The Dodge Viper is a sports car manufactured by Dodge (SRT for 2013 and 2014), a division of American car manufacturer FCA US LLC from 1991 through 2017, having taken a brief hiatus from 2010-2013. Production of the two-seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly Plant in 1991 and moved to Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in October 1995.
Although Chrysler considered ending production because of serious financial problems, on September 14, 2010, the then chief executive Sergio Marchionne announced and previewed a new model of the Viper for 2012. 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.
Video Dodge Viper
Development History
The Viper was initially conceived in late 1988 at Chrysler's Advanced Design Studios. The following February, Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested to Tom Gale at Chrysler Design Center that the company should consider producing a modern Cobra, and a clay model was presented to Lutz a few months later. Produced in sheet metal by Metalcrafters, the car appeared as a concept at the North American International Auto Show in 1989. Public reaction was so enthusiastic that chief engineer Roy Sjoberg was directed to develop it as a standard production vehicle.
Sjoberg selected 85 engineers to be "Team Viper", with development beginning in March 1989. The team asked the then-Chrysler subsidiary Lamborghini to cast a prototype aluminum block for the sports car to use in May. The production body was completed in fall 1989, with a chassis prototype running in December. Though a V8 engine was first used in the test mule, the V10 engine, which the production car was meant to use, was ready in February 1990. Official approval from Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca came in May 1990. One year later, Carroll Shelby piloted a pre-production car as the pace vehicle in the Indianapolis 500 race. In November 1991, the car was released to reviewers with the first retail shipments beginning in January 1992.
Maps Dodge Viper
Models
First generation (SR I; 1991-1995)
The first prototype was tested in January 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Dodge Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers, and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.
Lamborghini (then owned by Chrysler Corporation) helped with the design of the V10 engine for the Viper, which was based on the Chrysler's LA V8 engine. A major contributor to the Viper since the beginning was Dick Winkles, the chief power engineer, who had spent time in Italy.
Originally engineered to be a performance car, the Viper contained no exterior-mounted door handles or key cylinders and no air conditioning (however, this was added as an option in later models, and climate controls featured a "snowflake" icon, which indicated a potential setting for the A/C). The roof was made from canvas, and the windows were made from vinyl and used zippers to open and close, much like the Jeep Wrangler. However, the Viper was still equipped with some domestic features, including manually-adjustable sport leather-trimmed bucket seats with lumbar support, an AM-FM stereo cassette player with clock and high fidelity sound system, and interior carpeting. Aluminium alloy wheels were larger in diameter due to the larger brakes. A lightweight fiberglass hard roof option on later models was also available to cover the canvas soft roof, and was shipped with each new car. There were also no airbags, in the interest of weight reduction. Adjustable performance suspension was also an available option for most Vipers.
The engine weighs 711 lb (323 kg) and generates a maximum power output of 400 hp (406 PS; 298 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 465 lb?ft (630 N?m) at 3,600 rpm, and due to the long-gearing allowed by the engine, provides fuel economy at a United States Environmental Protection Agency-rated 12 mpg-US (20 L/100 km; 14 mpg-imp) in the city and 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) on the highway. The body is a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels. The car has a curb weight of 3,284 lb (1,490 kg) and lacks modern driver aids such as traction control and anti-lock brakes. The SR I can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds, 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 9.2 seconds, can complete the 1/4 mile (402 m) in 12.6 seconds at the speed of 113.8 mph (183.1 km/h) and has a maximum speed of approximately 165 mph (266 km/h). Its large tires allow the car to average close to one lateral g in corners, placing it among the elite cars of its day. However, the car proves tricky to drive at high speeds, particularly for the unskilled drivers.
Second generation (SR II, 1996-2002)
Although the 1996 model year is the beginning of the second generation, in the Viper community, the 1996 model of the RT/10 is sometimes referred to as "Generation 1.5" since it saw the carryover of many first generation parts during the model year while transitioning to second generation parts. The roadster relocated the exposed side exhaust pipes to a single muffler at the rear exiting via two large central tailpipes during the middle of the model year, which reduced back pressure, and therefore increased the power to 415 hp (309 kW; 421 PS). Torque would also increase by 23 lb?ft (31 N?m) to 488 lb?ft (662 N?m). A removable hardtop was now available along with a sliding glass window. Some steel suspension components were replaced by aluminum, resulting in a 60 lb (27 kg) weight reduction.
Later in the 1996 model year, Dodge introduced the Viper GTS, a new coupé version of the Viper RT/10. Dubbed the "double bubble", the roof featured slightly raised sections that looked like bubbles to accommodate the usage of helmets and taking design cues from the Shelby Daytona designed by Pete Brock. More than 90% of the GTS was new in comparison to the RT/10 despite similar looks. The GTS would come with the same 7,990 cc (8.0 L; 487.6 cu in) V10 but power would be increased to 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) at 5200 rpm and 490 lb?ft (664 N?m) of torque at 3700 rpm. The 1996 GTS would be the first Viper to be equipped with airbags and also included air conditioning, power windows and power door locks as standard equipment. The Viper GTS would be chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.
Minor updates would continue in 1997 and 1998. In 1997, the RT/10 would receive a power increase to 450 hp along with air-bags and power windows. In 1998, both of the versions of the Viper were equipped with second-generation air bags, revised exhaust manifolds (saving 24 lb (11 kg) over the previous cast iron components) along with a revised camshaft. For 1999, Dodge introduced the first ACR performance package.
In 2000, the Dodge Viper was updated to lighter hypereutectic pistons and received factory frame improvements. While the hypereutectic pistons provided less expansion, the forged pistons were preferred by customers for the supercharged and turbocharged aftermarket packages. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) recalls (998 and 999) were done at local dealerships to repair the 1996 to 1999 Viper frames by adding gussets with rivets near the steering box. 2001 saw the addition of Anti-lock braking system.
2002 would be the final year of the second generation of the Viper. Dodge would build 360 "Final Edition" cars (326 coupés and 34 ACR editions) to commemorate the final year. These models are painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 roadster in 2003 and the GTS was replaced in 2006 by the SRT-10 coupé.
