For the 1996 model year, Dodge completely revamped its audacious V-10 powered Viper roadster. Despite having an entirely new frame and suspension underneath, the outsides looked broadly similar.
The biggest external giveaway was the removal of the side pipes, which were replaced with a more conventional rear-exiting exhaust. Apparently the old exhaust setup ran afoul of both new European noise regulations as well as US OBD II requirements. The hood also featured a NACA duct style scoop fead center and exhaust vents on either side.
The car generally retained the rawness of the original, with a lack of fripperies like roll-up windows or external door handles.
Under the hood, the 488 cubic inch V-10 now produced 415 horsepower, which was enough to launch Car and Driver's test car to sixty in 4.1 seconds and blister the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 113 miles per hour. Top speed was measured at 173 miles per hour and it circled a skidpad at 0.97g.
As-tested price in 1996 was $66,045, which is about $135,500 in current money.
The Viper Red one in the photo was snapped in August of 2015 using a Nikon Coolpix P7000.
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