A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to drive a Dodge Viper on one of the Australian race circuits. Any time I think about it now, I cannot help smiling. That big V10 engine up front delivering unlimited horsepower and with brakes that would be hard pressed to slow a pram, steering by the right pedal, it was a brute.
For those who lament the increasing electronic emasculation of the muscle cars, lament no longer – the brute is back, now called an SRT Viper, the Dodge brand name being dropped by Chrysler in favor of SRT. And it is even more ‘brutish’ than before!
SRT Viper.
The big V10 is still there up front with sodium-filled valves and forged pistons. All 8.4 liters of it delivering 477 kW at 6200 rpm, with 813 Nm at 5000 rpm torque all delivered to the rear wheels through a six speed manual gearbox.
With those sorts of numbers, the zero to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds is more than feasible. However, the torque spread is such that select any gear at any speed and your head is snapped back. Top speed? 331 km/h according to the factory.
