THE BIRTH OF THE DODGE VIPER

This Page Is About How The Viper Came To Us

I wanted to do a separate page on the beginning of the viper from the prototype VM-01 through the Hennessey Venom We can all thank Robert A Lutz for the Viper along with Carroll Shelby, Tom Gale, and Fancois Castaing. The four men are considered to be the "Fourfathers" of the Viper. Basically what Bob Lutz was aiming for was to build a modern Cobra with today's technology all for under $100,000. The first prototype labeled VM01 was finished in December of 1989. The VM01 was powered by a Chrysler 360 V-8 engine. This prototype resembles the modern RT/10 but is missing the sports bar and sidepipes. The second prototype called VM02 resembles the RT/10 more but has different wheels. Built in 1990 it had the V-10 engine which was rated at 380 HP. The engine has been used in vehicles other then the Viper. For example the Dodge Ram VTS had the V-10 engine which produced 300 HP and 450 ft-lb of torque. Also Carroll Shelby has his own signature Viper. It is signed by Shelby and his "CS" symbols on the car. However only 50 Shelby RT/10's were produced. We can all thank John Hennessey for making the Viper even better. Hennessey has created the Venom Viper series including the Venom 500, 550, 600, and 650R. The Venom 650R has a top speed of 214.7. A Venom 650R however adds about $70,000 on top of the $72,000 stock price. If you are interested in driving a Viper but can't quite afford one goto Skip Barber's Driving School. Pick either his driving or racing schools. For the driving schools you learn various activities in a wide variety of Dodge vehicles including the Viper GTS and RT/10. If you like F1 racing better there is a course for you. Pick from a variety of F1 cars and learn how to become a professional driver --- well at least learn it first.

Price approx. $72,830 (US)

Top track speed 177 mph est.

Acceleration 0 - 60mph in 4.0 seconds

Fuel economy city/highway 13 mpg city, 21mpg motorway

Horsepower 450 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Engine V-10, aluminum block and heads, pushrods, 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters, Chrysler JTEC with port fuel injection

Engine 488 cu in, 7990cc

Torque 490 lb.ft @ 3700 rpm

Length 176.7 inches

Width 75.7 inches

Height 47.0 inches

Wheelbase 96.2 inches

Curb weight 3415 lb