As Chrysler starts its production of the last 500 2010 Dodge Vipers on March 29, it’s only appropriate that we take a look back at Chrysler’s ultimate high-performance sports car. The last Viper should be produced by July, after which point it remains uncertain whether the Fiat-controlled automaker will revive the iconic Viper in 2012.
The first generation Dodge Viper made its initial debut in 1991 and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10. Underneath the Viper’s massive hood was a cast-iron block V10 engine which featured a pushrod two-valve design that was more suitable for the Dodge Ram rather than a high-performance sports car. The design remained in first-gen model in an effort to curb additional development costs, especially considering the Viper’s sales were by no means guaranteed. The engine nevertheless produced an impressive 400 horsepower and 465 lb. ft. of torque.
Suspension was somewhat of an afterthought due to Chrysler’s “engine first” philosophy and bits of the Dodge Dakota pickup were partly to blame for the car’s unforgiving ride. Although the first generation Dodge Viper lacked many modern driver aids such as traction control or anti-lock brakes, it still could cover a quarter mile in 12.6 seconds and allowed for nearly 1 lateral g in corners. Its brute power and rather spartan design also made the Viper hard to handle for the novice driver.
The second generation Viper included a new GTS model which was added in 1996. Thanks to its “double bubble” roof the GTS accommodated passengers that wore helmets, which hinted at the car’s racing intentions. Although the styling of the car was largely unchanged, this second generation offered a number of mechanical improvements that resulted in more power and less weight. However, the car remained a handful to drive, particularly on the track. The updated chassis was not only lighter, but also offered greater torsional rigidity. Unfortunately, these refinements suffered from the car’s brakes, which hurt the Viper in repeated comparison tests with other sports cars of the time, including Ferrari 550, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, and Honda NSX.
Aside from the braking system, the GTS managed to hold its own in numerous performance exercises. This generation also provided a number of amenities that the original spartan model did not provide. Additionally, the second gen was re-badged as a Chrysler for sale in Europe for the first time between 1997 and 2003.
Introduced in 2003, the third generation Dodge Viper witnessed its first full redesign. The all-new Viper SRT-10 replaced the GTS and the RT/10 and offered far more angled bodywork that the previous models. The engine increased in displacement and power increased to 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The chassis once again was made stronger and lighter and when it was introduced it was only available as a convertible.
The SRT-10 Coupe followed the convertible in 2006 and featured the “double bubble” roof design that became synonymous with the previous Viper GTS. Unlike the chassis modifications of the previous generation, this generation featured no modifications between the coupe and convertible bodystyles. As as result, the coupe was heavier and slower than the convertible. However, the coupe’s stiffer frame helped it deliver better handling.
The final and current generation Dodge Viper was introduced in 2008 with an updated engine that produced 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. Exterior changes were modest, but a number of mechanical upgrades were added including a new Tremec TR6060 transmission and GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential not to mentioned a revised suspension.
One of the much loved improvements found on the 2008 Viper was the updated exhaust note that was more pronounced than in previous generations. The fact that it also delivers a 0-60 mph time of a mere 3.5 seconds wasn’t a bad feature of the new Viper either. Dodge claims the top speed is around 197 mph and 202 mph for the Roadster and Coupe respectively. In recent tests by Car and Driver, the Viper also bested the Corvette Z06, Ford GT, Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 GT3, Audi R8, and other high performance sports cars on the track. The latest generation is also noted for having the best feedback and response.
Chrysler’s design chief, Ralph Gilles, indicated that work on the next-generation Dodge Viper continues, but the final approval for the car is not set in stone just yet. In the meantime, the final 500 models are expected to go fast as they’re sure to become an exclusive treat for collectors.
After more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers built, it’s hard to say whether the Viper will continue in 2012. Chrysler maintains that a sports car will be coming, but it’s not known whether this car will retain the Viper name. In closing, watch the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR do what it does best – tear up the track.
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