Dodge Viper -

The first prototype was tested in December 1989. It first debuted in 1991 with three pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Stealth, and went on sale in January 1992 as the soft roofed RT/10 Roadster.
The centerpiece of the car was its engine. Originally designed for a truck platform and based on the Chrysler LA design, a division of the Chrysler Corporation revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10 for the Viper by recasting the block and head in aluminum alloy. Some within Lamborghini 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 produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) of torque at 3600 rpm, and thanks to the long-gearing allowed by the torquey engine, provided surprising fuel economy at a claimed 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100 km) if driven sedately. The body was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels. Much of the suspension, following the manufacturer's engine first mantra, was sourced from the Dodge Dakota pickup. Typical of American performance car design, it had a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels; it was also heavy with a curb weight of 3,280 lb (1,488 kg) and lacked many 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 in 12.9 seconds and had a maximum speed of 164 mph (264 km/h)and can also come with an automatic that is especially rare.[citation needed]
The car was also devoid of any real luxuries. Along with the absence of exterior door handles, the vehicle lacked windows and even a roof. Although a soft top cover was available, it was designed primarily for outdoor vehicle storage. In terms of interior space, the trunk was large enough for the rain cover and little else. Chrysler's purpose for the vehicle was clear in almost every aspect of its construction; from the unyielding bolstering of the seats to the side-exit exhaust that came with its own disclaimer against passenger injury. Performance came first, creature comforts last (if at all).
Performance:
0-60: 4.6 sec.
0-100: 9.2 sec.
quarter mile: 13.5 sec. @ 112 mph
top speed: 180+ (confirmed by Road and Track magazine / 1992)
700 ft slalom: over 65 mph
skidpad average g: .96
Second generation SR (1996—2002) Generation Two Viper RT/10, GTS
Production 1996–2002
Body style 2-door roadster 2-door coupe
Engine 8.0&# L V10 450&# hp (336&# kW)
Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase 96.2 in
Length 175.1 in (RT/10) 176.7 in (GTS)
Width 75.7 in
Height 43.9 in (RT/10) 47 in (GTS)
Second generation models were upgraded bringing increased engine power, an improved suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Viper GTS had a 450 bhp (336 kW) engine, which could complete the quarter mile 0.7 seconds faster and increased top speed by 35 km/h (22 mph) or so.
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 1997 as mandated by the government.
A coupe model called the GTS was also introduced in 1996. The roof featured slightly raised sections above the seats to accommodate usage of helmets, a throwback to its intended purpose. Indeed, the Viper's performance has made the vehicle popular for both amateur and professional racers. Vipers can be seen participating often in drag racing, road racing and drifting. The GTS, like its predecessor, was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.
In 1997, Dodge contracted French racing team Oreca to build a racing version of the Viper known as the GTS-R in the FIA GT Championship's GT2 category. Using this car, Oreca was mostly victorious in the series through 2002 (the last two with Larbre Competition). The car also won its class in the Le Mans 24 Hours from 1998 to 2000 and took an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Dodge would celebrate by releasing a special ion model with the winning car's livery.
In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipers were sold. The second generation Vipers were exported to Europe, where they were sold as Chryslers.
Minor evolutionary changes including new 18 diameter wheels were introduced in the 1998 model. Subsequent versions featured light-weight hypereutectic pistons and an improved exhaust system. 1999 saw the introduction of the Cognac Connolly interior package. Continuing the refinements, an ABS system was introduced in 2001. In 2002, the end of second generation production was celebrated with the release of 360 commemorative Final ion models. These models were painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars.
Performance (GTS):
0-60: 4.0 sec.
