Without question, the 2003 Dodge Viper is as fast as they
come. It is America's high-performance champ, a car with
so much speed there's little chance anyone can make use
of it all without breaking the law. But for those people
who don't mind pushing the envelope a little, it's time
to step inside
The Viper should definitely come with a warning tag - only
the most accomplished drivers should be given access. For
2003, the Viper lineup is trimmed of the excess fat and
really ready to take off. Manufacturers were hard at work
in the off-season, giving the Viper new styling, new engineering
and even more power. Gone are the GTS coupe and the RT/10
convertible with its cross-body roof hoop. What remains
is pure driving exhilaration.
Available Models
The 2003 Dodge Viper is offered in only one model, the SRT-10.
But really, that's all you need.
Interior Features
It's quite unfortunate that the two-door Dodge Viper convertible
only seats two. That means that only two are lucky enough
to have the Viper experience. And though the aim of these
extraordinary sports cars is performance, they don't neglect
comfort by any means. Air conditioning, a tilt leather-wrapped
steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, leather/faux-suede
upholstery and an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD
changer are all standard.
Picture this: inside you look over a highly functional
instrument panel with a center-mounted tachometer and a
220 mile-per-hour speedometer. To fire up the car, a traditional
push-button starter is at your fingertips.
Exterior Features
The new Viper has a new roofline profile with an easy-to-operate
drop top. But if you're going to be driving the Viper with
the top down, you'd better not be wearing a hat.
Performance
This is where it gets ridiculous. The Viper is powered by
a big-block 505 cubic-inch, V10 engine that drives the rear
wheels. It generates an astounding 500 horsepower and 586
lb-ft. of torque. And no, those figures aren't misprints.
Some of the many improvements to the new Viper include new
aerodynamics that provide positive downforce at 150 mph,
new aluminum suspension that gives more limit-handling progressivity,
a decrease in weight by 100 pounds and new Michelin Zero
Pressure tires (with valve stem pressure monitors).
The result is an unbelievable set of performance targets:
0-60 mph in less than four seconds, top speed of 190 mph,
60-0 braking in less than 100 feet and 0-100-0 mph in 13.2
seconds.
Safety and Security
Of course, for all that power you definitely need a comprehensive
safety system. The 2003 Viper provides it. A new 4-wheel
antilock braking system, dual front airbags and an emergency
inside trunk release are standard.
2003 Dodge Viper Highlights
All-new
SRT-10 two-seat convertible
Powertrain
8.3-liter
(505 cu. in.) all-aluminum V-10 engine
500 horsepower/525
lb.-ft. performance
New cylinder heads
Smaller cylinder
block with larger bores
All-new cast pistons
All-new cracked
steel connecting rods
Increased-stroke
crankshaft
New oil pan assembly
New intake manifold
assembly
Chassis
2.6-inch
longer wheelbase than 2002 RT/10
Frame
Frame
stiffness significantly increased compared to 2002
RT/10 for improved NVH and handling
Body
New
SRT-4 Model (December 2002 Introduction)
Lower
hood with larger grille opening and integrated louvers
New
front and rear fascias, fenders, doors, exterior mirrors,
decklid, rear quarter panels, hood and side sills
Easy
to operate black, bi-fold clamshell convertible top
with single center latch
Belly
pan package to improve air flow and increase vehicle
stability
New
air conditioning system for improved performance and
air flow
New
high-efficiency heater core and evaporator
New
windshield wiper blade design uses low-profile flat
(beam-style) blades
1.1-inch
shorter overall length than 2002 RT/10
Interior
Power
adjustable clutch, throttle and brake pedals (total
pedal travel is four inches)
New
driver-oriented instrument panel design with center-mounted
tachometer
Push-button
starter
New
floor console design includes covered storage bin
with mat, CD storage, cigar lighter and airbag deactivation
switch
New
driver foot rest (adjustable)
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Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Dodge Viper.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
2
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MSRP
from |
$83,795
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Engine |
8.3L V10
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Horsepower |
500 @ 5600
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Transmission |
6-speed manual
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
Not available
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