2001DodgeViperDodge Viper2001 Dodge Viper RT/10 RoadsterCoupeCoupeRWDDetroit, MISlightly refining the snake's venomous bite are standard four-wheel disc ABS, an ACR option group with air conditioning and a CD player, and an internal trunk release, useful if you get trapped in the belly of the beast. If your Viper's aural impact on the environment isn't enough, choose the new Race Yellow or Deep Sapphire Blue exterior hues to visually assault those around you.Exotic-car performance, imposing looks, value-priced.Lack of refinement, low-tech design, easy to spin.Designed to be the modern incarnation of the Cobra, Viper debuted at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a show car. Enough people wrote to Chrysler requesting street versions that plans for production of the rakish roadster were set into motion soon thereafter. Viper was introduced for public sale in 1992, and became the darling of the automotive press, not to mention high-profile stars like Jay Leno and Kelsey Grammer (who flipped his). A preview of things to come from Chrysler, the success of the Viper revitalized a company that many thought wouldn't last through the middle of this decade. It also paved the way for future concept-car-turned-production-car models, including the Plymouth Prowler and Chrysler PT Cruiser. Dodge introduced the GTS Coupe midway through 1996. The 8.0-liter V10 was substantially reworked, featuring a new block, new heads, shorter cooling jackets and a revised sump. These changes resulted in a 35-horsepower jump, bringing peak numbers to 450 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. Overall, the revised motor, found in both the coupe and roadster versions, is 85 pounds lighter than the one in the original RT/10. Inside the Viper, analog gauges and dual airbags greet serious drivers, who have the much-appreciated option of adjusting pedal height. Power windows and door locks are standard, as is ABS for the first time in Viper's history; but traction control and dynamic stability control are still not available. The interior is dominated by cheap-feeling plastic, and the seats are virtually nonadjustable. Getting into the car requires a waiver from a chiropractor, and getting out often results in singed legs due to the exhaust pipes being integrated within the car's lower rocker panels. For those individuals who need more than the standard Viper's 450 horsepower, a race-oriented ACR edition is available in limited numbers. These fire-breathers gain an extra 10 horsepower and ft-lbs. of torque through the use of minor engine modifications while weighing slightly less than their GTS brethren. The ACR also comes with upgraded suspension components, 18-inch BBS wheels and massive Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Zero-to-60 times of 4 seconds and a top speed near 190 mph bear witness to this being a very special Viper. Despite adding air conditioning and a CD player to the ACR's option list for 2001, we feel this car is best suited for weekend track duty rather than public highway hijinks. Certainly it's got obvious ergonomic shortcomings and a lack of overall refinement, but the Viper is chock-full of character. The sights, sounds, and smells offer a classic take on modern sports car philosophy. Those "enthusiasts" who like their performance dolled out in user-friendly portions should look elsewhere (can you say Z06?). Those seeking the ultimate in exotic-car performance at less than an exotic-car price will find the Viper a bargain. Truly, Chrysler Corporation has created an American icon that rivals the Corvette's claim as "America's Sports Car." Aston Martin DB7Chevrolet CorvetteFord MustangJaguar XKR336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA108 litersV10450 hp @ 5200 rpm490 ft-lbs. @ 3700 rpm175.1 in.75.7 in.43.9 in.3443 lbs.96.2 in.37.5 in.NA53.8 in.NANANA42.6 in.NA6.8 cu.ft.Not AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19 gal.11 mpg / 21 mpg209 mi. / 399 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$62,118$69,2257.35%$775$3,0003% of the Total MSRPRT/10 ROADSTER (6M): 8L V10 OHV SMPI 20-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 6-speed OD manual transmission; 650 amp battery; engine oil cooler; 125 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, limited slip differential, 3.07 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; sport ride suspension, front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, premium name front shocks, rear independent short & long arm suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, premium name rear shocks; power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering; 4-wheel disc brakes; 19 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear wing spoiler, side impact bars; front manual targa sunroof; front and rear body-colored bumpers; clearcoat monotone paint; projector beam halogen headlamps with; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights, underhood light; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outside mirrors; front 18" x 10" polished alloy wheels rear 18" x 13" polished alloywheels; P275/35ZR18 BSW performance front tires; 335/30ZR18 BSW rear tires; compact alloy spare wheel; air conditioning; premium AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, single CD player, 5 speakers, premium amplifier, auto equalizer, window grid antenna; power door locks, remote keyless entry; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, ashtray; instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, systems monitor, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar; driver's front airbag, passenger's cancelable front airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, removable rear window; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with fixed headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment, lumbar support; leather seats, doortrim with carpet lower, full carpet floor covering with floor mats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, aluminum interior accents; interior lights include dome light, front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box, 2 seat back storage pockets; carpeted cargo floor; black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
GTS COUPE (6M) (in addition to or instead of RT/10 ROADSTER (6M) equipment): Rear lip spoiler, side impact bars; 6 speakers; power rear window remote release; flip-up rear window, rear window defroster; full cloth headliner; mini overhead console with storage, glove box; carpeted cargo floor and cargo light.