Third-Generation Dodge Viper Is the One to Get: Video
More refined, feature laden, and still a good value, the third-generation Dodge Viper is a rare find in today’s car market.
These days, the Dodge Viper, as a whole, is easily one of the most under-appreciated sports cars on the planet. It somewhat baffles the mind that even as we watch the values of other V10-powered, manual transmission-equipped models soar, that hasn’t yet really been the case with the Viper – which also touts concept car styling. There will indeed come a day when the Dodge Viper isn’t a bargain play, but in the meantime, the third-generation example seems like the one to get.
At least, that’s what mega-popular YouTuber Doug DeMuro thinks, as he mulls over this 2013 Dodge Viper in a recent video. As many are already aware – and as DeMuro points out here – the Viper was treated to a bevy of tweaks for its last generation that made it more pleasant to drive compared to earlier ones, plus additional refinement and even luxuries. At the same time, it retained much of the original car’s raw feel and brutal performance, which is what endeared it to fans in the first place.
Performance is still impressive today, more than a decade after this car was sold new, too – its 8.4-liter naturally-aspirated V10 cranks out 640 horsepower, propelling it from 0-60 mph in the mid-three-second range, and over 200 mph at full tilt.
It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission with firm shifts and a heavy feeling clutch, and in this case, the GTS offers some additional luxuries over the base model, such as finer materials inside the cabin.
As for its styling, the third-generation Dodge Viper didn’t stray too far from its successful predecessor, but merely modernized and polished it up a bit. The big news here is the last Viper’s many welcome features, however – things like cup holders, multiple power ports, storage compartments, UConnect infotainment, a digital center screen, adjustable suspension, sound deadening, and a better stereo system.
The third-generation Dodge Viper wasn’t perfect, of course – it has some cheap interior plastics and exposed screws, hot side exhaust pipes that can burn one’s legs, a massive manual parking brake, and a few other quirks. Regardless, as DeMuro notes, this is a raucous, raw supercar with excellent steering and stability, albeit, one that also remains a bit rough around the edges – though in all fairness, that’s perfectly fine with a lot of folks.
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