Colors would vary throughout the second generation. Dodge would offer three or four colors per model year. Some colors such as steel gray were only offered for one model year (MY2000) while other colors such as red were offered during the entire second generation. Interior colors and wheel options would also vary throughout the second generation. The cobalt blue colour of the Dodge Viper GTS seen in the Viper (TV series) was exclusively available to the series.
Stripes would be an option beginning in 1996. The GTS stripes were larger, fuller stripes than the stripes offered on the 96 RT/10. The GTS had twin stripes (8 inches wide with a 4-inch gap in between) that ran from the front bumper all the way through the rear bumper. 1996 was the only model year in which the stripes would run through the rear license plate area. Stripes on later models would run from front to rear but did not run through the rear license plate area.
Third generation (ZB I, 2003-2007)
The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2002, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. Taking cues from the Dodge Viper GTS-R concept presented in 2000. The new Viper SRT-10, which replaced both the GTS and the RT/10, was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. The engine's displacement was increased to 8.3 L; 505.6 cu in (8,285 cc), which, with other upgrades, increased the maximum power output to 500 hp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 525 lb?ft (712 N?m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Despite the power increase, the engine weight was reduced to about 500 lb (230 kg). The chassis was also improved, becoming more rigid and weighing approximately 80 lb (36 kg) less than the previous model. An even lighter and stronger chassis was planned, but was abandoned because of cost. The initial model introduced was a convertible. In 2004, Dodge introduced a limited-edition Mamba package; Mamba-edition cars featured black interiors, with red stitching and trim, price increased by about $3,000. 200 cars with the Mamba package were produced.
The Viper SRT-10 Coupé was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible, but borrows its side and rear styling from the Competition Coupé concept. The coupé looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original along with the original GTS' tail lights, as well as offering the original GTS Blue with white stripes paint scheme on the initial run of First Edition cars like the original Viper coupé. The engine is SAE-certified to produce a maximum power output of 510 hp (517 PS; 380 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 535 lb?ft (725 N?m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Unlike the original coupé, the chassis was not modified.
No cars were produced for the 2007 model year; instead, Chrysler extended production of the 2006 model while preparing the updated 2008 model.
Fourth generation (ZB II, 2008-2010)
In 2008, with the introduction of the 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) V10 engine, the power output was raised to 600 hp (608 PS; 447 kW) at 6,100 rpm and 560 lb?ft (759 N?m) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine 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 valvetrain 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 was 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.
Changes outside of the engine were less extreme, but a distinction between the third and fourth generation of the Viper is the vented engine cover. 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 had 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 was the reworked exhaust system; previous third-generation cars 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 two generations of the Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. The car now featured a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that entered 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 had 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.
Viper SRT-10 ACR
The Viper SRT-10 ACR (American Club Racer) is a track-focused, performance oriented variant of the Viper SRT-10. Introduced in 2008, the car combines Dodge's racing DNA into the road legal Viper resulting in a car that is fast and agile along with being lightweight without compromising its normal driving persona. A carbon fiber front splitter, front canards and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing make the car more responsive around corners and enables it to generate 1,000 lb (454 kg) of downforce at 150 mph (241 km/h), distributed approximately 45 percent to the front and 55 percent to the rear. The front splitter includes three removable rub strips that provide protection and wear resistance, while the stainless steel tension cables provide enough support to absorb the energy from minor upward deflections, in terms of aerodynamics, the car made good use of the high-performance autoclaved carbon-fiber to reduce weight. The splitter and dive planes feature a clear-coated carbon-fiber weave for an aggressive look. Lightweight filler panels replace the front fog lamps and gloss black lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved (street-legal) race tires finish off the exterior of the car. The Viper SRT-10 ACR features a signature two-tone paint scheme with a black center section. There is an optional driver's stripe available which features a sewn leather accent on the steering wheel. A monotone paint scheme is available as an option that features a body-color rear wing and dual painted stripes. Five colors were available especially for the ACR variant namely; Viper Red, Viper Black, Viper Violet, Viper Bright Blue Metallic, and Viper Very Orange. The interior is driver focused with the deletion of the audio system in favor of a lightweight cover on the dashboard that can be used to mount a lap-timer, deletion of the floor mats, underhood silencer pad and the tire inflator in the optional "Hard Core" package in order to save weight. The use of carbon fiber along with the minimalist interior make the car 80 lb (36 kg) lighter than the standard SRT-10 coupe when equipped with the Hard Core package, and 40 lb (18 kg) lighter without. Power remains the same as the SRT-10 but the maximum speed is reduced to 180 mph (290 km/h) for 2008-2009 and 184 mph (296 km/h) in 2010 with the redesigned wing endplates. The SRT10 ACR features a suspension system that includes adjustable coil-over racing dampers from KW Suspensions and two-way adjustable shocks. The dampers and forks are made from solid aluminum billet and are optimized for increased weight reduction and performance. Stopping power comes from StopTech two-piece, slotted lightweight rotors combined with the Viper SRT10's Brembo calipers. This setup reduces rotating inertia and unsprung mass, improves brake cooling, and significantly reduces fade even under extreme conditions. Due to the improved brakes, the car stops from 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 100 ft (30 m). Braking from 80 mph (129 km/h) is shorter by 11 ft (3 m) than the standard car, steady-state lateral grip has improved by 0.11 g, and improved transient dynamics through the slalom bump up the average speed by 3.2 mph (5 km/h).
The SRT-10 ACR was put through its paces at the Nürburgring and clocked in a record time of 7:22.1. Kuno Wittmer piloted a street legal 2010 Dodge Viper ACR to a record lap of 1:59.995 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on Monday, April 11, breaking the 2-minute mark for the first time in a production car on the 3.048-mile Outer Course configuration.
