Tag Archives: viper
Will There Be a New Dodge Viper?
The Dodge Viper is probably one of the most iconic cars of our generation. With its production tracing back from 1992 to 2010 and then making a comeback in 2012, it was sad to see it go last year. So, during the recent interview of Fiat Chrysler Automotive CEO Sergio Marchionne, he was asked if there are plans to revive the sports car.
Based on Marchionne’s statement, the future of the Viper remains bleak. He said that the Viper cannot stand on its own because it needs to share its architecture. Then, it needs a platform specifically designed to house its American engine. Another factor holding back the return of the sports car was its low sales volume.
With that, the rumors about the sixth-generation Dodge Viper were doused. It was previously speculated that there were plans for the new model to ditch its V10 engine in favor of a new naturally-aspirated V8. The unit will be able to produce 558 hp for its base trim and up to 710 hp for its range-topping trim. Reports claimed too that the upcoming Viper will get a lighter platform, but it will retain its distinctive shape as well as its front-engine and rear-drive set-up.
For now, it appears that the fate of the Viper has been sealed though.
Dodge Continuing the Charger and Challenger
Despite the heartbreaking developments about the Viper, Dodge will go on with its Charger and Challenger models. Marchionne said that the two will get an upgraded architecture.
The FCA CEO noted that they will likely continue using the Giorgio platform for the cars. However, the architecture needs an upgrade to make the models more competitive. He hinted that by the time they are finished reworking the current platform, we might not be able to recognize it from its origins.
2013 SRT Viper – Fast and Mean Looking!
To start the fifth generation with blazing fury, the 2013 SRT Viper dropped the Dodge name and also shed around 100 pounds. That is a lot of baggage it didn’t need, so now it is better than ever.
A brand new design language is obvious on the exterior, and although still as aggressive as ever, it is also quite graceful.
- Carbon fiber hood, deck lid and roof, and aluminum panel doors help with weight reduction
- Rear quarters kick out even more to reduce tail-end drag more efficiently
- Modified front air intake
- New side-exit exhaust system with sill-mounted, cast aluminum bezels
- Forged aluminum, five-spoke wheels standard; split six-spoke “Venom” wheel design optional in three finishes
Premium materials, superior craftsmanship and performance-oriented technology can all be appreciated in the passenger cabin, which is quite a change from the shell design it once had.
- Sabelt high-performance racing seats
- Adjustable pedals and seats
- Surprisingly spacious trunk offers 14 cubic feet
Performance is nothing short of phenomenal. It is more confident than ever before with precise steering and superior cornering prowess.
- 8.4-liter V10 produces 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 3.7 seconds
- Two stability control modes
- SLA suspension system
Viper once offered nothing more than a cassette deck; my how times have changed. This is now a luxury supercar.
- Customizable instrument cluster displays on 7-inch LED screen
- Steering wheel mounted controls
- 8.4-inch color touch screen controls audio, Chrysler Uconnect system and other features
- Optional 18-spaker Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound
When braking is put to the test, the 2013 SRT Viper manages to come to a halt from 60 mph in 101 feet; an impressive number indeed.
- Uconnect system offers emergency services and roadside assistance
- Rearview camera
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Post collision safety system
- Dusk sensing headlamps
- Emergency braking assist
The old Viper was fun to drive, but it was a lot to handle. The new 2013 SRT Viper manages to deliver a more controlled and confident ride, without compromising performance. It even throws in a comfortable cabin with all the amenities you could want, in case you feel like driving it more than once a year.