I remember the Dodge Viper fondly in the mid 90s; that bright red jumped out of the TV commercials as the Viper, intentional or not, seemed to lead the entire Chrysler fleet. I remember the slogan: “It’s about change – The New Dodge.”
I, like many young kids, had a poster of the infamous Dodge Viper above my bed. I dreamed I would one day own one and drive it to my class reunion, the bright red reflecting under the street lights as I pulled up to the gymnasium.
What would my classmates say? Would Stephanie (the really pretty girl) finally go out with me? Despite the picturesque fantasy, I haven’t been to a single high school reunion. And I am pretty positive Stephanie is married, family, kids and the whole 9 – but like the beautiful girls in the hallway, making our hearts flutter, Dodge Viper is also one of a kind.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has given Viper fans a connection with their favorite muscle car on an entirely new level. The Dodge Viper GTC Customizer unites Viper lovers of all backgrounds. A place where they can pour out their imagination in creating the ultimate, personalized version of one of the finest, handcrafted performance cars.
The Dodge Viper Design Studio features 25 million build combinations, 8,000 exterior color options, 24,000 custom stripe colors, 11 wheel options and 16 interior trims.
In addition, seven aero packages, three brake packages and four suspension options exist as a means in dreaming up a Dodge Viper unlike any other.
The virtual cockpit shows all 16 trim options to give you a feel for each one individually. Choosing between tires, wheels and Brembo calibers is simply a blast – I personally like the orange calibers.
If you need to get the creative juices flowing, the Inspiration Gallery is a huge help.
Yet, how does one really say, after all that work building the perfect Dodge Viper, that it’s finished? Well, Dodge offers a complimentary 1:18-scale Viper replica to help you confirm your choice.
It’s like seeing a mini version of the monster muscle car conceived from your own mind.
Once you are satisfied, you can place your creation in various environments to preview how it will look in the real world. A PDF file, complete with all the technical information you selected, can be downloaded. I recommend this if you are ready to purchase.
And each Dodge Viper will sport a 1 of 1 badge with your name.
The fifth generation of the Dodge Viper SRT “slithered” back onto the scene in late 2012 as a 2013 model, making a sea of noise when it did.
The flagship performance machine of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sings to the tune of 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car in the world.
The 8.4 V10 is all-aluminum and the “X” brace ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting. This gives improved torsional rigidity and stiffness throughout the entire car, allowing the Dodge Viper graceful handling when the twisting force of all her torque meets the ground.
It also looks really awesome.
Between 1992 and 1994, 30,000 Dodge Vipers rolled off the Mack Avenue Assembly Plant and since 1995, Conner Avenue Assembly Plant has overseen the production.
Both plants are in Detroit while Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is just up 75 in Auburn Hills.
The custom Dodge Vipers will be hand built to further commemorate your one of a kind, muscle car creation.
I am still in the process of building mine but I am having a lot of fun doing so. I am recalling those fond memories as a kid, designing my Dodge Viper accordingly should I actually attend a high school reunion. I need to get my interior finalized and I should probably take a second look at “Packages and Groups.”
I do have one thing figured out, however…
My Dodge Viper is red.