Viper SRT-10 ACR X
The Viper SRT-10 ACR X is a more powerful, track only, limited edition variant of the Viper ACR produced at the end of the Generation IV Viper's production run. The ACR X is powered by the same 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) V10 engine which powered all of the generation IV Vipers but received a power increase to 640 hp (649 PS; 477 kW) at 6100 rpm and 605 lb?ft (820 N?m) of torque at 5100 rpm. The suspension is fully adjustable and sports higher spring rates that allow the chassis to maximize grip from the special 18-inch-front and 19-inch-rear Michelin racing slicks. Various aerodynamic enhancements, such as additional dive planes on the front fascia, provide up to 1,100 pounds of downforce at 150 mph (241 km/h), or about 100 more than on the regular ACR. The X's curb weight is claimed to be reduced by 120 lb (54 kg) compared with the standard ACR's weight. The new total--about 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)--was mostly realized by thoroughly stripping out the interior. The dash board and the center console remain and an eight-point, SCCA-certified roll cage and fuel cell have been fitted, but the cabin is definitely sparse, with no side windows to roll down, a single racing seat and harness, and a removable Momo steering wheel. Other racing add-ons include a fire-suppression system, transmission and differential coolers, and larger front brake rotors fed by ducting that is more efficient than the street car's. The X's improved power-to-weight ratio improves acceleration by 1/10th of a second as compared to the ACR's 3.4-second 0-to-60 mph (97 km/h) time and enables the car to complete the 1/4 mile (402 m) in 11.8-seconds at 126 mph (203 km/h). The racing slicks help the car obliterate the street car's 1.08 g of skidpad grip, but courtesy to the extreme drag generated by all the downforce-generating aero components, the top speed is reduced to 185 mph (298 km/h).
End of production
On November 4, 2009, Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles had announced that the Viper would end production in the summer of 2010.
Keeping the end of production onto consideration, Dodge announced several special edition Vipers for the 2010 model year:
Voodoo edition: The Voodoo edition (31 units were made) was a special take on the ACR edition which included special black paint and red striping. The Voodoo edition also had a unique interior and steering wheel as well.
1:33 Edition: The 1:33 edition was another take on the ACR edition which celebrates the then unofficial lap record at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 1:33 edition had black paint and red two-tone paint. The 1:33 cars have piano black trim inside and red accent stitching on the seats.
Final Edition: On February 10, 2010, Dodge began accepting orders for the Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models. Only 50 cars were produced (20 coupes, 18 roadsters and 12 ACRs). "Final Edition" cars carried the special build code, "AXZ", and were to be the very last of the Viper cars.
July 1, 2010 brought about the end of production for the Generation 4 Dodge Viper. During an event hosted by Dodge and the Viper Club of America, the final production Generation 4 Viper, which was given a gold finish and accentuated by contrasting orange stripes, rolled off the assembly line and was presented before attendees of the ceremony. Its completion commemorated the end of the production run of the Gen 4 Viper.
The Dodge Viper ACR and ACR-X have retained a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:12.13 and 7:03.06 respectively, beating cars worth tenfold the price.
Performance (2008 base model)
Dodge Viper fourth generation, phase II
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.79 sec
- 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 7.6 sec
- quickest 1/4 mile (402 m): 10.92 sec @ 129.79 mph (209 km/h)
- top speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
- slalom: 74.2 mph (119 km/h)+
- skidpad average acceleration: 1.05 g (10.4 m/s²)
- 100-0 mph (161-0 km/h): 270 ft (82 m)
Car and Driver magazine tested the car, and found a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds, a 0-100 mph (161 km/h) time of 7.6 seconds, and a 1/4 mile (402 m) time of 11.5 seconds at 126 mph (203 km/h). Dodge's claims for top speed are 197 mph (317 km/h) for the Roadster and 202 mph (325 km/h) for the Coupe. 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.
Fifth generation (VX, 2013-2017)
At a dealer conference on September 14, 2010 in Orlando, Florida, the then Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne was reported to have concluded his remarks by unveiling a rolling 2012 Dodge Viper prototype. There would be no 2011 model year Viper produced. Quotes from the Detroit News from SRT CEO Ralph Gilles that hint to the future of the brand included:
- "The new Viper is not based on anything else".
- "The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore."
- "I want the new Viper to be a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people. We've never had stability control on a high-performance car, which is about to happen on the new car."
The Viper was also on display for one night only in Salt Lake City, UT at the 11th Viper Owners Invitational or VOI 11 from September 30, 2010 (2010-09-30) to October 3, 2010 (2010-10-03). Ralph Gilles was present, gathering feedback from the owners themselves on new, exterior design of the snake. The Generation-5 badge was unveiled as well at this event on each dining table in the hall.
In Autumn of 2011, Ralph Gilles announced that the next generation of the Viper would debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2012.
Public unveiling
The 2013 SRT Viper was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show.
Preliminary specifications include the following:
- All-aluminum 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) V10 engine producing 640 hp (477 kW; 649 PS) at 6150 rpm and 600 lb?ft (813 N?m) of torque at 4950 rpm.
- Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with final drive ratio 3.55, 50 percent improvement in torsional stiffness over previous model.
- Electronic stability control, traction control, 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS), carbon fiber and aluminum skin with 0.364 drag coefficient (Cd), Pirelli P Zero Z-rated tires, 4-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers with vented 355x32mm diameter rotors*
- 20 mm lower seating position, 7-inch full-color customizable instrument cluster, Uconnect RA3 or RA4 Access in-vehicle connectivity system with optional SiriusXM Travel Link and aHarman Kardon audio system.
- Bi-xenon projector headlamps with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and LED turn signals, LED taillamps with integrating stop-and-turn illumination and snakeskin texture lens.
- A maximum speed of 208 mph (332 km/h) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.50 seconds.
The SRT Viper GTS includes leather upholstery, accented colors on the seats, doors, center console and stitching; gun metal trim on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the center console; Sabelt racing seats with Kevlar and fiberglass shell, carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels, split six-spoke forged aluminum "Venom" wheels with polished face and graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finished wheels.
The 2013 SRT Viper features a cruise control and controls on the steering wheel. UConnect Bluetooth phone with Bluetooth Audio streaming is standard, as is an 8.4-inch touch screen display like that found on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Journey. It also features an Alpine surround sound system and many exterior, interior, and wheel combinations. There is also a four-inch reconfigurable Thin-Film Transistor display in the gauge cluster to display important vehicle information, system messages, and has controls to turn the traction control, stability control, and other features off. It also has a "Track Mode" with a built-in track timer, "stoplight" countdown timer display, and other features. Power seats, keyless entry, and heated seats are also new options. A navigation system by Garmin was also an available option, as was the Sirius-XM satellite radio and HD radio. A built-in HDD for storing music and photos JPEG and MP3 was also included as standard equipment.
