2008 Dodge Viper - Vehicle Reviews

Overview

For 2008, the two-door Viper receives an enlarged, more powerful engine and newly styled hood vents. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is available in a soft-top Roadster and a two-seater Gas Guzzler Tax (GTS) Coupe. Both feature a much larger hood and efficient air induction.

Powertrain and performance

For 2008, the Dodge Viper will use an 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in four seconds.
The Viper's 8.4-liter engine breathes through new cylinder heads equipped with CNC-shaped (computer numerically controlled) combustion chambers, larger valves and variable valve timing (VVT).
The TR6060 transmission is the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual. It features 10 percent wider gears for higher torque capacity. The new shifter system results in reduced shifter travel. There is also a provision for an external transmission cooler.

Body and Styling

The new 2008 Dodge Viper boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power. The cockpit for both trims retains its characteristic red push-button starter and performance-oriented, highly functional instrument panel with center-mounted tachometer and 220-mph speedometer.
The 2008 Dodge Viper continues to be available in two body styles � Roadster and Coupe. Both feature a dramatic new hood with a larger, more efficient hood scoop for air induction, and larger, functional hood louvers to facilitate a greater cooling effect for the more powerful 8.4-liter, V-10 engine underneath. But there are also several exterior differences between the Coupe and the Roadster. The former has a hard top with a stiffer �double bubble� styling. It also has an additional 6.25 cubic feet of trunk space, offering a total of 14.65 cubic feet. The roof and headliner structure offer more room to accommodate a safety cage, while maintaining as much headroom as possible.

Safety Features

The vehicle is equipped with front-impact air bags for both driver and passenger, designed to protect the head during head-on collisions. An ignition disable device prevents the engine from starting if the correct, original manufacturer's key is not used. Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts. Anti-lock brakes automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking, and adjust brake pressure for the tire to rotate.