2003 Dodge Viper: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge redesigns America's high-performance champ for 2003. Viper gets new styling, new engineering, and even more power. Gone are the GTS coupe and the RT/10 convertible with its roof hoop. Badged SRT-10, Viper is now a true convertible with a manual folding top and heated glass rear window. Wheelbase grows 2.6 inches compared to the 1992-2002 Viper, but overall length shrinks about an inch and curb weight decreases slightly. The convertible top's rigid center section doubles as a tonneau panel with the roof lowered. A V10 engine returns, but it's a new design of 8.3 liters and 500 hp vs. 8.0 and 450. The sole transmission is again a 6-speed manual, and side-mounted exhaust pipes return from the original Viper. ABS is standard. Tires are run-flats on 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rears. Unavailability of side airbags and antiskid or traction-control systems continues Viper's "pure" 2-seat sports-car posture. The redesigned interior mounts the tachometer directly before the driver, with a 220-mph speedometer to the right. Standard are leather-and-faux-suede seats, tilt steering column, power-adjustable pedals, power windows, air conditioning, and xenon high- and low-beam headlamps.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.