The optional SRT Track Package includes Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, StopTech slotted two-piece brake rotors and ultra-lightweight wheels in Hyper Black or matte black finishes.
SRT offered two versions of the Viper; the SRT Viper and the GTS. The GTS is the premium model offering more creature comforts over the base model. The most notable exterior difference between the two models is the hood. The base model has six functional hood vents while the GTS model only has two. To commemorate the return of the Viper SRT offered a 'launch edition' package available on 150 GTS models in 2013. All launch editions were painted in Viper Blue with twin white stripes and came with a serialized dash plaque placed inside their cabins. The interior of the launch edition cars was swathed in Black Laguna leather with contrast stitching.
The only notable change for the 2014 model year was the addition of a third traction control mode for improved rain performance.
Sales for the 2013 and 2014 Viper were poor. In October 2013, the Viper production was reduced by 1/3 due to low sales and growing inventory. In April 2014, production ceased for over two months due to slow sales. Dodge addressed the issue by reducing the price of unsold 2014 models by $15,000 and announced the 2015 models would carry the new, lower price tag.
Rebranding
In 2015, the SRT Viper was renamed the Dodge Viper and the engine received an extra 5 hp, raising the maximum power output to 645 hp (481 kW), resulting in the improvement of highway fuel economy to 20mpg.
Dodge introduced a new GT package to fill the gap between the base Viper and the GTS model. GT buyers get the two-mode, driver-adjustable suspension and five-mode electronic stability control system from the GTS, along with Nappa leather seats with Alcantara accents and contrast stitching.
Brand history and marketing
As part of Chrysler's plan of turning Street and Racing Technology (SRT) as a separate vehicle brand within Chrysler Group LLC, the SRT Viper became the brand's halo vehicle.
In May 2014, the SRT brand was re-consolidated under Dodge, with former SRT CEO Ralph Gilles continuing as senior vice president of product design and also as the CEO and president of Motorsports.
The SRT Viper has made several video game appearances in the Forza Motorsport franchise in both the road version and the race-spec GTS-R Model, as does in the Horizon titles (where only the road-going GTS is in those installments and not the GTS-R), Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012), Need for Speed: Rivals in which the GTS variant is in cop form and the Time Attack (TA) being a racer as a pre-order exclusive, Need For Speed: No Limits, Need for Speed, Gran Turismo 6 in both the standard GTS and the launch edition models in the game, Real Racing 3, Driveclub as one of the DLC cars in the Downforce expansion pack, and Gran Turismo Sport with both the road-going GTS and the GT3-R.
End of production
In October 2015, Fiat Chrysler group announced that the Viper would end production in 2017. Initially, Fiat Chrysler cited poor sales as a reason for discontinuing the Viper; however, other sources have stated the car was discontinued because the Viper was unable to comply with FMVSS 226 safety regulation, which requires side curtain air bags. In July 2017, Fiat Chrysler announced they would be permanently closing the Conner Assembly Plant on August 31, 2017.
Chrysler announced five special edition Vipers for the final model year of production.
1:28 Edition ACR: In celebration of the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR production vehicle track record at Laguna Seca, Chrysler offered 28 examples of the 2017 Viper 1:28 Edition ACR. The car had the extreme aero package and carbon ceramic brakes, along with black exterior paint with red ACR stripes, 1:28 Edition badges inside and out, production ACR interior and a unique matching car cover with the owner's name above the driver's door. The 1:28 Edition ACR sold out in 40 minutes after it went on sale.
GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR: To commemorate the success of the Viper racing program starting back in the 1990s, the company offered 100 examples of the 2017 Dodge Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR. This limited edition package includes the Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes and the exterior carbon package. Dodge then added a pearl white exterior paint with Blue Pearl GTS stripes, American flags on the pillars, red seat belts, production ACR interior, a serialized dash plaque with the GTS-R logo and a matching car cover with the owner's name over the driver's door.
Voodoo II Edition ACR: The 2017 Dodge Viper VooDoo II Edition ACR is modeled after the 2010 Viper ACR VooDoo edition, with 31 examples slated for production. The new VooDoo II Viper featured black exterior paint with a graphite driver's stripe, the Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes, production ACR interior, unique exterior decals, a serialized dash plaque and another car cover with the owner's name.
Snakeskin Edition GTC: While this package is based on the 2010 Snakeskin Edition ACR, this is the only 2017 Viper limited edition package that is not based on the modern ACR. Instead, Dodge built 25 examples of the 2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition based on the GTC model, adding the Advanced Aerodynamics package, the production GT interior, a serialized dash plaque and a custom car cover. The 2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition features Snakeskin Green exterior paint with a unique snakeskin patterned stripe package.
Dodge Dealer Edition ACR: The last limited edition package for the final year of the current Dodge Viper is the Dodge Dealer Edition ACR. This package was offered specifically at the two leading Viper dealerships in the country - Tomball Dodge of Tomball, Texas, and Roanoke Dodge of Roanoke, Illinois - and production was limited to 33 units. The Dodge Dealer Edition ACR featured Viper White exterior paint with a Competition Blue center stripe and an Adrenaline Red driver's stripe, the Extreme Aero Package, the carbon ceramic brakes, the production ACR interior and a custom car cover with the owner's name over the door.
European market
The first generation, phase II SRT Vipers were exported to Europe, where they were sold as Chryslers.
The second 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 was 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.
Special variants
Road packages
Viper ACR
SR II:
The American Club Racing (ACR) variant was first introduced as a package on the 1999 Viper GTS (Phase SR II).
The package included suspension enhancements and lightweight components focused on maximizing performance in road racing and autocross environments. Weight was reduced by over 50 lb (23 kg) achieved by stripping the interior of its luxuries and removing other non-essential items such as the fog lamps (replacing them with brake ducts). The new stiffer, adjustable suspension removed another 14 lb (6 kg). The package also included an "ACR" badge and 20-spoke BBS wheels. Power output was increased to 460 hp (466 PS; 343 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 500 lb?ft (678 N?m) of torque at 3,700 rpm.
