The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car made by the Dodge division of Chrysler. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, and numerous variations, has made many appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos.
In 2008, with the introduction of the 510 cu in (8.4 L) V10, the Viper produced 600 bhp (450 kW) at 6000 rpm and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) at 5100 rpm, and also received better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne cam-in-cam variable valve timing on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. The rev limit could be increased by 300 rpm due to the improved valve-train stability from both the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The engine was developed with some external assistance from McLaren Automotive and Ricardo Consulting Engineers. Electronic engine control is developed by Continental AG; the controller can monitor the crankshaft and cylinder position up to six times during each firing and has 10 times more processing power than the previous unit. Dodge Viper fourth generation, phase II The second generation, phase II SR Vipers were exported to Europe, where they were sold as Chryslers. In order to meet FIA homologation requirements, as well as to celebrate Chrysler winning the 1997 FIA GT2 class championship, 100 modified Viper GT2 Championship Edition street-legal cars were sold. These upgraded GTS cars were rated at 460 hp (343 kW) and 500 lb·ft (678 N·m) oftorque. They had bodywork with similar appearance to the GTS-R, with the same color scheme, aerodynamics package, and visual options, in order to publicize the Viper's achievement in the FIA GT Championship. The American Club Racing (ACR) model was introduced in 1999. This model had suspension and engine enhancements focused on maximizing performance in road racing and autocross environments. Horsepower was, by the use of K&N air filters and smooth intake tubes, bumped to 460 hp (370 kW) in these models, while torque increased to 500 lb·ft (678 N·m). Weight was reduced by over 50 pounds (23 kg) by stripping the interior and removing other non-essential items such as the fog lamps (replacing them with brake ducts). The new stiffer, adjustable suspension removed another 14 pounds (6.4 kg) These models, which also have engine and handling modifications, has an "ACR" badge and 20-spoke BBS wheels. To commemorate the end of the second generation Viper and mend the gap from the car's production end until the release of the new car, Dodge offered an improved version of the ACR specifically designed to run in the Dodge Viper Cup Series. This car, named Viper ACR-X, added to the basic ACR 40 hp (30 kW), a new set of downforce-enhancing front canards, and new materials that, along with a stripped interior, reduced weight to 3,300 lb (1,500 kg). It is a purpose-built race car, and is not street-legal. According to Dodge, the car beat the regular record-holding ACR around Laguna Seca by about four seconds (1:33.9 to 1:31). Price increased by US$12,000, to $110,000. Production was planned for the spring of 2010. A prototype 2008 Mopar Viper Coupe, with 675 hp (503 kW), appeared at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, but is not planned for production. This concept appears to have been a sneak peek at the Viper ACR. Performance parts from this car are sold by Mopar. For the 2003 SEMA show, Chrysler displayed a highly tuned Viper SRT-10 in coupe form. The vehicle's name comes from the carbon fiber used to reduce the weight by 150 lbs (total down to 3200 lbs). However, even more significant were the engine modifications, which increased power to 625 hp; no torque or RPM figures were given. Along with the carbon fiber hardtop, a front splitter and rear spoiler were added, however these parts were not nearly as significant as those on the later SRT-10 ACR, and no downforce/drag information was provided to show that they were even functional. The car was a concept only, and never produced. The Chrysler Firepower was a grand touring concept based on the Viper chassis that would have been equipped with the Hemi V-8, with automatic transmission. Price would have been slightly lower than other models. The Dodge Copperhead was a concept car based on the Viper platform that was intended as a cheaper, more nimble car. It was powered by a V6 engine instead of the Viper's V10. It never reached production. Dodge produced a limited-production Copperhead Edition Dodge Viper, with copper-colored paint similar to the concept car and other changes.Fourth generation, Phase II ZB (2008–present)
Production 2008–2010 Body style(s) 2-door roadster Engine(s)
560 lb·ft (760 N·m) @ 5600 rpmTransmission(s) TR6060 6-speed manual Wheelbase 98.8 in (2,510 mm) Length 175.6 in (4,460 mm) Width 75.7 in (1,920 mm) Height 47.6 in (1,210 mm) (coupe)
48.6 in (1,230 mm) (SRT-10)
48.6 in (1,230 mm) (convertible)Curb weight 3,460 lb (1,570 kg) (base)
3,408 lb (1,546 kg) (ACR)
Changes outside of the engine were less extreme. The Tremec T56 transmission was replaced with a new Tremec TR6060 with triple first-gear synchronizers and doubles for higher gears. The Dana M44-4 rear axle from the 2003-2006 model now has a GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential that greatly helps the tires in getting grip under acceleration. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires increased grip and driver feedback and, along with revised suspension (springs, anti-roll bars, and shock valving), made the Viper more neutral in cornering.
