2009 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

2009 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

The Dodge Viper was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic muscular American sports car. Debuting as a concept in 1989 to huge consumer enthusiasm, everything about the production Dodge Viper was perfectly over the top, including its cartoonish styling, giant 335/35-series rear tires and thumping 400-horsepower V10 engine.

With lots of tail-wagging power and no life-saving electronic driving aids, the original RT/10 Viper roadster was a supercar that didn't suffer fools lightly. Minor concessions to "luxury" appeared in the second-generation Viper roadster, such as real windows that replaced the clear vinyl side curtains, but Viper fans had nothing to fear, as Dodge's top-dog sports car remained obnoxiously loud and fast. Despite the release of a GTS coupe and simultaneous upgrades for the entire line, the Viper remained essentially the same car from its debut in 1993 to its 2003 redesign.

The second-generation Dodge Viper saw the SRT-10 roadster become a true convertible with a folding top. The Viper SRT-10 coupe returned a few years later featuring the previous coupe's "double bubble" roof and dramatic rear styling. The Viper still employs a V10 with an astounding amount of power delivered over a broad range -- 600 hp and 560 pound-feet of torque to be exact -- and to handle it the Viper uses a beefed-up transmission and massive brakes. Compared to the original, newer Vipers have a longer wheelbase, a stiffer chassis and revised suspension tuning, which give the car greater dynamic precision. But that doesn't mean the Viper has lost its raw edge and lack of polish, and for the Viper enthusiast, that's the way it should be.

Current Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper is offered as a two-seat coupe or roadster. Standard equipment includes racing-style seats, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry and a 300-watt audio system with in-dash CD changer. An 8.4-liter V10 engine delivers 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Performance numbers are otherworldly, as the Viper can reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Containing all this power are massive Brembo brakes and 18-inch front- and 19-inch rear forged-alloy wheels. The track-ready SRT-10 ACR edition adds plenty of go-fast performance goodies, but it keeps the same powertrain as the regular Viper.

Though modern cars are increasingly equipped with the latest safety features, the Viper remains true to its visceral roots. There are neither side-impact airbags nor traction or stability control. Inside, the cabin is a collection of hard plastic panels and parts-bin switches. Seat comfort is surprisingly good, but entry and exit, particularly on the coupe, is tricky.

Fresh off the showroom floor, the Dodge Viper is one of the fastest production cars in the world. Its mammoth V10 pushes it to triple-digit speeds in the blink of an eye, and it keeps right on going. Pushing this Dodge to the limit still requires the skill of a seasoned driver, but even rookies will admire the car's unbelievable racecar-like capabilities. While not comfortable and well-rounded enough to be an everyday driver, the Dodge Viper remains a no-nonsense supercar for those who can afford to add one to their stable.

Used Dodge Viper Models

The current second-generation Dodge Viper has been available since 2003. At its debut, the V10 was 8.3 liters in size and generated 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque, and only the roadster was available. Detail changes only to colors and trim for the next couple years -- including a special "Mamba" package in 2004 for only 200 vehicles -- were followed by the return of the SRT-10 coupe in 2006 and a 10-hp increase. There was no '07 model. For 2008, the Viper received the current amped-up 8.4-liter V10 as well as refreshed styling, and the ACR model joined the lineup later in the year.

The original Dodge Viper debuted for the 1992 model year. At its heart was a 400-hp, truck-based engine with lighter-weight aluminum substituting for cast iron. Inspiringly one-dimensional, the first Viper continued on with only minor power tweaks and an optional hardtop with sliding side curtains until 1996 when major changes arrived with the more powerful GTS coupe that upped its V10 ante to 450 hp. It was also now a bit more civilized, with dual airbags and air-conditioning. Dodge also changed the exhaust system from side- to rear-exit, which drew the wrath of some Viper nuts despite eliminating the oh-so-frequent leg burns that would occur during entry and exit. The RT/10 roadster received much of the updates applied to the GTS coupe the following year.

In 1999 the Viper received bigger wheels, optional Connolly leather inside, power mirrors and a remote release for the coupe's glass hatch. A track-biased Viper ACR trim level also became available that year. Used Dodge Viper shoppers might also want to note that a fairly significant feature -- antilock brakes -- did not become available until 2001.