EIGHT LITRES OF SNAKEBITE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 114

The Chrysler Viper is the most aggressively brutal slice of Americana ever to hit these shores. Huge in width, prodigious of thirst and with the attitude and menace to make Ferraris and Porsches seem a trifle limp-wristed, the Viper is massively desirable. Desirable, yes, but something prevented them selling in decent numbers. When was the last time you saw a Viper drive past? At almost £70,000 new, they're certainly not inexpensive, and driving impressions lead you to the inevitable conclusion that the car would make a whole lot more sense on the wide-open roads of the US. With used Vipers now becoming a great deal more affordable, can a case be made for one?

Modelsword count: 12

Models Covered: (2 dr roadster, 3 dr coupe 8.0 petrol [RT/10, GTS])

Historyword count: 274

Closely based on the 1989 North America International Auto Show prototype, the Chrysler Viper used an 8.0-litre ten-cylinder engine, sourced from a truck and fettled by Lamborghini. The story of the Viper's birth is interesting. So many enthusiasts contacted Chrysler requesting to buy the show car that plans for production were made soon after. The Viper RT/10 roadster was launched in the US in 1992, and became a favourite of high profile celebrities such as chat show host Jay Leno and Kelsey Grammer of Frasier fame (who rolled his one!). The RT/10 wasn't launched in the UK until 1996, and take-up was slow. With 400bhp available, the car made an instant impression, but sold only in modest numbers. April 1997 saw the launch of the more desirable GTS Coupe, which was first seen in prototype form in 1993. Whilst many initially thought the GTS to be a Viper RT/10 with a roof, the changes ran deeper. Aside from the body, the interior was revised to give a better perception of quality. The V10 engine was lightened and modified. Overall weight was cut by 60lb through the engine work, the adoption of aluminium suspension parts and also lighter seats. Official imports of the RT/10 model ceased in 1997, but the GTS model underwent some minor modifications, including a new exhaust system that liberated another 90bhp in 1999. Design studies of an all-new Viper model continue to surface, but the GTS was officially phased out in early 2001. A limited amount of GTS-R Le Mans replicas were made available in 1998, but these have largely either been destroyed on racetracks or gone straight into private collections.

What You Getword count: 408

What you get with a Viper is a heaving slug of plastic draped over an engine that's not so much a piece of machinery as a force of nature. It seems all other parts of the car are subsidiary to that huge V10 motor. This situation improved with the launch of the GTS, but after a drive in the early RT/10 model, you'll recall the wry accusation levelled at early Ferraris. "You pay for the engine and they'll give you the rest of the car for free." Interior quality and ambience was something of a joke, due in no small part to the rush to 'productionise' the show car before somebody realised what a ridiculous idea it was. The GTS is a much more manageable piece of equipment. The RT/10's side mounted exhausts were ditched, so getting out of the car in sportswear didn't signal an appointment at the Odstock Burns Unit. There was now standard air conditioning and a significantly classier, if still rather plasticky, interior. Certainly the cabin has none of the design flair of a Ferrari or Porsche. A half-price Audi TT feels twice as special. The long bonnet curves away out of sight, with at least two feet of car dipping beyond view. It feels hugely wide, but due to the low seating position and intrusive transmission tunnel, strangely claustrophobic. The handbrake juts up at a rakish angle next to the six-speed gearbox which you'll be changing with your right hand - all UK Vipers are left hand drive. The engine note is disappointingly tame at idle although it has a certain charm when worked hard. Luggage space is better than might be reasonably expected. Certainly the Viper is a realistic proposition for a couple of overnight bags. One party trick that's well worth repeating is to open the bonnet. The whole front section of the car hinges forward, revealing the monster engine and front tyres. If you're the sort of person who wants a Viper in the first place, you'll find this pretty impressive. Standard equipment of the early RT/10 included, radio/cassette stereo, aluminium/alloy wheels, twin airbags, sporty leather seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel, power steering and a tilt adjustable steering column. The GTS added a CD player, air conditioning and a keyless entry system to its more modern specification list. Only one colour was initially available - blue with white Shelby racing stripes, and even now this is the most popular option.

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