Used 2014 SRT Viper

Between minivans, hybrids and the intensifying domestication of sports cars, one might suppose the automotive industry has gone soft. Enter the 2014 SRT Viper, the antithesis of well-mannered automobiles. On public roads, the Viper’s raucous nature and lack of creature comforts make it one of the least refined supercars on the market, but in a way, that’s part of the appeal. The Viper’s main attraction is its 640-horsepower naturally aspirated V10, which, combined with wide gear ratios and wind-cheating bodywork, enables a dash to 60 mph in about three seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. Although slightly more livable than previous iterations, the 2014 Viper is not for everyone. That said, the similarly priced Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and Aston Martin Vantage deserve a look.

This 2nd-generation Viper is meant to be more civilized, and it is. But that’s only relative to its past incarnations, the first of which didn’t even have side windows. The 2014 Viper is indeed more comfortable and amenity-laden than its predecessors, but it’s still basically a street-legal racecar. And what makes it work as a track car hinders it as an ordinary one. The interior is tight, visibility is limited, the ride is rough, and there’s the constant roar of the engine and tires. Cargo space, too, is stingy, so you’ll have to plan your shopping trip accordingly.

But the Viper’s performance is simply exhilarating. That massive, naturally aspirated engine just gives and gives, and those wide tires help the Viper cling to the road. We found the 6-speed manual transmission a bit notchy but enjoyed its short throws. And the stability-control system works just as intended, letting you enjoy a slide before it kicks in to tame the tail. As a daily driver the Viper is a compromise, but for jaunts on winding roads or at the track, it’s a blast. Be forewarned, though: The Viper’s violent power delivery and quick steering ratio can make it handful to drive – even for experienced drivers.

The Viper’s 2-seat cabin remains tight (some optimistic types might dub it “cozy”) but is a major step up from past models. Just getting yourself into the cabin still requires some dexterity, as you must lift your legs over the wide doorsill and then plunk your torso into the low seat. Once hunkered in, the large, 8.4-inch color touch screen in the middle of the dash acts as Mission Control for the Uconnect system. Heavily bolstered seats provide plenty of lateral support to hold you in place during enthusiastic driving, but we found them to be fairly uncomfortable for long trips. When it comes to materials, we favor the leather-lined cockpit of higher-end GTS versions – and their extra 40 pounds of sound insulation.

A long hood, deep side sills and muscular curves help make the 2014 SRT Viper appear menacing even when parked. The Viper is just an extraordinary looking car that struts its muscle at every opportunity. Those six big air extractors atop the carbon fiber hood? Consider that the automotive version of the “six pack.” Those menacing LED light treatments up front mimic snake eyes, and the exhaust outlets spit their fury not from the back, but – in Viper tradition – from the sides. The Viper’s overall length is deceiving. The hood makes this coupe appear long, but at 175.7 inches, the Viper is actually an inch shorter than a Porsche 911.

8.4-LITER V10
The Viper’s heart is also its headline. As it should be. This is what enables the Viper to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in the low 3-second range and propels it to a top speed of 206 mph. More than an engine, this is an adrenaline factory – and its product output corresponds with your right-foot travel.

UCONNECT INFOTAINMENT
The SRT Viper is meant for driving, not fidgeting with electronics. Fortunately, the Viper’s Uconnect system is perhaps the most user-friendly infotainment platform available. From its massive 8.4-inch touch screen to its conversational voice-recognition software, Uconnect is the new standard in vehicle connectivity.

The 2014 SRT Viper is available in two trim levels: Base and GTS. For a starting price of around $102,000, the Viper includes push-button start, bi-xenon headlights (xenon illumination for the high and low beam), a tilt-only steering wheel, automatic climate control, Brembo performance brakes, and a 9-speaker audio system linked to an 8.4-inch touch screen. The high-end GTS model adds a power driver’s seat, unique hood and wheel designs, 4-mode stability control, navigation with real-time traffic, a backup camera, leather seats with Alcantara inserts, and a 12-speaker harman/kardon sound system. Safety equipment consists of driver and front-passenger airbags (side curtain and side airbags are not offered), emergency services such as roadside assistance and automatic crash notification via Uconnect telematics, and the Viper’s electronic safety net, stability control.

Available upgrades for both the base Viper and GTS include interior and exterior carbon fiber accents, an Advanced Aerodynamics Package with a 2-piece front splitter and rear spoiler for increased downforce at high speeds, and a premium 18-speaker harman/kardon audio system with Logic 7 surround sound. Designed for hardcore track enthusiasts, the SRT Track Package adds 2-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation and lightweight wheels wrapped in softer-compound tires. A $7,500 Laguna Interior Package that wraps most of the cabin in high-quality Laguna leather is available on GTS models. And like most exotics, Viper buyers can choose from a dizzying array of interior and exterior colors to suit their particular tastes.

Just one engine is offered in the 2014 Viper, and it’s a monster: a naturally aspirated (not supercharged or turbocharged) 8.4-liter V10 that sends up to 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. A 6-speed manual is the sole transmission. Although high amounts of torque call for a heavy-duty pressure plate, the clutch pedal is surprisingly light and engages beautifully. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is abysmal at best. But as they say in the world of supercars, you have to pay to play.

8.4-liter V10
640 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
600 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19 mpg