About the Viper SRT 10

From its inception, the Dodge Viper was destined to become an American classic.

It has taken not only the US, but the world by storm (not to mention the devastation it has wrought on the European racing circuit).

Yet for all its might, the Viper was never comfortable in the presence of great names like Porsche and Ferrari—it was too rough around the edges to play in their league.

For this latest version, the Dodge boys sent their pet python to finishing school and after a thorough re-tooling, the results are down right deadly.

The running theme for the Viper design team was 500/500/500. Translated, this refers to the Viper's 500 cubic-inch engine, producing 500-horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque.

Its body lines still reflect those of the original but are now crisp. The cross-hair grille, side-door scoops and side-exhaust pipes are still there, augmented by a new retractable soft-top and power side windows.