REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

No Weaklings!

Young people drool over the Viper, but the men who buy it are usually graying at the temples. Those who feel nostalgic for American sports driving will feel comforted at the wheel of this fireball, a real caricature of the wild ride. We understand them: according to the USAC, the Viper is still the car that can go from 0 to 160 kph (100 mph) the fastest without making you take out a mortgage rather than a car loan to buy it.For a contortionist, sliding into a roadster is still the best way to keep in shape. For that matter, the search for an ideal driving position can require almost as much elasticity. The pedal mechanism shifted over to the left (now adjustable), the limited adjustability of the seat, and the lack of a foot rest all contribute to the pilot ’ s discomfort. However, in other ways the roadster has made good progress since its debut. For example, for the sake of economy and flexibility (the roadster and the coupe share the same assembly line), the side door panels on the RT/10 are those of the GTS Coupe: they already included a worthy door handle and electric window controls. On the other hand, we ’ re still waiting for improvements to the terrible soft top, which is still maddeningly complicated. Those who don ’ t like to run topless will be happier, since the GTS Coupe exists with its very generous headroom. As a bonus, the coupe also offers some storage space behind the two seats, just large enough for one or two briefcases. The RT/10 and the GTS each have the original interior. The bucket seats are wrapped - for a price - in a rich Conolly leather (appointed supplier to the Jaguar) whereas the dashboard can be tattooed with brushed aluminum appliquйs.Underneath an exterior that makes one imagine obsolete technology, the Viper turns out to be more evolved than it looks. It is technically advanced under the hood, and let ’ s not forget that its big V10 engine nonetheless bears the mark of Lamborghini ’ s motor mechanics. The twisted little track in Chelsea, Michigan doesn ’ t really allow one to appreciate the Viper ’ s full dynamic. On the other hand, however, it does allow one to get a good feel for the potential of this V10. Its incredible torque catapults you around the tight curves of this track, and unless you ’ re ready to fly off in a tailspin you had better tread very, very lightly on the gas pedal (especially on damp pavement).

For its part, the acceleration is very impressive, if not even violent. Handling the clutch and stick shift with the six speed manual transmission (for those who care, the knob is now more ergonomically designed) demands such firmness that it makes you fear the smallest traffic jam. Finally, the steering and suspension work together to let you feel every little imperfection in the pavement with extraordinary accuracy. To ensure more secure stopping, the Viper has added an antilock brake system this year. Instrument of torture, or true sports car? The Viper is a little of both. It ’ s hard to resist this seductive little reptile, though, time to have a chat with Eve!

PROS
Breath-taking performance;
Sporty road handling;
Price/performance/exclusiveness ratio.

CONS
Siff clutch and shifter
Handling on damp pavement
Wooden suspension.