Widebody Dodge Viper Concept Takes Aim at the C8 Corvette ZR1 (2024)

The Dodge Viper had a good run, which was surprising considering its back-to-basics and even dangerous nature, which changed little over time. Its big V10 engine was arguably the star of the show; an inefficient yet charismatic lump the likes of which would be outlawed today. It was born in 1991 and by 2017 the iconic American car had been through three generations, but declining sales and some say stricter safety regulations meant the snake was put to rest. It is a true legend in enthusiast circles. Today, Dodge's lineup in the US is confined to the Hornet and the Durango following the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger. A reborn Viper would give Dodge a chance to reinvigorate its lineup and take on the Chevrolet Corvette, which exists in a class of its own. A new Dodge Viper would need a fresh new look - thanks to HotCars artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel we have a good idea of what that might look like.

The New Dodge Viper Render Has Fangs

• Dodge Viper redesign features wide-body look and all-new panels that drape over the body
• A new front and rear end are sharper and sleeker than ever before with a pointed nose
• While still recognizably a Viper, the new render model retains only the color scheme and familiar rounded glasshouse

This redesigned American sports car manages to be unmistakably a Dodge Viper despite its redesigned body and features. You can largely thank the familiar proportions and blue paint with white stripes for that: iconic Dodge Viper design cues that have been around since the first generation. Returning features include the side-exit exhausts, as well as the air ducts behind the front wheels. But the new car is wide and pointed, with an aggressive new vibe. The windshield, roof, pillar, and glass are reminiscent of the defunct car, as well as the long hood and short rear deck. But the wide panels are now draped over the wheels, with the front end completely facelifted. New LED headlamps are sleeker while the front bumper and air dam are as aggressive as it gets. Up back, the pointed trunk lip and overhanging rear fenders combine with a diffuser. Modern changes include new LED taillamps and a light-up badge, too. It all results in something far more aggressive than the final generation Viper, as well as the kind of design that would make the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 look outdated.

A Dodge Viper That Needs Downforce

This render features center lock wheels for quick release of the large rims for track days, as well as a rear diffuser, but the aerodynamic features are subtle. The Viper, aside from performance-focused variants like the ACR, was always simplistic in this way. Yet, for optimum track usage and in order to compete with the most capable cars out there, the redesigned new Dodge Viper could use a front splitter and rear wing, in order to tame the beast at high speeds.

The Dodge Viper V10: A Legendary American Engine

The Dodge Viper V10 By The Numbers

• The original Viper V10 was an 8-liter V10 based on the Chrysler LA V8 block family
• Originally making 400 hp, it was improved and enlarged over time up to 8.4 liters and 640 hp
• V10 engines are even less common today and it's unlikely one would return for a new Viper

When the odd-firing V10 engine graced the engine bay of the original Dodge Viper SR I in 1991, it turned the American sports car into a wild beast. Many got written off thanks to overzealous drivers since the 400 horses going to the rear wheels only had a manual transmission and zero electronic aids to take over. Nowadays, making 400 hp is way more efficient (and cheaper to run) since the rise of the turbocharged engine for mass-produced cars. But back in its heyday, large-displacement motors were the method used to provide big power, so the Viper went with ten cylinders and a huge 8-liter capacity. That's the equivalent of two 4-liter, 5-cylinder engines combined. The Viper V10 also appeared in the crazy Dodge Ram SRT-10, as well as a selection of other rare or boutique sports cars from other manufacturers, such as the Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale and the Bristol Fighter. It made it into the equally crazy Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle, built in limited numbers.

This render sounds like it retains a naturally aspirated big block, perhaps it is also supercharged, but the use of a Viper V10 is unlikely given the restrictions placed on automakers regarding emissions and fuel efficiency - not the strong points of the Viper V10. Instead, it's more likely that the Viper from the render would go with a twin-turbo six-cylinder from Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge). The Hurricane 3-liter I6 uses twin turbos for 510 hp / 500 lb-ft, which would be enough to make this Viper move, although perhaps a higher-power option would be necessary with closer to 600 hp to produce the bite the snake always promised.

Dodge Viper V10 Engine Specifications

The Legacy Of The Dodge Viper From The 90s Onwards

Dodge Viper Highlights And Overview

• Produced from 1991 (1992 model year) to 2017 when the model was retired
• It continued to use the V10 engine over its lifetime although the engine was altered over time
• The Viper was made in coupe and cabriolet body styles, as well as circuit-focused variants like the ACR
• Dodge killed the Viper likely because of safety regulations and its engine was inefficient/pollutive by modern standards
• It will not be returning to the Dodge lineup and is a model that is appreciating in value

As one of the last bastions of front-engined, American sports cars , the Viper went up against the Corvette, which somehow managed to continue on years after the Viper was retired. Part of the appeal of the Viper was the simple recipe of a big, naturally-aspirated engine and its iconic body shape; an American-style sports car that remained an icon to the end. The styling and engine received nips and tucks over time, as well as some modern safety features - the original Viper didn't even have door handles, keyholes, or air conditioning at the beginning. Dodge's last real performance cars were the Charger and Challenger which are also now defunct. It leaves the Durango SRT Hellcat to carry on the baton for high performance, but that will also be going away in the future. Values reflect the Viper's legendary status, with most models remaining expensive to buy at auction. If the Viper were alive today, it would undoubtedly still sell to eager enthusiasts, but the very same thing that made it an icon was perhaps the same thing that helped bring it down.

Dodge Viper Average Auction Values

Data courtesy of Hagerty, Classic.com

Sources: Hagerty, Classic.com