ZB II:
The ACR made a come back to the Viper line-up after the 2008 model year. Its upgrades were more drastic than the original, including street-legal racing tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cups which Michelin describes as "Ultra-High Performance Sport tires"), two-piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension, and significant aerodynamic enhancements that included a front splitter, canards and a carbon fiber adjustable rear wing. The engine received no modifications, so power and torque remain at 600 hp (450 kW) and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) as in the standard SRT-10. The ACR is street-legal, and is similar to the MOPAR Viper that Dodge displayed at various auto shows. Weight was also decreased by 40 lb (18 kg) by using the "Hardcore Package", that deletes the A/C, radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad and tire-inflator. Its aerodynamic upgrades produce up to 1,000 pounds (4.45 kN) of downforce at 150 mph (240 km/h), or roughly 10 times the downforce the standard Viper SRT-10 can produce at the same speed. The interior was upgraded only by the addition of a beacon-tripped lap timer (Hardcore Edition Only).
The Viper ACR was built alongside the standard SRT-10 at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit. The aerodynamic components were produced by Plasan Carbon Composites and assembled to the vehicle by Prefix Corporation located in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
On September 14, 2011, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR completed the sixth fastest production, street-legal car lap ever recorded with a 7:12.13 elapsed time. Chrysler's press release claimed a new production car lap record, although three faster laps had been recorded more than two years earlier, albeit by very specialized low production vehicles.
VX I:
At SEMA 2014, Dodge presented a Viper ACR concept car based on the new VX I platform. After many rumors and speculations, the car was eventually introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The base price of the 2016 ACR was US$121,395 in the United States and CA$159,995 in Canada.
The 2016 Viper ACR came installed with an all-new aerodynamic body kit made from carbon fiber, that included a new front splitter and a fixed carbon fiber rear wing, altogether producing a total of 680.5 kg (1,500 lb) of downforce at corners. The 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) Viper V10 engine generated the same power output 645 hp (481 kW; 654 PS) at 6200 rpm and 600 lb?ft (813 N?m) of torque at 5000 rpm as in all other Viper trims. The brakes were from Brembo, with discs and calipers built specifically for the car. The discs were now carbon ceramic, a first for the Viper series. The braking system contains 391 mm (15 in) discs with 6-piston calipers up front, and 360 mm (14 in) discs with 4-piston calipers down the rear. The tires were from Kumho, using a set of tires called the Kumho Ecsta V720 ACR, a variant of the V720 specifically built for the ACR. The front tires are P295/25R19Z, slightly smaller than the regular Viper, and P355/30R19Z at the rear. Suspension system is manufactured by Bilstein, which has 10 settings for rebound and compression tuning for the dampers.
The options for the car are very diverse, like all of the other Viper trims. One example is the ACR Extreme Aero Package, which was the same package used to help the car break a total of 14 track lap records. The package included the addition of a removable extended front splitter extension, a new adjustable dual-element rear wing, four dive planes, six removable diffuser strakes, removable brake ducts, and removable hood louvers, and if removed, will reveal a hood gap. This helped the car produce an extra 227 kg (500 lb) of downforce at corners, for a total of 907 kg (2,000 lb). With this package, the top speed was reduced at only 177 mph (285 km/h) instead of 191 mph (307 km/h) because of the massive downforce produced by the car. At top speed, the car produces 799.5 kg (1,763 lb) of downforce, the most of any production car.
In October 2015, the ACR gained a 7:01.67 laptime at the Nürburgring Nordscheleife with the Extreme Aero Package, which was run by SRT, and lapped by their test driver Dominik Farnbacher. Unfortunately, the lap was unofficial according to SRT.
A crowdfund attempt started by volunteer Russ Oasis in 2017 on the GoFundMe funding platform began collecting funds to reclaim the lap record on the Nürburgring. Crowdfunding ended up being as high as $198,000. He eventually found himself supported by 377 people, and sponsorship and assistance from Kumho Tire (tire supplier), Prefix Performance (formally known as Arrow Performance) (logistics and parts supplier), ViperExchange (car loaners), and Fox Pro Films (lap filming). SRT test driver, racing driver, and former Nürburgring record holder Dominik Farnbacher returned to the track to help the group retake the record. Racing drivers Luca Stolz, Mario Farnbacher, and Lance David Arnold came in as well. Their target was the second position car in street legal vehicles, the Lamborghini Huracán Performante, which made a 6:52.01 lap. The group went through three attempts, with the lap times of 7:03.45 (set by Dominik Farnbacher), 7:03.23 (set by Mario Farnbacher), and 7:01.30 (set by Lance David Arnold), respectively. Their three day trip to Nürburg, Germany ended with a crashed Viper ACR.
Despite the failure of surpassing the Huracán Performante, the team was still able to make the Viper ACR the fastest American, rear-wheel driven (with no additional assistance), and manual transmission equipped car to go around the track. Their lap time also brought the car to sixth position for street legal vehicles.
Viper GTC (Phase VX I only)
The GTC model was introduced in 2015, and was only featured in the VX I phase Vipers.
The 2015-2017 Dodge Viper GTC had a customization program that offered 8,000 colors and 24,000 hand-painted stripes, 10 wheel choices, 16 interior trims, 6 aero options, and an undisclosed amount of standalone options to choose from. There are a total of 25 million possible build combinations.
Ordering a GTC enrolled a customer in a unique VIP program called Viper Concierge, which according to Dodge, "offers an exclusive point of contact throughout the custom Viper build process." The Concierge process started with the ordering stage, which included Dodge sending customers a paint chip confirming the owner's choice. Shortly thereafter, Dodge sent buyers a 1:18-scale "speed-form" replica in their chosen custom colors, to confirm or deny the build. Once the buyer's color and option selection is locked-in, that car becomes a one-of-one Viper for that year - no other buyer would be permitted to build a Viper to the same specifications.
Viper TA (phase VX I only)
The Time Attack (TA) model was introduced in 2013 and was only been featured in the VX I phase Vipers.
The TA model had two variants, 1.0 and 2.0, each variant different from the other. The number of 2015-2017 TA pacakge 1.0 and 2.0 cars produced is unknown but the numbers are relatively low. To add to the confusion, the full TA 1.0 or 2.0 package could be added to the GTC one of one configuration. Also, besides the original run of 2014 TA 1.0 with the production number being stated as xx/33 (or xx/93 for the orange TA 1.0). The TAs built from 2015 to 2017 were numbered in sequence. For example, #11 was built in 2015 and #22 in 2016.
