2002 Viper

Any one have any info on the 2002 Viper?
I think it was on the Detroit Auto Show....
I'll go find some info, i just thought that somebody may already have it...

oh ok,
i found a pic so far~
http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/auto3/0001AUCCWFA15.jpg

This is from the detroit show.

Okay, I might be on crack here, but to me this first pic almost looks like a C5 'Vette...
http://209.132.49.149/images-large/2002_dodge_viper_rt10-1.jpg

...This looks like an S2000...
http://209.132.49.149/images-large/2002_dodge_viper_rt10-3.jpg

..And this is eerily reminiscent of an SLK! Notice how they're going back to the calf-burner exhaust. I like that.
http://209.132.49.149/images-large/2002_dodge_viper_rt10-7.jpg

Apparantly it's going to have 500hp and an equal number for torque.

Here's another pic of the GTS-R from Detroit...
http://209.132.49.149/detroit/p2.jpg

I kinda think the viper on the top pic of enzo's post looks like a Camaro, especially the vent on the hood. By the way, you can get the original pics without the supercars.net logo at http://www.supercarcentral.com

[Edited by JagXJ220 on 01-16-2001 at 12:18 AM]

Personally, I don't like the new Viper. The front is ok, but the sides and rear I don't like. The GTS-R is very nice looking in my opinion, but not the RT/10. When will the GTS be debuting?? Won't it be 2004 or something like that? Oh yeah...it will have 500 hp, 500 ft-lbs. of torque, and also 500 c.i. What is that, 8.14 liters? Does anyone now the price of the GTS-R?

Yeah, I think the look is alright. The production version will be a little toned down in terms of flashy appearance. Sounds good to me.

Hey... Can someone answer me this....What's the roof-scoop for?

I give this sucker a thumbs down. Even though the new Chrysler Sebring got styling cues from the 2003 Viper, it is still butt ugly!

The current one IMO is so much better looking then the 2003!

Give me a the current one, not this boxy Sebring look-a-like.

But anyway I would take a Vette, most likely the Z06 or 2004 Vette :D.

My comment on the new Viper is that I hope that Dodge takes a cue from GM's transformation of the Corvette into the Z06. I feel the Viper has the power it needs. What I think Chrysler needs to do is finesse that which it already has. Shed some curb weight, maybe even drop a little displacement and rev that block higher to make the high horsepower. I keep seeing slightly elevated horsepower and torque figures for Vipers, and yet there are cars with less power turning in similar performance numbers.. though that is not to take away anything from the awe-inspiring Viper.

I dunno, maybe Chrysler's aim is to keep it as being a brutish powerhouse, and maybe that's what the Viper's marketing gurus feel will keep it successful, but fewer and fewer cars today share the Viper's balls-to-the-wall approach at making formidable performance stats. While I respect it for taking such an aggressive stance, I think it could stand to have the volume turned down a couple notches in the power department, receive attention elsewhere to make just as good performance numbers, and attract a larger potential-buying audience in the process.

i think the new viper is sweet but i agree the convertable top makes it look too much like a seabring :)

any body got any more pics of that 2002 gtr like that last one that looked oretty sweet as well

its 500 hp, 500 lb-ft torque, 500 cubic inches which is 8.3 liters. Motor Trend did a test with it and some of the numbers are 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, 0-100 in 9.0 seconds and skidpad of 1.05 g's

That's gonna be a kickass car when it comes out! Anyone know if they're planning to produce the GTS/R Concept and when they plan to? I like the look of the GTS/R a lot more than the new RT/10.

I have no idea. I like the new RT/10 better, especially the rear end. I think the rear looks 10X better.

I was glad to read recently that Dodge did address the "easy to spin" habit of the Viper. Now they have refined its tendencies, making it much more difficult to spin. And they have also taken a little of the bite out if its ride characteristics. All good things in my book.

its a 2003 not a 2002:rolleyes:

it should also be noted, that in the current autoweek mag, it was noted that the 500 hp # could be conservative, similar to the 60's muscle cars... hows that sound for ya???

oh... that vent on the roof is for ventilation of the cabin obviously, it is typical of race cars, as they dont have heating and a/c in em

you saw that too in autoweek huh fly. i also like the reason for putting the new engine upgrades. Because we thought it'd be really cool. Also japenese underrate their cars. the 3000GT VR4 is rated at 276 when it really makes about 320.

Enzo, I was wondering what the hell that Air Scoop on the roof was for, it is useless, maybe it makes the "natural" air conditioning work. Seriously, it might cool the rear brakes but, it is still kind of useless.

the rt-10 is sooo ugly... the showcar gts-r is great, hopefully the don't uglify the rear end like they did on the RT-10

yeah i read autoweek like the bible. along w/ all the other mags i read.
but anyways. the vent is similar to rally cars, it cools the driver. it is simply another area for direct air induction to cool the occupants.
dont you watch racing, like alms, or wrc, or any touring car series? it is similar to what they are running.

Well, finally they've got a viper that looks better. I think once it reaches production, that will be a decent looking car.

I don't really like how it looks in pics. I'll have to see this sucker in person before I make any real judgements.

I prefer the old styling.

I saw the GTS-R in New York. And the new RT-10's air intake looks like the one on the new Hemi.

;) i think the dodge viper gts/r beacuse it looks difrent from other dodge vipers. it is totaly diffrent.:flipa: :frog:

Man I wish they would release the real GTS-R!!!

i really like the 2002 viper but they take the style from GM

Originally posted by atc_rider
i really like the 2002 viper but they take the style from GM

How? And what car?

Looks more like an Martin or Jag in the front, to me anyhow.

