The Dodge Viper (ZB I) is the third-generation Vipersports car, manufactured by Dodge. The third generation received a heavy design change, designed by Osamu Shikado in 1999.[2]
The third-generation Dodge Viper was redesigned, courtesy of Osamu Shikado from Dodge's performance division, Street & Racing Technology.[2] The design took inspiration from the Viper competition coupé concept, also designed by Shikado which was unveiled two years prior as a preview for the next-generation Viper.
Production
The new Viper was introduced in 2002, named as the SRT-10, which replaced both the RT/10 and GTS models. The engine displacement was increased from 8.0 to 8.3 liters,[3] and along with other upgrades, the engine produced a maximum power output of 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS), and 525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) of torque.[4] The weight of the engine would also lose as much as 230 kg (507 lb). The chassis would become more rigid and lightweight, losing 36 kg (79 lb). A 6-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission is used to deliver all of the power to the rear wheels.
Three years later after the SRT-10 was unveiled, the coupé version of the Viper would be launched, adapting the same "double-bubble" structure as the GTS from the previous generation.[5] This model would have an increased power output of 510 hp (380 kW; 517 PS), and 535 lb⋅ft (725 N⋅m) of torque. The design of the car takes styling cues from the GTS, with the rear portion of the car adapting the tail shape, and the taillights using a design inspired by the GTS.[1]
Dodge would stop production of the Viper for 2007, in lieu of preparing the new updates for the car for the 2008 model year.
Performance
The SRT-10 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at 123.68 mph (199 km/h), and attain a top speed of 189.5 mph (305 km/h). The Viper also has an average slalom speed of 70.4 mph (113 km/h), a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2), and a 100–0 mph (161–0 km/h) stopping distance of 274 ft (84 m).[6]
The coupé variant can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at 123.68 mph (199 km/h), and attain a top speed of 192.6 mph (310 km/h). The coupé has an average slalom speed of 70.4 mph (113 km/h), a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2), and a 100–0 mph (161–0 km/h) stopping distance of 274 ft (84 m).