2009 Dodge Viper Review

The 2009 Viper is Dodge's top end, two-door, and performance sports car; it is available in roadster or coupe form and is a hot little car, all for under $100,000.  The value for what you get with the Viper can't be matched.  The 2009 Dodge Viper has a starting MSRP of $85,545 - $86,295.  This is the only production 600-hp car sold in the United States that does not have all-wheel drive, electronic stability control, or both, and as such is not recommended for the inexperienced. The Viper comes with a standard 600 horsepower 8.4 liter V10 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Viper is loaded with performance features, these include dual exhaust, a limited slip differential, Koni shocks, anti-lock brakes with front and rear vented discs, "Z" rated performance tires on 18 inch front and 19 inch rear forged alloy wheels.  The Viper receives in 2008 an enlarged, more powerful engine and newly styled hood vents. The 2009 Viper SRT10 should get better mileage than its predecessor's 12/20 mpg (city/highway) even though it makes more power and the EPA's testing procedure for 2009 models has gotten tougher.  Although the Viper has a tiny cabin space, the coupe has about 14.7 cubic feet of cargo room, compared to  the roadster which has 8.4 cubic feet.  Five new colors are available for 2009, including Snakeskin Green and Viper Violet.

2009 Viper Power

The Viper SRT10's V-10 engine makes 600 hp and 560 pounds-feet of torque.  The V-10 has variable exhaust-valve timing and its cylinder heads are new. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; the Viper SRT10 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in less than 4 seconds.  The 2009 Dodge Viper has been improved for this model year.  The SR10 previously got content 510 horsepower, and it now makes 600 hp from an enlarged V-10 engine; quite a good improvement in a year. 

Driving the Viper 

This is one car you do not want to mess with; it is certainly not for the weary. Extremely tall gearing means a Viper will idle at more than 40 mph in top gear.  Its low-rpm torque and excellent tractability allows it to go uphill at 1000 rpm in fifth gear without complaint.   Ride comfort is great for this type of car, and brakes are immense and easy to modulate; a light touch of the pedal brings mild slowing, with slowing increasing directly with more pedal pressure.   The Viper is a brutally honest car and if you direct it out of control, it will go out of control.  However, around town the Viper could almost be called docile. The new twin-disc clutch takes less effort and offers smoother, more precise engagement, so you can get in motion without even using the throttle.

2009 Viper Cabin

Air conditioning in the Viper is standard and quickly cools the tiny cabin, and in warm weather the engine and pipes surrounding you can quickly turn the cockpit into a mild oven. Visibility is relatively good for a low-riding Viper.  The seats in the '08 Viper don't sport long cushions for thigh support and big bolsters to keep you contained; you wouldn't slide far without them given the wall-size center console and door adjacent. Seat controls are manual and limited to forward and backward; there's no lumbar or cushion height adjustment, but the tilt wheel and power adjustable pedals help everyone fit. Leather trims the steering wheel and shift knob, while seats have su ede-like center sections with color options; the seat sides and interior are all black.  The gauge cluster includes oil pressure (closest to line of sight, where it should be), oil temperature, water temperature, and voltage.  There's no spare tire, instead there's a small air compressor and fix-kit. Other features of the Viper include power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, Xenon headlamps, and air conditioning.

Dodge Viper Design

Looking at the Viper you are looking at speed and performance, from any angle. The body is shaped as much for function as style. It is made of composite materials over a steel frame, with aluminum sills and strengthe ned cowl.  The fuel tank is a bit smaller at 16 gallons (compared with the previous 18.5), but the engine is more efficient so range isn't severely impacted. Besides, 2.5 gallons of gas is just an extra 15 pounds you don't need in a race car.  The Viper's sharp front edges feel like it is saying "get out of my way." Cooling air is funneled in through the trademark four-slot grille and exhausted through six extractor vents in the hood; when idling or moving very slowly the hot air wafting out those vents makes the forward view distorted much like the rear window glass. The roadster's folding soft top is manually-operated and stows neatly behind the seats but you must get out of the car to complete the five-second operation. Xenon headlamps are standard, finally endowing the Viper with suitable vision for night drives; the snake's head center brake light continues.

Summary

Available safety features for the 2009 Dodge Viper include all-disc antilock Brembo brakes and adjustable pedals. The Dodge Viper is a serious sports car for an excellent price.  Considering what this machine can do , the Viper is a great value. It is all about performance, and is loaded with features geared toward top end lines that you would find in a vehicle that costs thousands more. View a Dodge Viper ACR First Drive to learn more about this models performance.