The 1.0 was sold by SRT and was made as a small enhancement for the Viper GTS.
Power stays the same as the standard car, 645 hp (481 kW; 654 PS) and 600 lb?ft (813 N?m), but the top speed drops to 193 mph (311 km/h) because of the car's aerodynamic additions.
The car now has the addition of the Advanced Aerodynamic Package (two-piece front corner splitters and a rear decklid spoiler made from carbon fiber), lightweight Sidewinder II wheels finished in matte-black, Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, two-mode (Street and Race) Bilstein DampTronic suspension adapted from the GTS, but with firmer levels of damping and a smaller spread between modes, shock dampers, increased spring rates and thicker anti-roll bars, carbon fiber underhood X-brace (instead of the aluminium brace in all other models), carbon fiber rear tail light applique from the Exterior Carbon Fiber Accent Package, two-piece Brembo brake rotors with wider brake annulus, black-anodized Brembo brake calipers painted with the Viper logo in TA Orange, TA logos behind both front wheels and a Stryker decal instead of the standard badge on the hood (TA Orange on the Venom Black cars, black on the TA Orange and Venom White cars), black interior with TA Orange accent stitching on the ballistic cloth seats, instrument panel & cowl, center stack, console, hand brake, shifter boot, and door panels. The aerodynamic package adds 200 pounds (90.72 kg) of downforce at 100 mph (160.93 km/h). The car's mileage is 12 mpg in city, and 19 mpg on the highway.
On March 18, 2013 MotorTrend tested the SRT Viper TA in Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, setting the production car lap record in 1:33.62, besting the previous lap time holder Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 1:33.70.
Even with the release of the TA 2.0, the 1.0 was still available as a package.
The TA edition returned for the 2015 model year called the TA 2.0 (but the TA 1.0 was still available up to and including the last model year, 2017). This model was sold by Dodge.
The 2.0 part of the moniker refers to the updated aero package, which incorporates a bigger rear wing, new front dive planes, and a new carbon-fiber front splitter. The package improves downforce to 400 pounds at 150 mph versus the 2014 Viper TA's 278 pounds at 150 mph. The internal parts have also been improved, with a much better suspension setup, new two-piece Brembo rotors, and improved shocks, dampers, springs, and stabilizer bars. The car also has an improved X-brace.
The car's power output also stays the same like the 1.0. However, the data is based on the Dodge version of the Viper, not the SRT version. Unlike the 1.0, the car is able to keep the 206 mph (332 km/h) top speed. The car's mileage is improved in the 2.0 version, with 13 mpg in city, and 20 mpg on the highway.
Homologation editions
Viper GT2 Road Car
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) of torque. 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.
Racing editions
Viper ACR-X
To commemorate the end of the Phase ZB II 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, long tube headers from American Racing Headers, 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 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca by about three seconds (1:33.9 to 1:31). Price increased by US$12,000, to $110,000. Production was planned for the spring of 2010. As of February 17, the Viper ACR-X's Nürburgring lap record is 7:03.058, a full 9.072 seconds faster than the regular ACR.
Viper-based vehicles
Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale
The Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale is the road version of the TZ3 manufactured by Alfa Romeo and designed by Zagato.
The TZ3 Stradale is the fourth model in Zagato's TZ line and serves as Zagato's tribute to the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo. The car itself is based on the Viper ACR-X but with a new carbon fiber body. As planned, only 9 vehicles were built. Not only is the chassis and powertrain from the ZB II Viper, but the interior remains mostly the same as well.
Bristol Fighter
The Bristol Fighter is an English sports car by Bristol Cars, and is the first sports car made in 40 years after the company was revived.
The car shares many components with the Viper, including the 8.4L V10 engine, that produces 525 hp (391 kW; 532 PS) in the regular trim, and 628 hp (468 kW; 637 PS) in the S trim. The weight of the car is 1,600 kg (3,527 lb). The power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission, which is also Viper-derived.
Only 13 cars were ever produced from its 2004-2011 production run.
Devon GTX
The Devon GTX is an American sports car manufactured Devon Motorworks, which was intended to enter production but was denied by Chrysler since it didn't reach the construction goal of US$10 million, which meant the car remained a concept.
The GTX is based almost entirely on the Viper, albeit with a few changes. The exhaust system has been changed into Devon's own stainless steel variant, along with a revised intake system, a new one-piece carbon fiber superstructure, carbon fiber body panels, new cast-aluminum unequal-length front and rear suspension wishbones, new coil-over shocks, and StopTech race-inspired aftermarket brakes. The GTX was also intended to produce 650 hp (485 kW; 659 PS) at 6,100 rpm from the Viper-derived 8.4-liter V10 engine.
Prefix Viper Medusa Roadster
The Prefix Viper Medusa Roadster is a convertible conversion package available for the VX I generation Viper.
Prefix unveiled the Viper Medusa Roadster at a private event at their Prefix Coatings facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan on July 19, 2014. Created under their latest division named Prefix Performance, the Medusa is a conversion of the VX I Viper that was never offered as a roadster. The initial run was limited to 10 custom numbered vehicles at a price of $35,000 on top of the price of the vehicle.
VLF Force 1 V10
The VLF Force 1 is a premium sports car manufactured by VLF Automotive, a company formed by Bob Lutz and Gilbert Villareal, who were later joined by Henrik Fisker as lead designer.
The Force 1 is heavily based on the Dodge Viper, using its chassis and engine, and also has a similar design language. The car's Viper-derived V10 engine generates 745 hp (556 kW; 755 PS). According to the company, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in a 3.0 seconds and can attain a maximum speed of 218 mph (351 km/h).
Concept vehicles
Viper GTS-R Concept
Ten years after the first Viper Concept was revealed, the 2000 GTS-R concept was shown. Osamu Shikado was responsible for the vehicle's exterior which is 3 inches lower and 2 inches wider than the production Viper at the time. Shikado used race inspired lines with an aggressive stance. Most of these design cues were adapted to the 2003 ZB I generation Viper along with the interior. These included a higher belt line, a side gill, 'bump-up' rear fender shape, and a more defined side crease. Viewed from above, the front-to-rear stripe now is tapered.
