2006 Dodge Viper Coupe

While the new coupe's interior is roomier, quieter and more refined than the previous generation's, it's still a tad tight for large or tall drivers. It's also designed with competition-inclined owners in mind: there's room for a safety cage with reasonable headroom, and the "double-bubble" roof increases clearance for helmets.

Interior

The large, round speedometer and tachometer are front-and-center behind the thick-rimmed three-spoke wheel, while secondary dials are stacked in a near-vertical arc to the right. The big, ball-shaped shifter protrudes proudly from the console behind easy-to-use radio and HVAC controls. Around back is another coupe plus: 6.25 cubic feet of usable trunk room, four more than the roadster's.


On a car of this type and price, such standard amenities as fog lamps, HID headlamps, air conditioning, leather-wrapped tilt wheel, remote keyless entry, Sentry Key anti-theft system, power windows, locks, mirrors and decklid, even big Brembo brakes and a Dana speed-sensing limited-slip differential are no surprise. But suede and leather seating and power-adjustable pedals, which ensure that nearly any driver can find a comfortable fit despite the lack of a telescoping steering column, are unexpected bonuses. Since there is no spare, the five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels (18-inch front, 19-inch rear) wear P275/35ZR18 and P345/30ZR19 Michelin zero-pressure run-flats with low-pressure sensors in their valve stems.


Standard safety features include an advanced multi-stage airbag system that identifies and adjusts to a front passenger's weight; an anti-lock brake system (ABS) for improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions; seat belt pretensioners that instantly remove slack; constant-force belt retractors that release in a controlled manner during a crash; and a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts the driver to improper pressure in any tire.

Performance

Two optional wheel designs and two special colors ("Race" yellow and "Copperhead Satin" orange) are available for $700 and $600, respectively. Dual "racing" stripes (black or silver) go for a cool $3,000, and Sirius satellite radio can be added for a modest $195. There is no available automatic transmission.