2006 Dodge Viper

A seemingly endless hood sits ahead of the steering wheel in the impossibly rakish Dodge Viper SRT10. And residing under that louvered hood is a monster V-10 engine with 510 horsepower that provides stupefying performance.

Even after 14 outrageous years on the market -- and three years since a major redesign -- the Viper remains America's most muscular sports car, despite the recent arrival of the fastest-ever Chevrolet Corvette, the 505-horsepower Z06 V-8.

The Viper SRT10 (Street and Racing Technology and 10 cylinders) is perfect for DaimlerChrysler's muscle-car-oriented Dodge division, whereas the Z06 has been made to drive more like a European sports car.

The Z06 (May 29 AutoTimes) comes only as a $64,890 hardtop. But the Viper SRT10 is sold as an $81,895 convertible and $83,145 hardtop. Dodge revived the hardtop for 2006, but I tested the convertible because, after all, it's still summer.

Both the rear-drive Viper and Z06 have nearly identical race-car acceleration, blasting to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds and reaching 100 mph in approximately 8 seconds. They can hit 190 mph and have excellent high-speed stability, according to car magazine reports.

A Viper driver must be careful because this two-seater accelerates so smoothly that he can easily find himself cruising at 80 mph when he thinks the Viper is only doing 65 mph.

The regular Corvette, which starts at $43,690 and also comes as a convertible, far outsells the Viper. Corvette sales for the first seven months this year totaled 21,857 cars. Viper sales in the same period totaled 881 units, and only 1,652 were sold last year.

Lower prices help Corvette sales, but the Viper, which debuted as a 1989 auto show concept car, also is less comfortable than a 'Vette. For one thing, most Corvettes can be had with an automatic transmission, while the Viper comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Viper is very specialized in that it's a no-frills sports car reminiscent of the iconic, limited-production 1960s Shelby Cobra 427 convertible sports car, now valued at $560,000. It shouldn't be surprising that Cobra builder Carroll Shelby had a hand in developing the original Viper.

The Viper doesn't make much sense as practical daily transportation. It's pretty much a warm-weather weekend toy, falling behind the more refined $71,300 Porsche 911 or any Corvette model.

The Z06 also comes with only a six-speed manual gearbox, but is loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment. The Viper has no side air bags or traction/anti-skid systems in keeping with its "pure" sports car design, which initially didn't even allow roll-down windows -- just side curtains. Even anti-lock brakes were only grudgingly added a few years ago.

Unlike earlier, more elemental Vipers, the 2006 Viper has air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM/CD system, tire-pressure monitor for its run-flat tires, power trunk lid release and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.

Satellite radio and polished alloy wheels are options, but that's about it. The convertible top is manually operated, and there is no inside hood release.

The Viper's rather notchy six-speed manual gearbox has a high-effort shifter and works with a stiff, long-throw clutch. However, with all that horsepower and a staggering 535 pound-feet of torque, not much shifting is required. You can start out in second or third gear and then shift to fifth or sixth gear if you feel lazy.

The 3,410-pound Viper V-10 absolutely loafs at 1,300 rpm at 65 mph in sixth gear, which is why it can deliver an estimated 20 mpg on highways. City fuel economy is only 12 mpg. The Viper is certified as a Low Emissions Vehicle, but premium fuel is required.

A driver inserts an ignition key in a switch on the steering column, but a race-car-style red starter button on the dashboard fires up the engine after you put a foot on the brake pedal.

It calls for athletic moves to get in or out of the low-slung car, and the wide door stills get hot because of their enclosed side exhaust pipes. (A sticker near the door warns about possibly getting burned when moving over the sills.)

The bucket seats are very supportive, but the no-nonsense interior doesn't have much spare room. Top-up over-the-shoulder visibility is poor to the rear, and gauges can be hard to read in bright sunlight.

Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. All controls are easily reached, but better interior materials should be used in a $80,000-plus car; one guesses that most money went into the Viper's mechanical attributes.

The docile 505-cubic-inch engine is an imposing sight with its bright red cylinder heads. It's set way back in the chassis to allow a nearly 50-50 weight distribution for better handling. Steering is race-car quick, which means that it's easy for a driver to find himself partly in another lane if he lets his attention momentarily wander.

The Viper must be driven smoothly and consistently because, as with a race car, sudden jerky moves can upset its stability.

A superb suspension, short 98.8-inch wheelbase, extraordinary width and the enormous wheels and tires result in superb handling, although the short wheelbase and firm suspension occasionally allow a choppy ride. Huge brakes stop the car quickly, with solid, fast pedal response.

A few soft bags will fit in the convertible's nicely shaped trunk.

Corvettes can be seen all over the place, but lower sales make a Viper more exclusive. So do its other qualities. 

2006 DODGE VIPER SRT10 

PRICE: $81,895-$83,145

LIKES: Most muscular American car. Wickedly fast. Great handling.

DISLIKES: Tight cockpit. Small trunk. Difficult entry/exit.