2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Test Drive
QUICK SPECS:
• PRICE AS TESTED: $89,640
• ENGINE: 8.3-Liter V10 SRT
• HORSEPOWER: 510 hp @ 5,600 rpm / 535 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm
• DRIVETRAIN: Rear-Wheel drive, six speed manual
• WEIGHT: 3,450 lbs.
• FUEL ECONOMY: 12/20 mpg
By: Dave Chess
Dodge’s Charger SRT8 is bad. But Dodge’s Viper SRT10 is bad to the bone.
No other snake within reach is safe. Hear that Cobra! Be prepared when you see a Viper headed your way, venom spewing out its exhausts, ready to bite.
510 horsepower – enough said.
2006 Dodge Viper SRT 10 Convertible was made for one thing - and one thing only – to go fast!
It’s a race car in street clothing.
My bright red tester looked like it was going 220 mph while it was standing still. Truly stunning design includes deep cut side scallops, swept back fenders and lowered hood lines. The rear tires are wider than the fronts and add to its race car inspired design. It’s an American sports car with a monster engine up front and rear-wheel drive.
535 lb. - ft. of torque will knock your socks off. You can feel the awesome power of the V-10 engine through your entire body as this dangerous serpent rumbles at idle and slithers off the line. It’s ready to pounce on any prey that gets in its way.
Driving the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT 10 requires all the senses. And it demands your complete attention. Especially on city streets. This is no commuter car. Its home is a twisty, fast, closed circuit where it can really show its stuff. From feathering the accelerator as you accelerate to prevent wheelspin, to constantly watching the speedometer to keep within posted speed limits, driving the SRT 10 requires full attention and concentration.
Sport suspension requires you to correct steering for small bumps in the road which, especially on the south side of Chicago, will keep you busy.
Dodge Viper SRT10 is all engine, steering wheel and Brakes. The 6.3 liter V10 is mated to a six speed manual transmission. But to be able to shift the car comfortably into sixth gear without bogging the engine down you will have to exceed most posted interstate speeds.
Don’t get me wrong. Sixth gear is attainable at posted interstate speeds. But the Viper is geared for higher speeds. The first gear ratio is 2.66. Sixth gear ration is 0.50. In sixth gear at 65 mph the engine rpm is close to idle. The Dodge Viper SRT10 is made to accelerate quickly and cruise at ultra-legal speeds.
Braking is quick and huge. And should be considering how quickly the Viper can accelerate. It goes 0 -60- mph in less than 4 seconds, 0 -100 – 0 mph in the low 12 second range. The power and braking are unbelievable.
You have to climb into the cockpit of the Dodge Viper SRT10. Seats are located slightly below the door jam. It takes a concerted effort to get into and out of.
The interior layout is not luxurious. It screams race car. The gauges are well lit and easy to read at a glance. The center-mounted tachometer and 220 mph speedometer are easy to see. A vertical row of large gauges allow you to monitor the 505 inch aluminum v-10 engine’s vital signs at a glance. It starts with the push of a button.
The heavy-duty six speed manual transmission felt strong and muscular.
The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 rides on forged aluminum, polished 18 x 10 inch front and 10 x 13 inch rear wheels, clad in Michelin zero-pressure run-flat tires. Each tire includes low-pressure sensors in the valve stem.
With the vicious horsepower the Dodge Viper SRT10 is capable of producing, safety appointments are critical. World class braking, advanced multi-stage air bags, 3-point seat belts with pre-pensioners, load limiter and traveling inbound buckles combine to provide protection in the cock pit.
My tester listed out at $89,000. If you can afford one, price really doesn’t matter. What matters is how you look going fast. The Dodge Viper SRT10 has great looks and outrageous performance.