0-100: 8.6 sec.
quarter mile: 12.2 sec @ 118 mph
top speed: 190+ mph
slalom: 71.3 mph
skidpad average g: .98
Third generation ZB (2003-present) Generation Three Viper SRT/10
Production 2003–present
Body style 2-door roadster 2-door coupe
Engine 8.3&# L V10 510&# bhp&# @&# 5600&# rpm 535&# ft·lbf&# @&# 4600&# rpm top speed 200+ mphThe Viper V10 Engine
Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase 98.8&# in
Length 175.6&# in
Width 75.2&# in
Height 47.6&# in (coupe) 48.6 in (convertible)
Curb weight 3380&# lb
Similar Chevrolet Corvette Ford GT Ferrari F430
The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2003, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group. The new Viper SRT-10 was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. The engine was enlarged to 8.3 L which, with other upgrades, combined to increased output to 500 hp (375 kW) and 525 ft·lbf (711 N·m) of torque. The chassis was also improved. It became more rigid and weighed approximately 80 lbs less than the previous model. An even better chassis and engine were planned for the car, but Chrysler feared that the Viper's price would reach $100,000. Even if that were the case, the Viper's price would still undercut its rivals significantly. The initial model was a convertible. In 2004, Dodge introduced a limited ion Mamba package. Mamba ion cars featured black interiors, with red stitching and trim and saw their MSRP price rise by roughly $3000. 200 Mambas were produced.
The new Viper SRT-10 Coupe (no longer called the GTS, but still referred to as, by many enthusiast) was introduced in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible but takes its side and rear styling cues from the Competition Coupe (see below). The new coupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the double-bubble roof shape of the original, along with the original GTS's taillights as well offering the original Viper Blue paint scheme with white stripes (referred to as GTS Blue) for an added homage to the original Viper coupe. The engine was also certified by the SAE to produce 510 hp and 535 lb/ft of torque. It is important to note that the engine makes the same power as before, only the numerical value of the power was changed. Unlike the original coupe, the chassis was not modified. This made the new coupe heavier than the convertible, and thus slightly slower in low speed acceleration. Handling and high speed performance were improved by the coupe's stiffer frame, reduced drag, and increased downforce.
It has been confirmed officially that the 2008 Viper will get a 90hp bump up to 600hp and a 25lbft torque bump up to 560lb-ft from a displacement increased up to 8.4 liters (510ci/8354cc), better flowing heads with larger valves, variable valve timing on the exhaust cam and dual throttle bodies. The development of the engine was done with help from McLaren Cars and Ricardo. Changes outside of the powerplant are minimal, but still influential. The T56 transmission has been replaced with the new Tremec TR6060, and a revised shifter has been paired with the new gearbox. Shifts are claimed to be 18% quicker (faster than the Corvette Z06). The Dana M44-4 rear axle from the 2003 model now has a GKNVisco differential that greatly help the tires in getting grip under acceleration. One last performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new tires remove most of the minor flaws of the early gen III models and should give the Viper nearly unmatched handling on any circuit. 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, this was done initially to help improve the cars exhaust note, since the first 2 generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were criticised for their lackluster exhaust notes. For 2008, the Viper exhaust will utilize a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the cockpit, but still produces an exotic sound[1].
The third generation Viper has been sold in Europe since 2004, the first model to be sold as a Dodge, as part of Chrysler's new sales strategy for the European market. Although referred to as a Viper, it is sold as the Dodge SRT-10, as the Viper name is a registered trademark in the UK [2].
Variants
Viper GTS-R
Using such production engine components as the 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, losing much of the roadcar's heavy tubular steel and fibreglass structure in favour of lightweight carbon fibre components.
The car made its competition debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona (where it would later become the first GT car to secure an overall victory in Rolex sports car racing) with Canaska Racing in 1996, then the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when a GTS-R finished tenth overall in its very first run for glory. The next year, Dodge (who now switched services to Oreca) switched to the GT2 class and proceeded to dominate, winning five titles in the FIA GT Championship between 1997 and 2002. Oreca switched to the prototype class in 2000, but customer Vipers continued to be the most competitive in the series.
In 1998, Dodge returned to Le Mans to set new track records in practice. When the checkered flag dropped on the 24th hour of the longest day in racing, Viper GTS–R racers finished first and second in their class to become the first American car to win at Le Mans in three decades, and the first–ever production–based American car to grace the winner's circle.
In addition to the race cars, Chrysler built 100 street-legal 1998 GT2 Championship ion Vipers, which were rated at 460 hp (343 kW) and 500 ft·lbf (67 N·m) of torque. Named after the GT2 categories it competed in, it was aesthetically similar to the GTS-R with its paint job, aerodynamics package, and visual options in order to publicize the Viper's achievement in the FIA and Le Mans[3]. Also in 2005 LeMans Series season two Viper GTS-R cars were entered by the privateer team Paul Belmondo Racing.
