2005 DODGE VIPER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Dodge Viper?
Dodge's tire-smelting Viper SRT-10 adds cool style to its menacing looks with a new Copperhead Orange paint color and matching interior package that includes black leather upholstery and trim with contrasting orange stitching on the seats and shift knob. For those who really want to stand out in a crowd, Viper Race Yellow may also be sprayed on the bodywork.

Advantages of the 2005 Dodge Viper:

• Blistering acceleration from its 500-horsepower V10 engine
• Slick-shifting six-speed transmission
• Extreme handling and braking capability
• Excellent value in the world of exotic sports cars

Objections to the 2005 Dodge Viper:

• Bleating exhaust note
• Lots of engine heat in the cockpit
• Hot side-outlet exhaust pipes
• No traction or stability control

Editor's Advice:
Though dramatically improved over the original Viper, today's version is still rough around the edges. Focused as it is on pure performance and minimalist aesthetics, it comes as no surprise that this rough-riding beast makes for a lousy daily driver. Purists may argue that this is as it should be, but when the Chevrolet Corvette is able to provide near the same levels of performance combined with significantly superior drivability at a much lower price point, the 2005 Dodge Viper loses some of its appeal.