Classic pearls of the future - Dodge/Chrysler Viper
09/26/2015
The American car manufacturer Chrysler owned Lamborghini between 1987 and 1994. Perhaps this is why the decision to build a super sports car came about. However, it is also easy to imagine that the enterprising manager Lee Iacocca was dreaming independently of being able to offer a real muscle car once again. In any case, the engine of the Dodge Viper was created with the help of the Italians, even if the basic design of the ten-cylinder engine was more reminiscent of an American "truck". A displacement of 7990 cm3, 458 hp and 664 Nm were certainly an announcement when the Viper was officially presented for the first time at the Indianapolis 500 in 1991.
Visually, the new sports car, which was eventually called the Viper RT/10, was somewhat reminiscent of the AC Cobra, albeit a significantly larger version of it. At 4.5 meters long and 1.935 meters wide, the car was wide, and 1575 kg was a considerable weight for a two-seater at the time. Two people and some luggage could be transported, if necessary at over 260 km/h.
In the spring of 1992, customers could also buy the open version with roll bar and side exhaust; in Europe, the car was called the Chrysler Viper.
As early as 1993, the Americans added an attractive coupé called the GTS (pictured above), initially as a concept car, and a short time later the closed version with a "double bubble" roof could also be purchased, which was certainly not coincidentally reminiscent of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé.
By 1998, a total of 8468 Dodge/Chrysler Vipers had been sold, 1802 of which were coupés. There were also many successes in racing, including in endurance racing, e.g. at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring, but also at Le Mans.
Hardly any other car of the nineties was more brute and raw than the Dodge Viper, owners had to do without ESP and traction control, ABS was only available on the successor. The demanding driving characteristics certainly led to a certain reduction in stock, but otherwise the car with its GRP/aluminum body and sturdy frame was certainly built for a long life, especially as most owners only covered short distances. Today, the cars are still comparatively cheap to buy, but in 20 or 30 years' time, classic car fans will certainly be dreaming of an original Dodge or Chrysler Viper ...
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