The Dodge Viper needs no introduction. This front mid-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater resembles one of the greatest American sports cars ever made.
2016 Dodge Viper
The price of the vehicle corresponds to its status. The MSRP for this year’s Dodge Viper starts at $87,895 for the basic SRT model with 645-hp 8.4L V10 engine and TREMEC six-speed manual transmission. Upper-level models such as GT/GTC (the MSRP starts at $95,895), GTS (the MSRP starts at $107,995), and ACR (the MSRP starts at $118,795) have same core components but include better equipment, more luxurious interior, and different styling. Sadly enough, despite all innovations and uplifts through the years, there is still no all-wheel drive model in the lineup.
2016 Dodge Viper SRT GTS © Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
Dodge Viper’s Generations
The Dodge Viper evolved through three generations divided into several phases each. The first generation lasted from 1992 to 2002 (phase I – from 1992 to 1995; phase II – from 1996 to 2002). The second generation lasted from 2003 to 2010 (phase I – from 2003 to 2007; phase II – from 2008 to 2010). The current third generation lasts since 2013. They all share the same and easily recognizable aggressive look, V10 engine, and manual transmission. Of course, all of these features undergone changes and improvements, though not substantial.
Dodge Viper’s Future
The Dodge Viper is a strange car. Certainly, it looks awesome and offers incomparable driver experience. However, it is far more expensive than the Chevrolet Corvette, its main rival in the US market, and lacks some major benefits of the European counterparts with similar pricing. Although it is unlikely that FCA will discontinue its fastest creation, even taking into account Dodge Viper’s poor sales, it has long been in need of serious modification. Let’s hope the changes will come sooner or later.
