After receiving much attention in 1993 with the GTS Concept, Dodge released a production version three years later. Unlike previous Vipers, the new car featured air-conditioning, airbags, a CD player and power widows. Had the Viper line sobered up, or were these necessary comforts previous Vipers lacked?
Compared to the RT/10, the GTS had a host of upgrades including new cams, cylinder heads & exhausts. This helped the engine reach 450 horsepower over the roadster’s 415.
Outside, the GTs is entirely different from its roadster counterpart. The aerodynamics were heavily reworked allowing the GTS to have far less drag and a higher top speed. The later 1998 RT/10 received a new front fascia to take advantage of these new found aerodynamics.
Also new to the GTS body were exterior door handles and a NACA duct which rammed air into the engine intake.
A number of weight saving measures were taken to reduce the overall weight of the GTS. Many suspension components were cast in aluminum instead of iron. These components, combined with a lighter engine, thanks to less coolant, made the GTS 60 lbs lighter than the roadster. This reduction is quite remarkable considering the extra bodywork and glass needed for the roof of the GTS.
Overall, the GTS greatly improved the Viper line. It offered more power with less weight making it the fastest Viper in 1997.
In Detail
| price $ | $66 000 USD |
| engine | V10 |
| position | Front Longitidinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 7990 cc / 487.6 in³ |
| bore | 101.6 mm / 4.0 in |
| stroke | 98.6 mm / 3.88 in |
| compression | 9.6:1 |
| power | 335.6 kw / 450.0 bhp @ 5200 rpm |
| specific output | 56.32 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 295.28 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 664.4 nm / 490.0 ft lbs @ 3700 rpm |
| redline | 6000 rpm |
| body / frame | Molded Composite & Aluminum over Tubular Frame |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | F 275/40ZR-17 |
| rear tires | R 335/35ZR-17 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| f brake size | x 330 mm / x 13.0 in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| r brake size | x 330 mm / x 13.0 in |
| front wheels | F 33.0 x 33.0 cm / 13 x 13 in |
| rear wheels | R 33.0 x 33.0 cm / 13 x 13.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs over Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs over Tube Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1524 kg / 3360 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2443 mm / 96.2 in |
| front track | 1514 mm / 59.6 in |
| rear track | 1539 mm / 60.6 in |
| length | 4488 mm / 176.7 in |
| width | 1923 mm / 75.7 in |
| height | 1194 mm / 47.0 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.66:1, 1.78:1, 1.30:1, 1.00:1, 0.74:1, 0.50:1, :1 |
| final drive | 3.07:1 |
| top speed | ~297.7 kph / 185.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.6 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~10.0 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~12.9 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1999 Dodge Viper GTS – sold for $51,700
A Dodge Viper is one of those cars that demands attention, even when it’s sitting still. Its squat stance, broad fenders, huge tires and short rear deck scream that this is a machine built solely for speed. Known as the “Second Generation” Vipers, these cars became more street friendly by adding roll up windows and other creature comforts such as air conditioning and leather seats. Remaining most impressive for the second generation car is the Viper’s massive V10 engine mounted on what is believed to be the stiffest sports car chassis ever built. The 8.0L engine in 1999 was rated at 450hp and was connected to a special Tremec Viper 6-speed transmission. Powerful, well maintained American made sports car. From the Jimmy Richardson Collection.
Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Blue 488/450 HP, 6-Speed – sold for $39,000 488/450 HP V-10 engine. 6 speed transmission. Air conditioning. Power windows. Leather interior. 27,000 actual miles. Clean Carfax history. A very rare and desirable blue GTS Coupe
Auction Source: 2011 Mecum Indy Spring Classic
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