When the 2013 Dodge Viper was introduced, it marked the return of an iconic American sports car, revitalized after a brief hiatus. This wasn't merely a reintroduction; it was a bold statement of power, performance, and precision engineering.
Tasked with carrying the legacy of its predecessors, the 2013 Viper aimed to uphold its reputation as a raw, unfiltered driving machine, while integrating modern advancements and design elements to appeal to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Under its striking hood lies a powerhouse: an 8.4-liter V10 engine, delivering an impressive 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. This monstrous engine propels the Viper from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph, solidifying its place among the fastest sports cars of its era.
The exterior design of the 2013 Viper is a blend of aggressive aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency. The long, sculpted hood, bold side exhausts, and distinctive snake-like front fascia convey a sense of power and speed even at a standstill. Extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber not only enhances its performance but also gives it a modern, sophisticated look.
The aerodynamics are carefully crafted to ensure stability at high speeds, with features like a rear diffuser and integrated rear spoiler contributing to its exceptional handling capabilities.
Inside, the Viper balances driver-focused performance with high-quality materials and modern amenities. The cabin features a combination of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber accents, providing a luxurious yet sporty environment.
Advanced technology includes a high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system, premium audio options, and customizable instrument clusters, ensuring that the Viper is as functional as it is thrilling to drive. The seating is designed for comfort and support during high-speed maneuvers, with adjustable bolsters and high-grip surfaces.
Throughout its production, the 2013 Dodge Viper faced stiff competition from other high-performance sports cars. Notable rivals included the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Porsche 911 GT3, and Nissan GT-R.
Despite the fierce competition, the Viper distinguished itself with its raw V10 power, track-oriented design, and unmistakable American muscle car heritage, appealing to purists and enthusiasts who value an unadulterated driving experience.
Model Changes (Breakdown by Year)
2013 Dodge Viper
The new generation Viper was introduced in 2013. It features an 8.4-liter V10 engine delivering 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.
Dodge also offered the GTS variant which further elevates the Viper experience with additional features such as a dual-mode suspension system for improved ride comfort and handling, along with upgraded interior materials including Nappa leather and Alcantara.
The starting price for the 2013 Dodge Viper was $97,395, while the GTS version began at $120,395.
2014 Dodge Viper
The 2014 Dodge Viper brought several notable updates, significantly enhancing its performance and customization options. One of the key introductions was the Time Attack (TA) package for the SRT Viper, specifically designed to focus on track performance. This package included enhanced aerodynamics and suspension tuning, ensuring the Viper was optimized for high-speed stability and precise handling on the track.
In addition to the TA package, the 2014 Viper featured a lightweight carbon fiber X-brace, which improved chassis rigidity and reduced weight, further enhancing the car's performance capabilities. The new model year also offered new exterior color options, allowing owners to personalize their Vipers with a broader range of striking and unique finishes.
The base price for the standard SRT Viper remained similar to the 2013 model, starting at approximately $97,395, the 2014 SRT Viper TA was priced at around $120,500 and the GTS model continued to be priced higher, starting at approximately $122,000.
2015 Dodge Viper
The 2015 Dodge Viper introduced several significant updates, starting with its renaming from SRT Viper to Dodge Viper. This model year also saw the introduction of the TA 2.0 package, which further enhanced track performance with improved aerodynamic components and reduced weight.
Additionally, the launch of the Viper GTC brought the 1-of-1 customization program, offering owners virtually unlimited customization options. Another key update was the addition of the Viper GT model, designed to bridge the gap between the base model and the GTS, providing a balanced blend of performance and luxury.
The base price for the standard model began at approximately $84,995, reflecting a strategic price reduction aimed at broadening its appeal. Meanwhile, the TA 2.0 package was priced around $101,995. The launch of the Viper GTC brought the 1-of-1 customization program, offering owners virtually unlimited customization options, with a starting price of approximately $94,995.
Finally, the addition of the Viper GT model, designed to bridge the gap between the base model and the GTS, provided a balanced blend of performance and luxury. The Viper GT was priced at around $94,995, while the high-end GTS model remained at approximately $107,995.
2016 Dodge Viper
The 2016 Dodge Viper brought several exciting updates, most notably the introduction of the ACR (American Club Racer) variant, which focused heavily on-track performance. The ACR featured an Extreme Aero Package with significant downforce improvements, carbon ceramic brakes for superior stopping power, and an adjustable Bilstein coil-over suspension for optimal handling.
Additionally, Dodge introduced new special edition models, including the Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition and the Viper ACR Extreme, each offering unique features and enhancements that catered to enthusiasts seeking a more personalized and high-performance driving experience.
The starting price for the Viper ACR was around $122,490, while the Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition was priced at approximately $129,590. The Viper ACR Extreme, with even more performance-oriented features, started at around $159,995.
2017 Dodge Viper
The 2017 Dodge Viper marked its final production year, concluding an iconic chapter in American sports car history. To commemorate the end of an era, Dodge introduced numerous special editions, each with distinct features and enhancements.
Here are some of the different special editions:
Viper 1:28 Edition ACR: Named after the Viper's record-setting lap time at Laguna Seca, this edition was limited to 28 units. It featured the Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes, and unique exterior graphics to celebrate its track achievements. It was priced around $143,890.
Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR: Paying homage to the 1998 Viper GTS-R GT2 Championship car, this edition was limited to 100 units. It included the iconic white and blue color scheme, unique badging, and the Extreme Aero Package, along with carbon ceramic brakes for superior performance. It was priced around $142,780.
Viper VoooDoo II Edition ACR: Limited to 31 units, this edition revived the popular VoooDoo edition from 2010. It featured a black exterior with a distinctive graphite metallic ACR driver's stripe, complemented by black interior accents and the Extreme Aero Package. It was priced around $136,780.
Viper Snakeskin Edition GTC and ACR: The Snakeskin Edition GTC was limited to 25 units and featured a striking Snakeskin Green exterior with a custom snakeskin-patterned stripe. The ACR version also included the Extreme Aero Package and additional performance tweaks to enhance its track capabilities. The Snakeskin Edition GTC was priced around $121,290, while the Snakeskin Edition ACR was priced around $138,790.
Viper Dodge Dealer Edition ACR: Exclusive to Dodge's highest-selling Viper dealers, this edition was limited to 22 units. It featured a distinctive exterior color scheme, the Extreme Aero Package, and bespoke interior details, making it a highly sought-after collector's item. It was priced around $140,090.
Each of these special editions not only celebrated the Viper's legacy with unique color schemes and badging but also incorporated performance tweaks that underscored the car's track-focused pedigree. The 2017 Viper's final lineup paid fitting tribute to an automotive legend, ensuring that its departure was as memorable as its presence on the road and track.
Dodge Viper Common Problems
The 2013 and newer Dodge Vipers have faced several common problems that owners should be aware of.
It is essential to keep in mind that all cars, even supercars, can have issues and it is crucial to perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from an authorized dealer or experienced independent mechanic to reveal all issues.
Piston Ring Issues: Early..
 Buyers Guide){kind=link}