2008 Dodge Viper

There is one "however": Slow corners. A deft touch is required to avoid spinning the rear tires and causing the rear to step out. But developing a measured touch on the throttle is something '08 Viper owners will have to learn.


The '08's 90 ponies over the '06 come from a host of modifications. These include variable exhaust-valve timing, larger intake and exhaust valves, reshaped combustion chambers, a better flowing intake manifold, and separate ignition coils for each sparkplug. A race-style twin-disc small-diameter clutch allows the engine to rev quicker and better handle the extra horsepower. The '08 Viper features a new Tremec manual six-speed transmission with beefier gears and a shorter-throw shifter that helps cut drag strip times. Dodge says the Viper will run sub-four-second 0-60 mph times.

Power and Performance

Many termed the first Viper a "four-wheeled Harley." This slur referred to its lack of technological sophistication and creature comforts. The 2008 version is a far different animal. It offers advanced features and comfort comparable to its rivals from Ford and Chevrolet (though it still doesn't have stability control). Early Vipers were infamous for poor braking performance, partially because they lacked an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The '08 model changes that with huge rotors, giant Brembo calipers and superbly calibrated ABS. (Dodge claims a sub-100-foot 60-0 mph braking distance.) Even on poorly maintained Deep South rural roads, the Roadster offered ride comfort challenging its rival from Bowling Green. Steering feel was superb.


One of the few complaints is the instrument panel. It has a giant, centrally located tachometer and a tiny speedometer placed to the side. Because the speedometer is so small and hard to read, I could not safely check my speed at the end of VIR's front straight, and still have time to correctly determine where to step on the brakes: You have to get rid of about 100 mph to negotiate VIR's Turn One, so driving past the correct braking marker is a bad thing. The speedo goes to 220 mph, about 20 mph beyond what Dodges claims as the Viper's top speed. On public roads, the small speedo makes it a challenge to ensure a non-prosecutable speed. My friends in law enforcement say most allow at least eight mph over the limit and many give 14. Viper drivers shouldn't expect the same tolerances. (www.dodge.com)

About the Author
Mac Demere is an auto journalist, vehicle tester and race driver who competed in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.