New Viper generation

Second generation models were upgraded bringingViper's price would reach $100,000. Even if that were
increased engine power, an improved suspension, andthe case, the Viper's price would still undercut its rivals
reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Vipersignificantly. The initial model was a convertible. In 2004,
GTS had a 450 bhp (336 kW) engine, which couldDodge introduced a limited edition Mamba package.
complete the quarter mile 0.7 seconds faster andMamba edition cars featured black interiors, with red
increased top speed by 35 km/h (22 mph) or so.stitching and trim and saw their MSRP price rise by
Along with the updated performance came theroughly $3000. 200 Mambas were produced.
inclusion of some of the "luxuries" the car did withoutThe new Viper SRT-10 Coupe (no longer called the
before. Dual front airbags were added to the vehicle'sGTS, but still referred to as, by many enthusiast) was
safety equipment list in 1997 as mandated by theintroduced in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show as a
government.2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the
A coupe model called the GTS was also introduced inconvertible but takes its side and rear styling cues
1996. The roof featured slightly raised sections abovefrom the Competition Coupe (see below). The new
the seats to accommodate usage of helmets, acoupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and
throwback to its intended purpose. Indeed, the Viper'sretains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original,
performance has made the vehicle popular for bothalong with the original GTS's taillights as well offering
amateur and professional racers. Vipers can be seenthe original Viper Blue paint scheme with white stripes
participating often in drag racing, road racing and(referred to as GTS Blue) for an added homage to
drifting. The GTS, like its predecessor, was chosen asthe original Viper coupe. The engine was also certified
the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.by the SAE to produce 510 hp and 535 lb/ft of torque.
In 1997, Dodge contracted French racing team OrecaIt is important to note that the engine makes the same
to build a racing version of the Viper known as thepower as before, only the numerical value of the
GTS-R in the FIA GT Championship's GT2 category.power was changed. Unlike the original coupe, the
Using this car, Oreca was mostly victorious in thechassis was not modified. This made the new coupe
series through 2002 (the last two with Larbreheavier than the convertible, and thus slightly slower in
Competition). The car also won its class in the Lelow speed acceleration. Handling and high speed
Mans 24 Hours from 1998 to 2000 and took an overallperformance were improved by the coupe's stiffer
win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Dodge wouldframe, reduced drag, and increased downforce.
celebrate by releasing a special edition model with theIt has been confirmed officially that the 2008 Viper will
winning car's livery.get a 90hp bump up to 600hp and a 25lbft torque
In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipersbump up to 560lb-ft from a displacement increased up
were sold. The second generation Vipers wereto 8.4 liters (510ci/8354cc), better flowing heads with
exported to Europe, where they were sold aslarger valves and dual throttle bodies. The
Chryslers.development of the engine was done with help from
Minor evolutionary changes including new 18" diameterMcLaren Cars and Ricardo. Changes outside of the
wheels were introduced in the 1998 model. Subsequentpowerplant are minimal, but still influential. The T56
versions featured light-weight hypereutectic pistonstransmission has been replaced with the new Tremec
and an improved exhaust system. 1999 saw theTR6060, and a revised shifter has been paired with
introduction of the Cognac Connolly interior package.the new gearbox. Shifts are claimed to be 18% quicker
Continuing the refinements, an ABS system was(faster than the Corvette Z06). The Dana M44-4 rear
introduced in 2001. In 2002, the end of secondaxle from the 2003 model now has a GKNVisco
generation production was celebrated with the releasedifferential that greatly help the tires in getting grip
of 360 commemorative "Final Edition" models. Theseunder acceleration. One last performance upgrade
models were painted red with white stripes, payingwas the removal of run-flat tires; the new tires
tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars.remove most of the minor flaws of the early gen III
Performance (GTS):models and should give the Viper nearly unmatched
0-60: 4.0 sec.handling on any circuit. Another notable change is the
0-100: 8.6 sec.reworking of the exhaust system, previous third
quarter mile: 12.2 sec @ 118 mphgeneration Vipers had their exhaust crossover under
top speed: 190+ mphthe seats which resulted in a large amount of heat
slalom: 71.3 mphgoing into the cockpit, this was done initially to help
skidpad average g: .98improve the cars exhaust note, since the first 2
The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2003,generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were
courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racingcriticised for their lackluster exhaust notes. For 2008,
Technology (SRT) group. The new Viper SRT-10 wasthe Viper exhaust will utilize a new exhaust system
heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. Thewith no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the
engine was enlarged to 8.3 L which, with othercockpit, but still produces an exotic sound[1].
upgrades, combined to increased output to 505 hpThe third generation Viper has been sold in Europe
(375 kW) and 525 ft·lbf (711 N·m) of torque.since 2004, the first model to part of Chrysler's new
The chassis was also improved. It became more rigidsales strategy for the European market. Although
and weighed approximately 80 lbs less than thereferred to as a "Viper", it is sold as the "Dodge
previous model. An even better chassis and engineSRT-10", as the Viper name is a registered trademark
were planned for the car, but Chrysler feared that thein the UK