Dodge Viper

By: Saagar Parikh

Dodge Viper Background Info• The Dodge Viper SRT (formerly the SRT Viper, between 2012 and

2014) is a sports car, manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler.

• The first Viper, produced with sheet metal, appeared as a concept at the North American International Auto Show in 1989, where public reaction was so enthusiastic that Dodge was directed to develop it as a standard production vehicle.

• Production of the two-seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in Pennsylvania in 1991 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in Detroit in October 1995.

• In 2014 the Viper was named number 10 on the "Most American Cars" list, meaning 75% or more of its parts are manufactured in the U.S.

Performance: Engine

• The heart and soul of the Dodge Viper is its handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4L V10 engine located mid-front. This manual-transmission-controlled serpent of the road generates 645 horsepower and twists out 600 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 317 km/h (202 mph).

Performance: Handling• The Dodge Viper includes a single-mode high-

performance suspension or available driver-selectable two-mode suspension featuring Bilstein® DampTronic® select shock absorbers with street and track settings. An available five-mode Electronic Stability Control System+ with launch control helps drivers maintain control of the car under almost any operating condition.

Performance: Braking• Every corner of the Dodge Viper features a robust

Brembo brake system with accent painted fixed aluminum calipers and 14x1.26-inch vented/slotted rotors. Braking is firm and confident even under extreme track conditions. And for serious racers, optional Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and pads offer superior performance by maintaining their strength after numerous hard stops and holding up better with repeated use. The ACR model features even larger brakes for further heightened performance.

Exterior• Exhaust: The Dodge Viper features a race-inspired

side exhaust, offering a fierce look and aggressive sound to back it up.

• Hood: This is what holds in the power of the Dodge Viper SRT®. The enormous clamshell hood of the Viper is made from a single piece of hand-laid carbon fiber. Performance-designed air extractors help keep the engine cool, while a center air intake maximizes airflow to help achieve 645 horsepower. It’s a truly inspired piece of automotive design.

2016 Models• SRT Coupe – MSRP: $89,995

• GT Coupe – MSRP: $97,995• GTS Coupe – MSRP: $110,095• ACR Coupe – MSRP: $120,895

Citations• "2016 Dodge Viper - Hand Crafted Sports Car." 2016 Dodge Viper - Hand Crafted Sports Car.

N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2016.• Holmes, Mark (2007). Ultimate Convertibles: Roofless Beauty. London: Kandour. pp. 64–67.