The 2016 Dodge Viper GTC Is a Rowdy Charmer
The Dodge Viper doesn’t need an introduction. This hand-built American supercar turned heads with uncompromising performance and radical looks when it first launched in 1992, and continues to do so with its third generation. Growing up, I collected a few 1:18 scale Viper models, and I never would have guessed that years later, I’d spend five days with a full-scale version of the 2016 Viper GTC.
This latest-generation Viper boasts a number of structural, aerodynamic and performance updates, with many of them aimed at getting the most out of the monstrous 645 horsepower, 8.4-liter V10. The chassis now provides 50% more torsional rigidity while shedding almost 100 pounds — helpful since the engine is capable of producing 600 lb-ft of frame-twisting torque.
Photo courtesy Leonard Mayorquin @cncpics.
So what does one do with almost of week of quality time with one of the world’s most iconic sports cars? Everything!
I lived and breathed this Viper, and loved every minute of it. The driving experience is very rewarding — well, if you like and know how to operate a stick-shift. There’s only one powertrain option for all models: a V10 mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. Running errands, commuting to the office, shuffling along in rush hour traffic — suddenly I didn’t mind all of these mundane tasks. And it was fun to watch the sea of cars around me part for a better view of the Viper.
Comparing notes with Yoav Gilad (@keepitwideopen), Digital Managing Editor at Hagerty and owner of a 1996 Viper GTS, the latest model years have come a long way in terms of refinement and daily usability — the ’96 GTS doesn’t have anti-lock brakes, traction control or stability control, and was the first model year to include air bags. The new Viper can still be a handful for the uninitiated, but there are many safety and driver aids that help to lower the learning curve, making the car accessible to drivers of all skill levels.
Clutch operation is easy and surprisingly forgiving for a car with this much power, and the two-setting suspension system provides a comfortable (yet still sporty) ride for the street and a stiffer mode for the track.
While spotting a Viper in the wild is always a treat, experiencing the specific one that I had is even more special because it was designed through the “1 of 1” GTC customization program. This means that no other Viper in the 2016 model year will have the exact configuration, including color. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind car.
It’s amazing how easy it was to meet people while driving this low-slung, bright yellow sports car — all eyes were on me, after all. On my way to the Petersen Museum’s Sunday morning breakfast cruise-in, I befriended @sevada84 and his Nissan GT-R at a stop light, and we ended up parking next to each other at the event.
Friendly introductions led to more new pals, and suddenly, we’re cruising along Southern California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway to gather for an impromptu photoshoot in Malibu with @speedsuspects.
Check out the behind-the-scenes video, featuring revs and accelerations from a bunch of cool cars:
If you’re wondering why the Viper doesn’t show up until later in the video, it’s because I pulled off to get some gas and got separated from the group for a bit. It was a pleasant hiccup though, because it gave me a chance to take a quick jaunt through the Santa Monica mountains.
It’s on these narrow canyon roads where the Viper’s handling characteristics really get to shine. Taking advantage of the stiffer suspension setting and the massive amounts of Pirelli rubber (295/30/18 front, 355/30/19 rear), it felt like I was piloting a slot car that was rigged to never come off its track. I made quick work of the banked curves and switchbacks thanks to a 50/50 weight distribution and the impressive amount of low-end torque from the roaring V10.
After rejoining the group, my new friends and passersby admired the Viper as we chatted about its features and specs. During our discussion, @onebad458 — owner of a beautiful Ferrari 458 — commented on the impressive quality of the custom yellow paint. It was an astute observation because the Viper’s body panels go through between 145 and 160 hours of hand-painting and prepping, which produces a smooth and deep show car quality finish.
This attention to detail carries over to the interior as well with Sabelt bucket seats wrapped in Nappa leather, yellow contrast stitching and carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin.
My time with the GTC came to an end all too quickly, and I said goodbye with one final cruise along the coast. I’ve spent plenty of time driving a lot of different cars, but I’ve never experienced one that is as simultaneously charming, rowdy and capable as the Viper.
Production for the Viper is slated to end in 2017, with no plans for a successor at the moment, so act quickly if you want to own one of America’s last great sports cars. It also made Hagerty’s 2016 Hot List as a likely future collector car.
Learn more about the 2016 Viper and design your own GTC on Dodge’s official website.
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Photos by Andrew Chen