ACR Viper
The American Club Racing (ACR) model was introduced in 1999. This model featured suspension and engine enhancements focused on maximizing performance in road racing and autocross environments. Horsepower was bumped to 460 bhp in these models.
Viper Competition Coupe
As of 2003, a special, non-street legal Viper SRT-10 Competition Coupe is available from Dodge for race car drivers, picking up where the GTS-R racing variant left off. The power and torque ratings have been improved, along with the vehicle being 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 CompCoupe comes equipped with a full roll cage, a racing fuel cell, and other racing- equipment. It is not sold through dealers and is purchased from Dodge directly as, essentially, a very expensive race car component. Pricing is approximately US$139,000. The Viper Competition Coupe sees action in the highly competitive SCCA Speed GT World Challenge.
In 2004 Samuel Hubinette used a Competition Coupe with a modified rear axle for the Formula D, in which he won the title before the car was barred by the end of the season (due to the fact 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 will race in Europe fulltime for the first time, joining the new FIA GT3 Cup with the Italian team Racing Box.
Viper MoparViper Mopar at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
A 2008 Mopar Viper Coupe appeared at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.
Awards John Lingenfelter Memorial Trophy 2004 World Speed Record - Dodge SRT-10 Ram - 154.587 mph flying kilometer
Motorsports 2006 Formula D - Championship, won by Samuel Hubinette 2004 Formula D - Championship, won by Samuel Hubinette 2004 SCCA SpeedWorld GT - Drivers Championship 2000 Grand-Am - Overall victory and GT2 victor Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona 1998 FIA GT2 - First and Second Place 24 Hours of Le Mans, first American car to win at Le Mans in three decades, and very first production American car 1998 FIA GT2 Driver’s and Manufacturer’s World Championship 1997 FIA GT2 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ World Championship
Television Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear reviewed the SRT-10 both on the show itself, as well as on his own DVD, Clarkson: The Good The Bad The Ugly. On his DVD, he described the Viper as something akin to an 'axe-murderer'. He commented that the car always kept the driver on the edge, and according to Clarkson, When you least expect it, it kills you. He also timed it around the Willow Spring Raceway in Rosamond, CA. The SRT-10 disappointed by tieing with a BMW Z4-M and lost to the Ariel Atom by a whole 9 seconds. NBC created Viper which was a TV show in fictional Metro City, California in which the Dodge Viper itself starred. The show featured a stock Viper which would tranform into a custom, armoured vehicle, equipped with various defensive weapons, with the push of a button. The show ran for four seasons, with the roadster appearing in the first three seasons, then replaced by the coupe in the fourth and final season. Most of the vehicles featured on the show were Chrysler Corp. vehicles. In the various Transformers TV series and comics, the characters Side Burn, Roulette and Shadow Striker all turn into Dodge Vipers. Even before the Alternators brand, which has all licensed vehicle alt modes, began, Hasbro licensed the Viper name and insignia for a Side Burn repaint. An episode of 7th Heaven featured a special ion 1996 red/yellow RT/10. In an episode of Married with Children, Al Bundy brought a red 1994 Dodge Viper. In the TV show VIP, Pamela Anderson's character drives a Viper. An episode of Days of our Lives a man drives a silver Dodge Viper SRT-10 The NSYNC music video Bye Bye Bye features a red Dodge Viper. In the USA 1992 version of The Price Is Right, different models of Dodge Viper were usually offered as most expensive prizes of Golden Road during the car's generations. The car was also offered as the Showcase in the show's 35th season opener. The runner-up came within $250 of the actual retail price of the showcase and won both of them for a grand total of $147,517, the highest total winnings in CBS game show history. The 2006 NBC drama Windfall about a group of lottery winners had one of the winners (who was still in high school) buy and drive a brand-new red 2006 Viper. A 2005 episode of Mythbusters featured a Dodge Viper racing against toy cars (a Camaro and a custom built car). In the TV series ER Dr. Kovac drives a silver Viper GTS. Which he later crashes.
