Dodge Viper RT/10 (SR I)

Template:InfoboxCar2The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. Production of the two seat sports car began at the New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at the Conner Avenue Assembly in October, 1995.

The 1st Generation Dodge Viper debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models set to be used as pace cars for the Indianapolis 500. Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers but the Viper still went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.

The RT/10 was fitted with a V10 engine based on the design of the Chrysler LA although the design was meant for use in trucks. The design made the engine too heavy to be used effectively in a sports car but the engine was altered by Lamborghini as they where owned by the Chrysler Corporation at the time.

Further modifications were planned for the engine but these were dropped after Chrysler became concerned with the uncertain production costs and sales potential of the RT/10.

The Need for Speed

The Dodge Viper's first appearance in the Need for Speed series was in The Need for Speed with a 1992-1995 Viper RT/10 model. It was classified as a Class B vehicle and was noted for its acceleration and handling. Top speed was the main issue of the RT-10 in the title.