New 2009 Dodge Viper

There are so many things to like about the 2009 Dodge Viper; it’s hard to keep count.  Otherworldly power, convertible capability and did we mention crazy-power?

As 500 horsepower becomes passé in the pantheon of exotic sports cars, Dodge takes the Viper SRT10 to the next level, which produces a pulverizing 600-horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque from its larger 8.4-liter Viper V-10 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and Cam-in-Cam® technology.  That is incredibly fast.  How fast?  How about 0 to 60 mph fast?  Needless to say, the only proper configuration is the standard rear-wheel drive setup with a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission featuring a viscous limited-slip differential.  The Viper receives 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway and competes with other rocket-esque speedsters; the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911.

Available as a two-seat coupe or open-air roadster, the Viper SRT10 handles with a vengeance. With incredible control, feedback, and over 1.05 g of lateral cornering force, the car has a fully independent suspension with aluminum control arms, front and rear stabilizer bars, and wide Michelin® Pilot® Sport PS2™ tires riding on 18-inch front wheels and massive 19-inch rear wheels.***Of course, you’d expect show-stopping brakes as well, and the Viper doesn’t disappoint. Red Brembo® four-piston aluminum calipers are mated to huge 355mm vented disc brakes with four-wheel antilock control and brake assist. Expect world class stopping distances from this track-ready setup.

As a singularly-minded representation of the modern American muscle car, the exterior styling is as amazing as the performance. The track-tuned coupe has a double-bubble hardtop roof, while the classic roadster has a removable convertible clamshell roof. Both models have side-exit exhaust pipes that let the V-10 engine sing, while a new hood features a larger functional air intake with six vents.

Drivers are treated to comfort and style, with four newly available two-tone interior color combinations, race-inspired deeply sculpted bucket seats, and leather-trimmed fabric with Preferred Suede® inserts.  A 310-watt seven-speaker sound system with MP3 capability comes standard, while a navigation system is optional.

With the 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10 pushing horsepower and handling limits into the stratosphere, it is easy to say that you will be hard-pressed to find many cars that can keep up.