2002 Dodge Viper RT 10

Dodge produced the Viper from 1991 through 2017, with a brief hiatus from 2010 to 2013. 1996 was the beginning of the second generation, which remained in production until 2002. Changes included a single muffler at the rear existing via two large central tailpipes, replacing the prior side exhaust pipes. This setup helped reduce back pressure which brought about an increase in horsepower in 415 hp. Torque also rose by 23 lb/ft to 488 lb/ft. A big change was the addition of sliding glass windows. A removable hardtop was also available, and the suspension was modified with the use of aluminum components, which brought the overall weight down by 60 lbs.

Near the close of 1996, Dodge introduced the Viper GTS, a coupe version of the Viper RT/10. This was more than just a hardtop version, as over 90 percent of the components were new. It was equipped with the same 7,990cc engine but power rose to 450 horsepower and 490 lb/ft of torque. The GTS was also the first Viper to be fitted with power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and airbags as standard equipment.

For 1997, horsepower rose to 450 hp in the RT/10, and they received airbags and power windows. The following year, both the GTS and RT/10 were given revised exhaust manifolds, a revised camshaft, and second-generation airbags.

Dodge introduced the GT2 Commemorative Edition in 1998 in celebration of the FTA GT2 Team and Driver series victories in October of 1997. These special editions, limited to just 100 examples, were sold through the top Dodge Viper dealerships. They were given white and blue stripes, large rear wing, side sills, American flag, BBS rims, GTS-R badging, and front dive planes and splitter. The interior had blue accent trim, a center dash plaque with the vehicle's unique production number (VIN numbers were 001 to 100), and an Oreca 5-point racing harness. Horsepower rose by 10 bhp thanks to the use of a K&N air filter and smooth tubes connecting the filter to the intake manifold.

VIN number 051 was given to Oreca Team driver Olivier Beretta (however, Bretta was unable to take delivery due to Monaco's import regulations), and the Chrysler museum retained number 100.

An ACR Performance package was offered in 1999, primarily aimed at owner's who wanted to take their Vipers to the track. They were given the same BBS rims and K&N air filter setup as the GT2, a new 5-point harness with the ACR logo, Koni adjustable shocks (later changed to Dynamics in 2000), and an increased spring rate. The air conditioning and radio were removed, however, they could be re-installed for an additional $10,000.

The Viper received lighter hypereutectic pistons and frame improvements for the 2000 model year.

In commemoration of the final year of the second generation of the Viper (2002), Dodge offered 360 examples of the 'Final Edition', with 326 of those being coupes and the remaining 34 being ACR editions. They were painted red with white stripes, in a similar fashion to the race-winning Oreca cars.

For the 2003 model year, the RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10, and the GTS was replaced in 2006 by the SRT-10 coupe.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019