Originally posted by JD@af
My comment on the new Viper is that I hope that Dodge takes a cue from GM's transformation of the Corvette into the Z06. I feel the Viper has the power it needs. What I think Chrysler needs to do is finesse that which it already has. Shed some curb weight, maybe even drop a little displacement and rev that block higher to make the high horsepower. I keep seeing slightly elevated horsepower and torque figures for Vipers, and yet there are cars with less power turning in similar performance numbers.. though that is not to take away anything from the awe-inspiring Viper.

I dunno, maybe Chrysler's aim is to keep it as being a brutish powerhouse, and maybe that's what the Viper's marketing gurus feel will keep it successful, but fewer and fewer cars today share the Viper's balls-to-the-wall approach at making formidable performance stats. While I respect it for taking such an aggressive stance, I think it could stand to have the volume turned down a couple notches in the power department, receive attention elsewhere to make just as good performance numbers, and attract a larger potential-buying audience in the process.

So you want a Viper to come with climate control, cup holders, traction control, vanity mirrors and run flat tires? No way, don't hold your breath. DC will not compromise the Viper for the sake of mass production (1,400 Vipers per year versus 35,000 Corvettes). No offense, but 57% of C5 owners are women.

Why would you want the Viper to be anything like a Vette? Your best hope is that Bob Lutz brings the Corvettes real performance heritage back, and makes a Viper Killer version or option on the Corvette. Until then, don't compare these two cars. They are two cars that were built for completely different purposes. I love Corvettes, but this doesn't stop me from loving all high performance cars.

By the way, the car that you guys are taking pot shots at is the 2003 RT Viper (and not the 2002). It'll have 500/500/500, or 500 HP, 500 lb-ft of torque and 500 cubic inches.

Brad

Okay, I guess I see your point. I can see how the Viper faithful would relish the original for what it is, and therefore not want to see alterations made that would detract from its original glory, and change the mold that Chrysler boldly made for it. I suppose the masses would desire to make it more mainstream with cup holders and such, and that marketing personnel at DC would share in their enthusiasm for this revamped market strategy. Sadly, this is often how decisions are made that dictate a car’s fate.

Please excuse the comparison, but the import tuners are of course very unhappy with many of Honda’s latest changes to the 2001 Civic. Similar situation, where the enthusiasts are losing out by the decisions made, but the car is now more marketable to a greater proportion of motorists, and so from that perspective the changes were a success. The automakers know that they can’t please everybody. They pick their poison and drink it with confidence. They’ll lose some buyers if they can hope to pick up more to replace them. Seems that DC can afford to choose a different path with the Viper.

Besides, the Z06, even if it is not a Viper killer, is certainly a Viper competitor, despite the pricing gap. The only other car made by a major domestic manufacturer that can hold a candle to it is the Viper.

Viper 10 what is your take on Viper vs Z06 and Cobra R?

JD, you are absolutely right about the competitiveness of a Z06. The truth of the matter, that the Z06 makes Dodge produce a better Viper and vice versa with Z06's. believe me when I say that Bob Lutz (ex-President of DC and newly appointed head of design for GM) that he will produce a Super Corvette (the project has been labeled "Viper Killer" at GM) that will compete with the Viper directly. The Z06 is a much easier car to drive on street or the track, because it is much more forgiving.

F20, that's a difficult comparison to make because they are all great cars. I think that it would be a fairer comparson if the folks at Ford decide to resurrect the GT-40 (which is currently being evaluated). As I have said before, the Viper has forced the other manufacturers to make better products (like the Z06 and the GT-R Mustang). In the hands of amatuer drivers you can take your pick on which is best (and it really becomes a matter of loyalties and personal tastes). Put these cars in the hands of an equally qualified track driver and the Viper wins in all categories. This comparison is not a matter of cost, as it is a matter of taste and preference. The Mustang and the Z06 are much more forgiving than the Viper to drive on the street or track.

I am personally not a Viper fanatic or a Mopar fan. I love all high performance cars. I own a Corvette because Iat the time, it was the best designed American performance car around. The only acr that could out perform it was the Porsche Turbo. I bought the Viper for much of the same reasons, on top of being a retro or throw-back car to the American racers of the 1960's like the Cobra Daytona Coupes that raced and dominated Le Mans. I love everything there is to love about cars, which includes the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feel of the driving experience.

The Viper appeals to the testosterone in all guys that remind us all of the Matchbox or Hot Wheels toy that we all owned as a child (that had the American paint scheme of blue with white stripes). Think about it the nexttime you have a chance to really look over a Viper. There is no compromise. Everyting about the car is extreme. This is testosterone that existed long before we discovered what women were.

Cars are like beautiful women, you can't get enough of either of them.

Have a great weekend.

Brad

Ps: I am a huge fan of Audi's and S2000's. I even used to race Audi's, Datsun's and BMW Alpina's in my younger days. As a result of being a track rat in my youth, I was also blessed with being able to drive many dream cars like Cobra's, Ferrari's, Lambo's and Vectors.

I would like to drive Viper a few times. The torque would just pinned you to the back of the seats I suppose. Once I was chasing a Viper to get a better look and that car just flat out play with me. Whenever I get close he would speed up and move further ahead.

Great editorial. Thanks for sharing your opinions.

I too am a fan of high performance cars in general. Nothing is as exhilirating and generally speaking attainable (when compared with many other forms of adrenaline rushes, in that cars are always there, while going sky diving or riding a roller coaster is a once in a while event) as a fast car. People think I am nuts for how much money I sink into my car (my Integra GS-R), for the reason that I want better performance. I am slowly by surely moving up the performance food chain, though I know that most likely I will ever be able to touch a Viper. 1.6 liters versus 8.0? I don't think so...

I'm also very jealous, as the fastest car I've ever sat at the controls of is a 2000 Porsche Carrera - and don't get too excited - I got to drive it around a parking lot. In time, I'll get to drive a Viper, and other fast cars.