tires.
External links
- Viper Club of America - Viper Club of America
- Vipers Of The World – Vipers Of The World
- Dodge Viper Website – Dodge Brand Site
- Internet Movie Cars Database Entry – Dodge Viper in IMCDB