| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Sports Coupé |
| Released At | 1996 Model Year Launch |
| Built At | Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Engine | 8.0 L Naturally Aspirated V10 |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 7990 cc / 488 in³ |
| Bore | 101.6 mm / 4.00 in |
| Stroke | 100.6 mm / 3.96 in |
| Compression | 9.6:1 |
| Power | 335 kW / 450 hp |
| Specific Output | 56.3 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | 294 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 664 Nm / 490 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 298 km/h / 185 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Tubular Frame with Fiberglass Panels |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Forged Aluminum Wheels |
| Front Tires | 275/40ZR17 |
| Rear Tires | 335/35ZR17 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs with 4-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs with 4-Piston Calipers |
| Front Wheels | 43.2 x 25.4 cm / 17 x 10 in |
| Rear Wheels | 43.2 x 33.0 cm / 17 x 13 in |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1530 kg / 3373 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 48 % Front / 52 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 2441 mm / 96.1 in |
| Length | 4468 mm / 175.9 in |
| Width | 1920 mm / 75.6 in |
| Height | 1168 mm / 46.0 in |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual (Tremec T-56) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17.0 L/100 km or 13.8 mpg-US |
| Fuel Capacity | 70 liters or 18.5 gallons |

First Viper with a Fixed Roof – The Dodge Viper GTS, introduced in 1996, was the first hardtop Viper, featuring a fastback coupe design that made it more aerodynamic and rigid than the original roadster.
Inspired by the Shelby Daytona Coupe – The Viper GTS’s curvy fastback design, rear haunches, and aggressive stance were influenced by the legendary Shelby Daytona Coupe, a classic American race car.
More Civilized Than the First-Gen Viper – Unlike the original Viper RT/10, the GTS introduced creature comforts like air conditioning, power windows, airbags, and a more refined interior, making it more livable as a daily driver.
Still a Monster with 450 HP – The GTS featured an upgraded 8.0-liter naturally aspirated V10, producing 450 hp and 664 Nm of torque, allowing for 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.
First Viper with ABS (2001 Update) – The 1996-2000 models lacked ABS, making them more challenging to drive, but Dodge added anti-lock brakes (ABS) in 2001, improving braking performance and safety.
Lightweight Aluminum Suspension for Better Handling – The Viper GTS featured an aluminum double-wishbone suspension, reducing weight and making it more agile compared to the first-generation model.
Viper GTS-R – The Race Car Version – Dodge developed the Viper GTS-R, a track-focused version built for endurance racing, which won multiple championships, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its class (1998, 1999, 2000).
Famous "Double Bubble" Roof – The GTS coupe featured a unique "double bubble" roof, designed to provide extra headroom for drivers wearing helmets, making it perfect for track days.
Used as the Official Pace Car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500 – The Viper GTS was chosen as the Indy 500 Pace Car in 1996, cementing its status as a high-performance American icon.
Replaced by the Third-Gen Viper in 2003 – After a successful seven-year production run, the GTS was replaced by the third-generation Viper (SRT-10), featuring an updated chassis, more power, and a more modern design.

The Viper GTS is America’s rawest supercar—an 8.0L V10, no-nonsense beast with zero driver aids and a cult following. In Europe, it’s a rare sight, with prices now surging as collectors hunt for the last analog monsters.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard GTS Coupe
Modified/High-Mileage (50k+ km): €60k – €90k(Warning: Many have been tracked or poorly tuned—check for chassis fatigue.)
Stock, Well-Maintained (30k–50k km): €100k – €140k(Full service history is a must—especially clutch and cooling system work.)
Collector-Grade (<15k km, Unmodified): €150k – €220k+(Late 2002 "Final Edition" cars command the highest premiums.)
Special Editions
1999 ACR (American Club Racer): €180k – €250k(Track-focused, ultra-rare in Europe—only ~30 imported.)
2002 Final Edition (Blue/White): €200k – €280k(Last of the Gen II Vipers—highly sought after.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance Matters
Single-Owner Cars: +15–20% premium (rare for Vipers)
Original Window Sticker & Build Sheet: +€10k
✅ Options That Add Value
Factory Hardtop (for Roadsters): +€15k
Chromed Wheels (1996–1999): +€5k
Leather Interior (vs. Standard Cloth): +€3k
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Overheated Engines: The V10 hates sustained high temps—check for warped heads.
Rust in Frame Rails: A hidden killer—especially in European wet-climate cars.
Missing Side Exhausts: Aftermarket replacements hurt originality.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels
Classic Car Auctions (CCA, Germany)(Occasionally list low-mileage Vipers.)
Hexagon Classics (UK)(Sometimes has ACR models.)
Private Sales
Viper Owner’s Club Europe(Best for unmodified examples.)
Mobile.de & Autoscout24(Check for German/Dutch imports.)
Pro Tip: Avoid US imports without EU compliance—homologation can cost €15k+.
4. Market Trends
📈 Prices Up 30% Since 2020
ACR models now trading above €200k
Final Editions nearing €300k for mint examples
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Numbers-Matching" scams—Viper engines weren’t stamped, so verify with build sheets.
Fake ACRs—check for correct suspension, seats, and lack of sound deadening.
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
Cooling System Pressure Test(Weak radiators cause engine failures.)
Clutch Wear(Replacement is a €5k+ job.)
Rear Diff Bushings(Worn bushings cause wheel hop.)
📄 Paperwork:
Dodge VIN Decode(Verify factory specs; no Viper registry exists.)
Import Papers(Ensure EU taxes are paid; no hidden fees.)
Fun Fact: The Viper’s side exhausts were so hot they could melt sneakers—leading to aftermarket heat shields.
Viper GTS Buying Cheat Sheet
✅ Best Buy: 1999–2002 GTS in Blue/White (most iconic spec) ❌ Walk Away: Cars without original exhaust or wheels 🔧 First Fix: Upgrade cooling system (weak point on track cars) 🎨 Most Desirable Color:Championship Blue with White Stripes
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