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2003 Dodge Viper
Without question, the 2003 Dodge Viper is as fast as they come. It is
America's high-performance champ, a car with so much speed there's little
chance anyone can make use of it all without breaking the law. But for
those people who don't mind pushing the envelope a little, it's time to
step inside…
The Viper should definitely come with a warning tag - only the most accomplished
drivers should be given access. For 2003, the Viper lineup is trimmed
of the excess fat and really ready to take off. Manufacturers were hard
at work in the off-season, giving the Viper new styling, new engineering
and even more power. Gone are the GTS coupe and the RT/10 convertible
with its cross-body roof hoop. What remains is pure driving exhilaration.
Available Models
The 2003 Dodge Viper is offered in only one model, the SRT-10. But really,
that's all you need.
Interior Features
It's quite unfortunate that the two-door Dodge Viper convertible only
seats two. That means that only two are lucky enough to have the Viper
experience. And though the aim of these extraordinary sports cars is performance,
they don't neglect comfort by any means. Air conditioning, a tilt leather-wrapped
steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, leather/faux-suede upholstery
and an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer are all standard.
Picture this: inside you look over a highly functional instrument panel
with a center-mounted tachometer and a 220 mile-per-hour speedometer.
To fire up the car, a traditional push-button starter is at your fingertips.
Exterior Features
The new Viper has a new roofline profile with an easy-to-operate drop
top. But if you're going to be driving the Viper with the top down, you'd
better not be wearing a hat.
Performance
This is where it gets ridiculous. The Viper is powered by a big-block
505 cubic-inch, V10 engine that drives the rear wheels. It generates an
astounding 500 horsepower and 586 lb-ft. of torque. And no, those figures
aren't misprints. Some of the many improvements to the new Viper include
new aerodynamics that provide positive downforce at 150 mph, new aluminum
suspension that gives more limit-handling progressivity, a decrease in
weight by 100 pounds and new Michelin Zero Pressure tires (with valve
stem pressure monitors).
The result is an unbelievable set of performance targets: 0-60 mph in
less than four seconds, top speed of 190 mph, 60-0 braking in less than
100 feet and 0-100-0 mph in 13.2 seconds.
Safety and Security
Of course, for all that power you definitely need a comprehensive safety
system. The 2003 Viper provides it. A new 4-wheel antilock braking system,
dual front airbags and an emergency inside trunk release are standard.
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2003 Dodge Viper Highlights
 All-new
SRT-10 two-seat convertible
Powertrain
8.3-liter
(505 cu. in.) all-aluminum V-10 engine
•500 horsepower/525 lb.-ft. performance
•New cylinder heads
•Smaller cylinder block with
larger bores
•All-new cast pistons
•All-new cracked steel connecting
rods
•Increased-stroke crankshaft
•New oil pan assembly
•New intake manifold assembly
Chassis
2.6-inch
longer wheelbase than 2002 RT/10
Frame
Frame
stiffness significantly increased compared to 2002 RT/10 for improved
NVH and handling
Body
New
SRT-4 Model (December 2002 Introduction)
Lower
hood with larger grille opening and integrated louvers
New
front and rear fascias, fenders, doors, exterior mirrors, decklid,
rear quarter panels, hood and side sills
Easy
to operate black, bi-fold clamshell convertible top with single
center latch
Belly
pan package to improve air flow and increase vehicle stability
New
air conditioning system for improved performance and air flow
New
high-efficiency heater core and evaporator
New
windshield wiper blade design uses low-profile flat (beam-style)
blades
1.1-inch
shorter overall length than 2002 RT/10
Interior
Power
adjustable clutch, throttle and brake pedals (total pedal travel
is four inches)
New
driver-oriented instrument panel design with center-mounted tachometer
Push-button
starter
New
floor console design includes covered storage bin with mat, CD storage,
cigar lighter and airbag deactivation switch
New
driver foot rest (adjustable)
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Competing 2003 Models to the Dodge Viper
 Acura
NSX
BMW
Z8
Chevrolet
Corvette
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a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Dodge Viper.
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to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty,
either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All
specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.
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