Unlike most concepts, the 2000 Viper Concept was made as a complete car. It features a complete functional interior with air conditioning, adjustable pedals, and a premium sounds system. Only one was ever made featuring a dry-sump V10 engine producing 500 hp (373 kW), fifty more than the then outgoing model, and 500 lb-ft of torque. The body is a single moulded carbon-fiber shell, with some subtle changes compared with the then outgoign model. An inch and a half has been taken out between the sill and the roof, which together with a chassis sitting two inches lower, gives the car a lower profile. Three inches have been added to the wheelbase and two inches to the track. The doors have also been lengthened, which combined with the longer wheelbase makes entry and exit from the car easier. Brakes are 14-inch ventilated discs with four-piston calipers. The front has the 19-inch wheels with P285/30 ZR Goodyear tires up and 20-inch rear wheels with P335/30 ZR tires.
Mopar Concept Coupe
A prototype 2008 Mopar Viper coupé, with 675 hp (503 kW), appeared at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, but was not planned for production. The concept appeared to have been a sneak peek at the then upcoming ZB II Viper ACR. Performance parts from this car are sold by Mopar.
SRT-10 Carbon
For the 2003 SEMA show, Chrysler displayed a highly tuned Viper SRT-10 in coupé body style. The vehicle's name comes from the carbon fiber used to reduce the weight by 150 lbs bringing the total to 3,200 lbs. However, even more significant were the engine modifications, which increased power to 625 hp (466 kW); no torque or RPM figures were given. Along with the carbon fiber hardtop, a front splitter and rear wing were added; however those 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 only a concept.
This car was used as a test mule for the development for the Generation V SRT Viper. The car is no longer a show car, and most of its specialty parts were taken off during development for the new Generation V SRT Viper.
Firepower
The Chrysler Firepower was a grand touring concept based on the Viper chassis that would have been equipped with the Hemi V8 engine coupled with an automatic transmission. Price would have been slightly lower than other models.
Copperhead
The Dodge Copperhead was a concept car based on the Viper platform that was intended as a cheaper, more agile car. It was powered by Chrysler's 2.7 L LH V6 engine instead of the Viper's V10, which produced 220 hp (164 kW; 223 PS). 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.
SEMA Concept
The SEMA concept car is a version of 2013 SRT Viper coupe demonstrating Mopar products for SRT Viper. Changes include yellow body colour, carbon fiber parts at underhood, exposed carbon fiber performance cross X-Brace trimmed in a satin finish, a decal-cut Viper "Stryker" logo in the center of X-Brace, engine cover in carbon fiber and aluminum with the SRT logo, prototype aluminum oil filler cap with the SRT logo, a carbon fiber aero package, Mopar coil springs, full black interior with yellow accents, Sabelt hard-shell seats with a six-point safety harness, seat edging in black Katzkin leather with yellow accents in the perforations, Mopar billet aluminum shift knob, billet aluminum HVAC bezels and controls, carbon fiber bulkhead satchel with a universal integrated quick-release camera mount, polished chrome door-sill guards with the Viper logo, race-inspired sand-blasted aluminum Mopar bright pedal kit with the Viper logo etched in the pedals, footrest pedal with "Stryker" logo, optional "Track Pack" wheels finished in hyperblack, a front tow hook and an LED fog lamp kit.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 SEMA show.
The Mopar performance parts found in the SEMA concept car were sold as 2013 SRT Viper components.
Media
Viper Television Series (1994-1998)
Chrysler launched a TV series called Viper in 1994 to serve as a promotional tool for the Viper. The show ran until 1998 with 1 NBC season and 3 syndicated follow-up seasons. Viper is a TV series about a special task force set up by the federal government to fight crime in the fictional city of Metro City, California that is perpetually under siege from one crime wave after another. The weapon used by this task force is a grey assault vehicle known as The Defender that masquerades as a Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster (and later, the Viper GTS coupe). The series takes place in "the near future". The primary brand of vehicles driven in the show were Chrysler or subsidiary companies. The series ran on NBC for one season in 1994 before being revived two years later for three more seasons of first-run syndication. Reruns of the series have appeared on Sci-Fi Channel and USA Network.
The Viper Defender "star car" was designed by Chrysler Corporation engineers unlike most Hollywood Film/TV cars that are usually customized by film picture designers. The car was built on a heavily modified RT/10 Chassis and is a completely functional prototype. Only 14 Defenders were made. The exterior design of the car was produced by Chrysler stylist Steve Ferrerio.
The Defender is a fictional assault vehicle that is said to be a highly sophisticated vehicle (contrary to the normal Viper's spartan nature) that can, at the flick of a switch, transform from a red RT/10 (later a blue GTS) into a grey/silver weaponized armored coupe.
Motorsport
Phase SR II
In 1996, a race car based on the Viper was built, and was called the Chrysler Viper GTS-R (in American races, was named the Dodge Viper GTS-R). The construction was done by Chrysler and by the teams Reynard Motorsport and Oreca. The numbers the car used were vast, with numbers like #91, #51, #2, #92, and #52.
The car was unveiled in 1996 at the IMSA GT Championship, with the team Canaska Southwind, which competed in the GTS-1 class, the highest for GTS classes. Its first race was at the 24 Hours of Daytona and managed to finish at the 29th position, but fortunately the team would improve greatly, finishing 12th position in the 12 Hours of Sebring. The car wasn't able to reach much further however, which meant the team had to switch to GTS-2. Oreca had planned for racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with their own GTS-R.
Both teams appeared at the Le Mans each with two entries. Three of those four cars managed to finish with Canaska Southwind earning the best result in tenth place. The two teams returned to their respective series afterwards. Oreca finished the year with three races in the BPR Global GT Series getting an eighth place at Brands Hatch, ninth at Spa, and sixth at Nogaro. Canaska Southwind concluded the season by finishing second in class at Mosport and sixth overall.
