Dodge Viper

Send This Page To A Friend
Fade To White
Dodge

Dodge Viper

1992 - 2002
Country:
USA
Engine:
V10
Capacity:
7990 cc
Power:
450 bhp
Transmission:
6 spd. man
Top Speed:
180 mph
Number Built:
n/a
Collectability:
2 star
Dodge Viper
Dodge Viper
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2

Introduction



From the late 1970s to early 1980s, Chrysler was troubled by recession and bankruptcy. New president Lee Iacocca introduced a radical cost reduction regime, reducing models and reducing platforms - eventually to only one (the boring front-drive K-car platform).

These changes helped Chrysler return to profitability, but the model lineup was unadventurous and hardly inspired car enthusiasts. Things were about to change, however, when in 1992 Chrysler launched the Viper - a concept car turned production car, a modern muscle car and the only American supercar.

Penned by Chryslers star designer Tom Gale, the Viper was first launched in RT/10 roadster format. The muscular appearance of the car is backed up by a whopping truck sourced V10 pushrod engine, displacing a very truck-like 7990cc. Early cars pumped out 400hp and even more torque. 0-60mph took about 4.6 seconds, earning USA a place in global supercar chart.

Its chassis was made of a tubular steel backbone riding on classic double-wishbones suspension, while the body work was by made of composite plastics. With big wheels and fat tyres, there was an abundance of grip, if not sufficient traction for its torquey V10. The engine was loud, raw and the gearchanges were truck-like.

Ride quality was hard and refinement low, however people loved all these shortcomings in the same way they loved muscle cars of the 60's. The Viper soon replaced the Corvette as the icon of American sports cars.

In 1996, Chrysler launched the hardtop GTS version. Amoung the many improvements were a more powerful 450hp engine, stiffer chassis and sharper suspension tuning thanks to the experience gained from motorsport.

Visitor Rating:


Click stars to vote

Also see:


Dodge Brochures
Dodge Specifications
Dodge Car Commercials
The History of Dodge (USA Edition)
Reader Reviews page 0 of 0
Click here to add your review
There are currently 0 reviews to display.

 
Reader Rides
Sorry, we don't have any reader rides for the Dodge Viper.
Be The First To Upload Pictures Of Your Dodge Viper
Dodge's For Sale
item
Dodge
1970
coupe
V8
Showroom
LHD

Dealer

Classic Cars

POA
NA