1996 Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper was updated in 1996, the first major overhaul since its introduction in 1992. Perhaps the largest update was to the engine, which was now rated at 415 horsepower, a boost of 15 horsepower over the prior years. The T56 six-speed manual transmission with overdrive was unchanged. The original side-mounted exhaust system was replaced with a low restriction rear outlet exhaust. The car now rode on five-spoke forged aluminum wheels and (the first for an American car) Michelin Pilot MXX3 Maximum Speed-Rated tires. They also received a JTEC Powertrain Control Module, OBD II on-board diagnostic system, and a stiffer frame. The suspension received an all-aluminum setup in both the front and rear. The fuel tank size was reduced from 22 gallons to 19 gallons.

The Viper RT/10 came in two forms, a roadster that was priced at $58,600 or the GTS Coupe which sold for $66,000.

Dodge based the original Viper Roadster on Carroll Shelby's Cobra 427, so it was natural and understandable that the coupe version would follow the template created by designer Pete Brock's World Championship-winning Cobra Daytona Coupe. Dodge displayed it's interpretation of the Daytona in 1993 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in prototype form. Its design was so impressive that Brock correctly predicted that the coupe would outsell the roadster. Chrysler designers adopted Brock's placement of the roof's high point over the driver's head, while Abarth-style 'double bubble' bulges added to the coupe's sporty persona. What the Daytona lacked was the Viper's 8.0-liter V10 featuring sequential-port fuel injection and delivering 450 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The 1996 version had 20-percent less back pressure from its stainless-steel dual exhaust system due to it being re-routed through the body-side sills and to a central rear outlet. A stronger limited-slip differential, four-wheel disc brakes, and the six-speed manual transmission were retained for the GTS, but new lightweight aluminum A-arms, recalibrated coil-over shocks, and chassis reinforcements improved the coupe's handling. Other improvements included a power steering cooler and an oil-pan windage tray. The Viper GTS rode on chromed five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin high-performance tires, had power side windows, power door locks, leather upholstery, an anti-theft alarm, Alpine 6-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, and air conditioning.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011