2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10

A race-derived 2-seat cockpit looks over a highly functional instrument panel with center-mounted tachometer and a 220-mph speedometer.

This new Viper shares styling cues with the Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car first shown at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The low-slung roadster shell features lowered hood lines, swept-back fenders and deep-cut side scallops similar to the original Viper. While the new body sports a decidedly more modern look, it also forms the perfect union between the former GTS Coupe, which went out of production at the end of the 2002 model year, and the RT/10 Roadster. The new car's aerodynamics are also better than the previous car, led by a partial undertray engineered to increase downforce at high speed. In addition, the Viper retains its trademark side-exit exhaust.


But one of the most practical changes to the Viper's body is the new manual-operated, bi-fold clamshell soft convertible top. Complete with a single release latch and a heated glass rear window, the new foldaway top turns the Viper into a true all-weather vehicle. The wheelbase has been lengthened 2.6 inches to make room for the top to fold away. Overall, the SRT-10 weighs approximately 100 pounds less than the old Viper RT/10 Roadster.


A race-derived 2-seat cockpit looks over a highly functional instrument panel with center-mounted tachometer and a 220-mph speedometer. A traditional push-button starter reinforces the purposeful layout and racecar inspirations. Fulfilling a small, but important wish, Dodge installed a "dead pedal" for those drivers who welcome a stable place to put their left foot when burning down the road.


While Dodge did make some of the Viper's ergonomics better, it missed one item that annoyed us during our test. The clutch, brake and throttle pedals aren't in line with the steering wheel, instead they sit to the left of the steering column centerline, making it easy for the driver to hit the brake pedal when going for the clutch. We're sure this problem would fade away if you owned this car and drove it all the time. While this is distracting, all is not lost in the pedal area for 2003. To better accommodate tall drivers, Dodge has installed power-adjustable throttle, brake and clutch pedals allowing for four inches of up and down travel.

For 2003, the Viper's OHV V-10 gets a 50-hp bump to 500 and an even more neck-snapping boost in torque from 490 to 525 lb.-ft.

On the road, the 2003 Viper shares the firm ride of the previous generation car, but feels more solid and less shaky. In the old car, turning the steering wheel upon entering a corner didn't display the confidence exhibited by this new car. The steering feels more precise and you have the sense that you are controlling the car—not the other way around. While this car is at its best on a race track, the engineers have done a good job of combining a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with four-wheel independent suspension, wide tires and wheels, and massive brakes to make even a casual drive seem like winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans.