Dodge Viper (ZB I)

The Dodge Viper (ZB I) is the third generation of the Viper sports car, manufactured by Dodge. The third generation received a heavy design change, designed by Osamu Shikado in 1999.[2]

Dodge Viper (ZB I)
Overview
Also called	Dodge SRT-10 (UK)
Production	2002–2007
Assembly	Conner Avenue Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Designer	Osamu Shikado (roadster) Ralph Gilles (coupé)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door liftback coupé
Related	Bristol Fighter
Powertrain
Engine	8.3-liter (506.5 cu in) odd-firing Viper V10
Power output	SRT-10 roadster: 500 hp (507 PS; 373 kW) 525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) SRT-10 coupé: 510 hp (517 PS; 380 kW) 535 lb⋅ft (725 N⋅m)
Transmission	6-speed Tremec T56 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,510 mm (98.8 in)
Length	4,460 mm (175.6 in)
Width	1,922 mm (75.7 in)
Height	Coupé: 1,210 mm (47.6 in) Roadster: 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
Curb weight	coupé: 1,556 kg (3,430 lb) roadster: 1,530 kg (3,373 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge Viper (SR II)
Successor	Dodge Viper (ZB II)

Development

For the third generation, the Dodge Viper was heavily redesigned, courtesy of Osamu Shikado from Dodge's performance division, Street & Racing Technology.[2] The design took inspiration from the Viper competition coupé concept, also designed by Shikado which was unveiled two years prior as a preview for the next generation of the Viper.

Production

The third generation of the Viper would get heavy design updates.

The new Viper was introduced in 2002, named as the SRT-10, which replaced both the RT/10 and GTS models. The engine displacement was increased from 8.0 to 8.3 liters,[3] and along with other upgrades, the engine produced a maximum power output of 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS), and 525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) of torque.[4] The weight of the engine would also lose as much as 230 kg (507 lb). The chassis would become more rigid and lightweight, losing 36 kg (79 lb). A 6-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission is used to deliver all of the power to the rear wheels.

Three years later after the SRT-10 was unveiled, the coupé version of the Viper would be launched, adapting the same "double-bubble" structure as the GTS from the previous generation.[5] This model would have an increased power output of 510 hp (380 kW; 517 PS), and 535 lb⋅ft (725 N⋅m) of torque. The design of the car takes styling cues from the GTS, with the rear portion of the car adapting the tail shape, and the taillights using a design inspired by the GTS.[1]

Dodge would stop production of the Viper for 2007, in lieu of preparing the new updates for the car for the 2008 model year.

Performance

The SRT-10 can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at 123.68 mph (199 km/h), and attain a top speed of 189.5 mph (305 km/h). The Viper also has an average slalom speed of 70.4 mph (113 km/h), a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s²), and a 100–0 mph (161–0 km/h) stopping distance of 274 ft (84 m).[6]

The coupé variant can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at 123.68 mph (199 km/h), and attain a top speed of 192.6 mph (310 km/h). The coupé has an average slalom speed of 70.4 mph (113 km/h), a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s²), and a 100–0 mph (161–0 km/h) stopping distance of 274 ft (84 m).

References

1. "2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-08-31.
2. "2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
3. "2003 Dodge Viper SRT10 at Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-08-31.
4. Vance, Brian (2003-07-09). "SPEEDING SHOOTOUT: 2003 DODGE VIPER SRT-10". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
5. Stone, Matt (2006-01-03). "ROAD TEST: 2006 DODGE VIPER SRT10 COUPE". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
6. "Speeding Shootout: The Performance Tests" (online). Retrieved December 26, 2008.