Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper is a V10 powered sports car developed by Chrysler. Samuel Hubinette won the Formula Drift Championship in 2004 and 2006 drifting a Dodge Viper and the Viper has won several FIA GT Championships and two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins.


The Viper began in 1988 when Chrysler president Bob Lutz recommended building a modern Cobra to designer Tom Gale of Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios. Carroll Shelby was influential in design also and used the legendary AC Cobra and Shelby Cobra Daytona as his inspiration. At the time, Lamborghini was a subsidiary of Chrysler and they were tasked with casting a prototype aluminum engine block for the Viper based on Dodge’s V10 truck engine.

The concept car was originally named Copperhead and first appeared at the North American International Auto Show in 1989. The concept was a big hit and Chrysler chief engineer Roy Sjeoberg and Team Viper got the ok to develop the concept car into a standard production vehicle. In May 1990, Lee Iacocca approved production of the Viper and retail shipments began in January 1992.


First generation SR (1992–1995)

The heart of the Viper is its V10 aluminum truck engine. Chrysler’s intention for the new Viper was clear, performance is first priority. The SR generation lacked ABS brakes, traction control, door handles, a roof, windows, or any luxury amenities what so ever. The SR Viper had a soft top that was used as a storage/rain cover. Carroll Shelby drove a SR Viper as the pace car in the 1991 Indianapolis 500.

Engine Specs:
8.0 L (488.2 cu in) V10
400 hp (298 kW)
465 ft lbf (630 Nm)

Performance:
0-60: 4.5 sec
0-100: 10.0 sec
1/4 mile: 12.5 sec @ 120 mph (193 km/h)
Top speed: +180 mph (290 km/h)
700 ft (210 m) slalom: over 66 mph (106 km/h)
Skidpad average g: 0.96

Second generation SR (1996–2002)

In 1996 a coupe model called the GTS was introduced with a lighter more powerful engine. The roof featured raised sections known as the “double bubble” above each seat to accommodate drivers wearing helmets. In 1999 18” wheels and an improved exhaust system further refined the Viper. Perhaps not technically a new generation, the second SR Viper increased horsepower, stiffened and lightened chassis, improved suspension and braking - ABS system introduced in 2001. The Viper GTS was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.

Engine Specs:
8.0 L (488.2 cu in) V10
450 hp (336 kW)

Performance (GTS):
0-60: 4.0 sec
0-100: 8.6 sec
1/4 mile: 12.2 sec @ 118 mph (190 km/h)
Top speed: +190 mph (306 km/h)[citation needed]
Slalom: 71.3 mph (115 km/h)
Skidpad average acceleration: 0.98 g (9.6 m/s²)

Third generation ZB (2003-2006)

A major redesign in 2003 introduced the third ZB generation Dodge Viper. Daimler Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology Group were in charge of the build. The Viper became more angular and aggressive looking and the engine was enlarged to 8.3 L (505 cid/8,285 cc) that increased output to 500 hp (370 kW) and 525 lb ft (712 Nm) of torque.

Engine Specs:
8.3 L (506.5 cu in) V10
510 bhp (380 kW) @ 5600 rpm
535 lb ft (725 Nm) @ 4200 rpm

Performance:
0-60: 3.9 sec
0-100: 8.3 sec
1/4 mile: 11.7 sec @ 123 mph (198 km/h)
Top speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
Slalom: 70 mph (113 km/h)
Skidpad average acceleration: 1.05 g (10.3 m/s²)
100-0: 274 ft (84 m)

No 2007 model Vipers were produced.

Fourth generation ZB (2008–Present)

In 2008, power for the Viper increased to 600 horsepower (450 kW) and 560 lb ft (759 Nm) of torque. Engine displacement increased to 8.4 liters (512 ci/8354 cc) and modifications like better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne variable valve timing, and dual electronic throttle bodies further tuned the Viper engine. Rev limit increased by 300 rpm due to improved valve-train stability and the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The development of the engine was done in conjunction with McLaren Automotive and Ricardo Consulting Engineers.

Engine Specs:
8.4 L (512.6 cu in) V10
600 bhp (447 kW) @ 6000 rpm
560 lb ft (759 Nm) @ 5600 rpm

Performance (2008 base model):
0-60: 3.5 sec
0-100: 7.6 sec
1/4 mile: 11.6 sec @ 128 mph (206 km/h)
Top speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
Slalom: 70 mph (113 km/h)+
Skidpad average acceleration: 1.06 g (10.4 m/s²)
100-0: 270 ft (82 m)

Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Twin Turbo:


Hennessey Performance Engineering, HPE for short, offers an aftermarket upgrade that increases the power output of the Viper to about 1050 hp (733 kW) 983.5 hp at the wheels and 1,100 ft lbf (1,490 Nm) of torque. Increased engine displacement and twin Garett ball bearing turbochargers are the main modifications that give the Hennessey Viper Venom its power. Other Hennessey mods include suspension, VenomAero body kit, bigger brakes, bigger wheels and tires, and an upgraded differential.

Engine Specs:
8.55 L (522 cu in) V10
1050 bhp (733 kW)
1,100 lb ft (1,490 Nm)

Performance:
0-60 mph: 2.9 sec
0-100 mph: 5.8 sec
0-150 mph: 10.9 sec
0-200 mph: 19.6 sec
Top speed claimed by HPE: 255 mph

Whether it’s Formula Drift Champ Samuel Hubinette or celebrity drifter Nick Hogan, when a Viper is on the track people take note.