Dodge Viper (ZB I)
{{About|the third-generation Dodge Viper sports car|general information about the car|Dodge Viper}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Dodge Viper (ZB I)
| image = Dodge Viper SRT-10.jpg
| caption= 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 coupe
| aka = Dodge SRT-10 (UK)
| production = 2002–2006
| model_years = 2003–2006
| assembly = Conner Avenue Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| related = Bristol Fighter
| designer = {{unbulleted list
| Osamu Shikado (roadster)
| Ralph Gilles (coupé)
}}
| class = Sports car (S)
| body_style = {{unbulleted list
|2-door convertible
}}
| engine = 8.3-liter (506.5 cu in) odd-firing Viper V10
| powerout = {{ubl
|SRT-10 roadster: {{convert|500|hp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}}
{{convert|525|lbft|0|abbr=on}}
|SRT-10 coupé: {{convert|510|hp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}}
{{convert|535|lbft|0|abbr=on}}
}}
| transmission = 6-speed Tremec T56 manual
| wheelbase = {{convert|2510|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4460|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1922|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{ubl
|Coupé: {{convert|1210|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Roadster: {{convert|1230|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
}}
| weight = {{ubl
|coupé: {{convert|1556|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|roadster: {{convert|1530|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}}
}}
| predecessor = Dodge Viper (SR II)
| successor = Dodge Viper (ZB II)
}}
The Dodge Viper (ZB I) is the third-generation Viper sports car, manufactured by Dodge. The third generation received a heavy design change, designed by Osamu Shikado in 1999.{{Cite news|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2003-dodge-viper-srt-10-first-drive-review|title=2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10|work=Car and Driver|access-date=2018-08-30|language=en}}
Development
{{See also|Street & Racing Technology}}
The third-generation Dodge Viper was redesigned, courtesy of Osamu Shikado from Dodge's performance division, Street & Racing Technology. The design took inspiration from the Viper competition coupé concept, also designed by Shikado which was unveiled two years prior as a preview for the next-generation Viper.
Production
File:2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe in Viper Red Clearcoat, Rear Left, 05-27-2023.jpg
The new Viper was introduced in 2002, and went on sale in 2003 as the SRT-10, which replaced both the RT/10 and GTS models.https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/dodge-viper-history-generations-models/ The engine displacement was increased from 8.0 to 8.3 liters,{{Cite news|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/dodge/2003-dodge-viper-srt10/|title=2003 Dodge Viper SRT10 at Top Speed|work=Top Speed|access-date=2018-08-31|language=en-US}} and along with other upgrades, the engine produced a maximum power output of {{Convert|500|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, and {{Convert|525|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/viper/2003/2003-dodge-viper-srt-10/|title=SPEEDING SHOOTOUT: 2003 DODGE VIPER SRT-10|last=Vance|first=Brian|date=2003-07-09|website=MotorTrend|access-date=2018-08-30}} The weight of the engine would also lose as much as {{Convert|230|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}}. The chassis would become more rigid and lightweight, losing {{Convert|36|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}}. A 6-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission is used to deliver all of the power to the rear wheels.
Three years later after the SRT-10 was unveiled, the coupé version of the Viper would be launched, adapting the same "double-bubble" structure as the GTS from the previous generation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/viper/2006/2006-dodge-viper-srt10-coupe/|title=ROAD TEST: 2006 DODGE VIPER SRT10 COUPE|last=Stone|first=Matt|date=2006-01-03|website=MotorTrend|access-date=2018-08-30}} This model would have an increased power output of {{Convert|510|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, and {{Convert|535|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. The design of the car takes styling cues from the GTS, with the rear portion of the car adapting the tail shape, and the taillights using a design inspired by the GTS.{{Cite news|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2006-dodge-viper-srt-10-coupe-first-drive-review|title=2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe|work=Car and Driver|access-date=2018-08-31|language=en}}
Dodge would stop production of the Viper for 2007, in lieu of preparing the new updates for the car for the 2008 model year.
Performance
The SRT-10 can accelerate from {{Convert|0-60|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} in 3.8 seconds, {{Convert|0-100|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at {{Convert|123.68|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}, and attain a top speed of {{Convert|189.5|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}. The Viper also has an average slalom speed of {{Convert|70.4|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}, a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2), and a {{Convert|100-0|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} stopping distance of {{Convert|274|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0306_spdtest/index.html|title=Speeding Shootout: The Performance Tests|format=online|accessdate=December 26, 2008}}
The coupé variant can accelerate from {{Convert|0-60|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} in 3.7 seconds, {{Convert|0-100|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} in 8.36 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.77 seconds at {{Convert|123.68|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}, and attain a top speed of {{Convert|192.6|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}. The coupé has an average slalom speed of {{Convert|70.4|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}, a skidpad acceleration average of 1.05 g (10.3 m/s2), and a {{Convert|100-0|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}} stopping distance of {{Convert|274|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.