I had the fortune of driving a 2005 SRT-10 500 miles in the desert and through ZION National Park in preparation of purchasing my own. Now I am waiting to purchase because Chevy and Ford both came out with Viper beaters recently(Z06 and GT respectively). The Viper is a a road romping monster that makes traffic a very frustrating proposition. I am 6'3" and this car actually fit me better than my Lexus GX470. For some reason, my hips ended up very stiff but the feel was pretty good. It definitely has the low sitting "bucket" feel to it. The aerodynamics of the convertible with the top down was amazing with NO back draft at any speed. From the drivers seat, the nose looks very long and large. Rear visibility is better than most anything in this class, but if you are worried about what is behind you, that can be resolved quickly by dropping a gear or two and stepping on it. The engine has a long low gurgle to it that puts out far more power than you expect and begins to roar at 4000 RPM's. The 6000 red-line could easily be increased to 7000, to match ALL of its competitors in this class, with a few minor factory adds and adjustments. Once the tires are warm and sticky, watch it go. When they are cold, you may wonder where all the ice came from.
The car is exactly what you would expect. It feels like a large, older American roadster with a lot of horsepower and exceptional handling. It is not easy to drive but a lot of fun. There is only one cup-holder in the center console which is annoying and the trunk is small. There are no little pockets in the doors to place your things. Not the best road trip car although a true eye-catcher. Special "privileged" parking spots abound when you drive a Viper.
After a ten year reign at the top of the muscle car category, Dodge definitely needs to step it up a very large notch now to overcome the new Corvette Z06 and the Ford GT which are both faster than the Viper in nearly every way than the Viper. It is time for the Viper to AGAIN take the lead in the muscle car arena by increasing the output to 600 bhp and 600 ft. lbs of torque which is easily and readily available from the current 8.3 Liter V-10 engine by simply adding some of the modern technologies used by nearly every other auto manufacturer on their every day vehicles if Dodge so chooses(DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder). Perhaps Dodge could take a few pointers from the Corvette Z-06 and from Hennessey Performance in order to offer a supercharged or much higher output limited edition model that could easily thrust out up to 800 horsies. It would sell. FAST!!!
The Viper has exceptional power, acceleration, braking, road handling abilities and a solid frame to prevent flex and roll potentially caused by the torque of the monster engine. The car leaves you knowing that the motor is undoubtedly capable of much more. Hopefully Dodge will admit defeat to the Corvette Z-06 and Ford GT and take the challenge immediately to build a bigger, better, faster and presently unmatchable Viper. I will buy one immediately as soon as they do.
Amount Paid (US$): 79999
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: SRT-10