Dodge Viper Review

Dodge Viper

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Rating

Summary

Recommended. A hairy-chested muscle car that offers enormous performance and unmistakeable - if less-than-subtle - styling. Far less civilised than modern European sportscar rivals, but also far more likely to grab attention than a Porsche 911. One for confirmed extroverts.

Review

The Viper is not officially imported into the UK by Chrysler, but some do find their way in through private import channels. Buyers will get themselves a prime slice of all-American beef. Only one engine is available, an 8.0 litre V10 that gives 500 bhp, enough to propel the Viper's not inconsiderable bulk to massive speeds with minimum effort. The chassis copes with all the effort well - far better than the original Viper did - but it still can't match a Porsche 911 or Jaguar XK on backroad finesse, and ride quality is designed for smooth US highways, not rough British roads. Two seats limit practicality, and cruising can be noisy with the canvas roof up, but luggage space is decent. The under-stressed mechanical parts make the Viper surprisingly cheap to run - with the exception of its massive fuel costs. Left-hand drive only, and depreciation is not likely to rival a 911.