For the later years 1999 and 2000, the efforts made by Oreca had expanded, racing in both the ALMS and FIA GT Championship respectively, earning them nine wins, and one by the racing team Paul Belmondo. Another team named Chamberlain had improved to finish second overall in the FIA GT. Back at ALMS, Oreca had taken the title, with six wins. Later at Le Mans, Oreca would go on to win their second consecutive win, with the top six positions in every class being taken by various GTS-Rs. The GTS-R had made its first appearance in the FFSA GT Championship, and saw the first overall win for Zakspeed in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Oreca left the FIA GT in 1999 to focus on ALMS, leaving the privateers to race there, and got 11 races out of it for Oreca. They did lose to the then-new Corvette factory racing team, but still won the championship. Back at the FIA GT, the Viper racing teams won four races, but were outrun by the Lister Storm racing teams, with them winning five races for them. This let them settle for second and third. In the FFSA, the three teams DDO, ART, and MMI teams would win a total of eight victories.
The Oreca racing team had left competition to focus on Le Mans Prototype racing for 2001. The rest of the teams left at later years, and the Viper GTS-R began fading by 2004, then left completely by 2010.
In 2006, a modified Dodge Viper GTS-ACR driven by Greg Crick under the team Crickcars.com entered the Australian GT Championship and won it, with 713 points in total.
Phase ZB I
A new race car called the Viper Competition Coupe took the GTS-R's place for the second phase. The Viper Competition Coupe had the same 8.3-liter V10 engine as the road legal Viper, but increased power to 520 hp (388 kW; 527 PS), and 540 lb?ft (732 N?m) of torque. The Competition Coupe had a carbon fiber composite body on a tubular steel frame with no interior trim and an FIA-legal roll cage. The exterior design of the Competition Coupe was based on the Viper GTS-R concept from 2000. Modifications to the mechanicals of the Viper included a 27-gallon fuel cell, differential cooler, ducted brakes, improved driver and engine cooling, trap door oil pan, low-inertia flywheel, an improved double-wishbone suspension system, new spherical bearing control arm attachments, two-way adjustable coil over dampers, and a driver-adjustable blade-type rear anti-roll bar. The anti-lock braking system added a distribution control system. The initial price of the car is around $100,000.
The Viper Competition Coupe was initially built for use in the Viper Challenge Championship one-make series starting in 2003. The Competition Coupe was later adapted for use in the Group GT3 instituted by the FIA, allowing its use in a variety of series in Europe and North America. French racing team Oreca made further modifications to the car, to allow it to race in Group GT2. Privateer teams used these cars to compete for certain series, with Racing Box in Europe for the International GT Open and Woodhouse Racing and Primetime Race Group in the United States carrying out independent programs in the American Le Mans Series.
Phase VX I
SRT Viper GTS-R
The GTS-R returned in competition, but this time as an LM GTE class race car and instead, was constructed and designed by SRT Motorsports and Riley Technologies. It includes Michelin GT tires. The car retained the number #91 but had a new number for it called #93.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, and it made its racing debut at the 2012 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge where two GTS-Rs, driven by Kuno Wittmer and Dominik Farnbacher with car #91, and Marc Goossens and Tommy Kendall with car #93, finished 10th and 12th in the GT class, which was 23rd and 25th overall.
The racing team entering 2012 ALMS included Dominik Farnbacher, Marc Goossens, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tommy Kendall, Jonathan Bomarito, and Kuno Wittmer.
The two GTS-Rs of SRT Motorsports finished 3rd in the GT class championship. The car made its debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013, where it finished eighth in class and 24th overall.
In 2014, with the ALMS folding and merging with the Rolex Sports Car Series, SRT soon entered the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship GTLM class. In the opening round, the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona, SRT took 3rd and 6th in class (12th and 27th overall, completing 675 and 653 laps respectively). Both cars were repainted at Watkins Glen in the red and white livery used in the late 1990s to early 2000s. The No. 93 Viper won class at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brickyard Grand Prix in July 2014, after both cars took podium positions in the previous races at The Glen and Mosport.
In March 2014 Chrysler announced that it was withdrawing the Vipers from the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Vipers ended the season at Petit Le Mans with a team championship and driver's championship by Kuno Wittmer. Following the end of the 2014 season, Chrysler discontinued the factory program by SRT Motorsports.
SRT Viper GT3-R
The Viper GT3-R was made available for race teams in the later half of 2013 at an estimated cost of $459,000. The car shares many technologies with the GTE race car but it is built to Group GT3 regulations.
The GT3 car was jointly developed by SRT Motorsports and Riley Technologies and the car features the same 8.4 L engine from the road car and is capable of producing 680 hp (507 kW; 689 PS) unrestricted. However actual output will be near to 600 hp (447 kW; 608 PS) due to balance of performance employed in GT3 championships. The car weighs in at 1,295 kg (2855 lbs) which is inside the 1,300 kg limit for GT3 cars.
The first win for the GT3-R spec Viper came on July 13, 2014 in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship at Mosport followed by a win in the Pirelli World Challenge at the Streets of Toronto in the second race on the 20th of July 2014. Dutch Supercar Challenge squad Team RaceArt won the 2014 and 2015 Super GT class championship in a Viper GT3-R.
Official lap records
Since the debut of the ACR series, the ACR has been setting records all around the world, with most of them in the USA. 28 of the 29 lap records have each been set by the ACR, with the last one made by the TA 1.0.
Phase SR II lap times
The first Viper ACR (Phase SR II) had only set just one lap record, in Willow Springs. This particular lap time was taken in 2008, in which it didn't make the fastest overall lap. The car did, however, achieve the fastest lap time for a 1990s car.
Phase ZB II lap times
The Viper SRT-10 ACR originally set 13 lap records back in its day. These laps were set by Gary Thomason and SRT drivers Dominik Farnbacher and Chris Winkler.
Phase VX I lap times
In 2016, albeit Dodge and many other reports say the Viper ACR (Phase VX I) set 13 lap records, the ACR actually set a total of 14 lap records around the world, with all but one in the United States. All lap records made in US tracks are certified by the SCCA, making it the most lap records held for a Viper, and more memorably, the current world record holder for it. This number became 15 after a crowdfunded lap record attempt in the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is also the only lap record outside of the United States, where the car never took first overall, but became the fastest American, rear-wheel driven (with no additional assistance), and manual transmission car to ever lap the track.
The lap times are all set by American racing driver Randy Pobst, making two of the 15 lap records, German racing driver Lance David Arnold, making one the 15, and SRT driver Chris Winkler, who made the other 12 of the 15 records.
See also
- Chevrolet Corvette
References
Notes
Bibliography
Source of article : Wikipedia
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