2008 Dodge Viper Road Test Ratings

With 600 horsepower and improved chassis tuning, the 2008 Dodge Viper is a seriously fast and thrilling machine that is well-suited for track use. Interior comfort and fit & finish are below expectations. Buyers looking for an automatic transmission need not apply, as Vipers are only built with manual gearboxes.

For 2008, the V10 engine has been essentially redesigned. Variable cam phasing and a displacement increase combine to add 90 horsepower (for a total of 600) while improving fuel economy at the same time. The removal of the previous run-flat tires allows suspension tweaks that increase grip and reduce skittishness. Performance has improved immensely, with no increase in price.

Ride isolation over cracks and road noise improves with the new non-run-flat tires. But ingress/egress and driving position are still limitied because, as with many pure sports cars, room for the driver and creature comforts are not the first priority.

Viper drivers will find everything relatively close at hand, but the parts-bin nature of some of the bits means the layout isn't optimum. The shift lever is noticeably high and has clunky action. In-town visibility is limited by the styling and long hood. The roadster's convertible top fits well, but rasing and lowering it is a multistep process accomplished inside and outside the car.

Make no mistake: The Viper's distinctive, head-turning look scores high. Massive newly added hood louvers (six of them) remove engine heat and look great. But less than impressive build quality and parts-bin componentry inside drags the score down.