Movies The Nutty Professor (1996) featured a red Viper RT-10 being driven by the protagonist. Vegas Vacation (1997) featured a special ion 1996 red/yellow RT/10 that 'Rusty' Griswold won betting with one dollar slots. RPM (1998) featured a red Viper RT-10 in a car chase. Inspector Gadget (1999) featured a blue Viper GTS being broken into. The Ninth Gate (1999) also featured a Viper RT-10 in a car chase. My 5 Wives (2000) briefly featured a red Viper RT/10. Gone In 60 Seconds (2000) featured a Viper Coupe GTS as the car Denise 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) briefly featured a yellow Viper SRT-10. Michel Vaillant (2003) featured a racing ion Viper GTS-R. Honey, it's not so tiny (2003) featured a red Viper GTS driven by the protagonist suffering a midlife crisis. Honey (2003) briefly featured a Viper GTS in the video shoot scene. Banlieue 13 (2004) briefly featured an early-production Viper RT-10. Mr. 3000 (2004) briefly featured in parking garage scene, black Viper GTS-Coupe. Crash (2005) featured a black Viper ACR. Drake and Josh Go Hollywood (2005) featured a red Viper SRT/10 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) featured a red Viper SRT-10 driven by Zachery Ty Bryan in the opening race. The Protector (2006) featured a white & green flames Viper SRT-10 driven by Harold Rubinos when Toni jumps over it.
Video Game Appearances Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2 features the Dodge Viper. In Gran Turismo 2, it also features the racing version of the Dodge Viper. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec features both the returning Dodge Viper, the concept version of the Dodge Viper and the racing version of the Dodge Viper. Gran Turismo 4 features both the returning Generation Two version of the Dodge Viper and a new 2003 version of the Dodge Viper SRT-10. It also features the returning concept version of the Dodge Viper and also the racing version. Gran Turismo HD is set to feature the returning Dodge Viper SRT-10, in addition by adding the Generation One and the convertible version. GTR - FIA GT Racing Game features the GTS-R, under the Chrysler nomenclature. It's sequel, GTR2, adds the 2004 roster to the list, as well as the Competition Coupe. Need For Speed: Most Wanted Features the Dodge Viper SRT-10. One of the top rivals from Need For Speed: Most Wanted drives the Dodge Viper SRT-10. With upgrades of engines, tires, etc. the Viper can go over 220 MPH. In the stock version, the Viper is supposed to go over 200 MP/H. Need For Speed: Carbon features the returning Dodge Viper SRT-10, though its handling is vastly inhibited as part of the game's new physics campaign, giving 'Muscle Cars' bad handling. Its top speed is also inhibited too. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 features a Dodge Viper. The Need For Speed features a blue Dodge Viper RT/10. Project Gotham Racing 2 features Dodge Vipers in the GTS (found in the Super Car class) and SRT/10 (found in the Track Specials class) models. Project Gotham Racing 3 features the Dodge Viper SRT-10 and it can be purchased. Also features 2nd Gen and carbon models. Forza Motorsport features a couple versions of the Viper including the Competition Coupe. Test Drive Unlimited features the Dodge Viper SRT-10 roadster, and the Viper Coupe is available through downloadable car packs. Test Drive 4 features the Blue Viper GTS. Test Drive 5 makes the returning Viper(slightly better graphics then the previous game). Test Drive 6 has the returning Viper with the first generation RT/10 wheels. the car was also on the cover of test drive 4, 5, & 6. Midnight Club III: DUB ion features the Dodge Viper GTS-R. Grand Theft Auto 3 features a look-a-like Dodge Viper convertible called the Banshee. This version of the car also appears in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Viper Racing, a game made solely about Vipers and features the GTS coupe (1998). Models can be upgraded to GTS-R status in career mode. Opponents drive Dodge Vipers as well. Asphalt: Urban GT 2 features the Dodge Viper SRT-10 and the Dodge Viper GTS-R. 24 Hours of LeMans and Test Drive: LeMans features Viper GTS-R race cars from various different teams. Sega GT contains the Viper GTS-R. World Driver Championship for the N64 features a Dodge Viper GTS-R under the name Ram Venom GTR.