The modifications made to the 2008 model year car were enough for Chrysler to make it distinct from the first SRT-10, and the 2008 model became known as Gen IV, just in time for release with Chevrolet's 638 hp (476 kW)Corvette ZR1. Another notable change is the reworking of the exhaust system; previous third-generation Vipers had their exhaust crossover under the seats which resulted in a large amount of heat going into the cockpit, which was done initially to help improve the car's exhaust note, since the first 2 generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. The 2008 Viper exhaust utilized a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the cockpit.
The electrical system was completely revised for 2008. Changes included a 180-amp alternator, twin electric cooling fans, electronic throttles, and completely new VENOM engine management system. CAN bus architecture has been combined with pre-existing systems to allow for regulatory compliance. The fuel system was upgraded to include a higher-capacity fuel pump and filtration system.
Car and Driver magazine recently tested the car, and found a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, a 0-100 mph (160 km/h) time of 7.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds at 126 mph (203 km/h). Dodge's claims for top speed are 197 mph (317 km/h) and 202 mph (325 km/h), for the Roadster and Coupe respectively. Car and Driver also tested the Viper's track performance, and managed a fast sub-3 minute lap time around Virginia International Raceway. The Viper's time, despite hot weather, was faster than the Corvette Z06, Ford GT, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 Turbo, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2, Audi R8, and similar cars. According to Car and Driver and Motor Trend, the car's slightly-adjusted suspension setup and new differential gave it cornering ability as sharp as before with better control, feedback, and response.
On November 4, 2009, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles announced that the Viper would end production in the summer of 2010. A new car will arrive in 2012 to replace the current Viper, but it is not known if the new car will have the Viper name.
On February 10, 2010, Dodge began accepting orders for the Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models. Only 50 of these units will be produced (20 coupes, 18 roadsters and 12 ACRs). "Final Edition" cars will carry the special build code, "AXZ", and will be the very last of the fourth generation Viper cars. "Final Edition" Vipers will be available in SRT10 Coupe and Convertible configurations. Pricing for this special, limited production offering has not been announced.
Performance (2008 base model)Europe
The third generation, phase I ZB Viper was being sold in Europe during 2005-2006, the first model to be sold as a Dodge, as part of Chrysler's new sales strategy for the European market. In the United Kingdom it is referred to as a Viper, but it is actually sold as the Dodge SRT-10, as the Viper name is a registered trademark in the UK. Prodrive currently handles the importation and modification of Vipers to meet European laws. According to 2009 research by internet company Yahoo, the Viper is the car with the second-highest fuel consumption on sale in the United Kingdom.Variants
Viper GT2
Viper ACR
A new ACR was added to the Viper line-up after the 2008 model year. Its upgrades were more drastic than the original, including street-legal racing tires, two-piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension, and significant aerodynamic revision. No engine modifications were made, so power and torque remain at 600 hp (450 kW) and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) as in the base car. The ACR is street-legal, and is similar to the MOPAR Viper that Dodge displayed at various auto shows. Weight was also decreased by 80 lb (36 kg) by using the "Hardcore Package", without radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad or tire-inflator. Its aerodynamic upgrades produce 1000 lbf (4.4 kN) of down-force at 150 mph (240 km/h), or roughly 10 times the downforce the base Viper SRT-10 can produce at the same speed. The interior was upgraded only by the addition of a beacon-tripped lap timer.
The Viper ACR was built alongside the standard SRT-10 at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit. The aerodynamic components were produced and assembled to the vehicle by Prefix Corporation located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.Viper ACR-X
Mopar Concept Coupe
SRT-10 Carbon
Firepower
Copperhead
