Viper's ultimate irony may be this. By the time most guys are in a position to buy it, they're in no condition to drive it. It's a car that doesn't make a lot of concessions to the driver, but that's been part of the allure from the start - a barely civilized, take-no-prisoners attitude. As close as you can get to a modern day Shelby Cobra, the Viper's elemental charms have lured many to Dodge dealer showrooms. But, the stiff price tag requires a buyer with solid finances - and a flexible attitude. Viper is an enigma. A 500-horsepower, contradictory combination of everyday driver and raw race car. Two years after the introduction of the second generation, it's time for a second take on the snake.

As with any exotic sports car, the Dodge Viper is sexy, rare, and rarely seen. The second-generation Vipers are low, wide and voluptuous, so aside from the car-clueless among us, people notice. Necks crane, takes give way to double takes. Viper's Gawk Factor is nearly a perfect ten. Fellow motorists speed up, slow down, circle, tailgate, and otherwise perform tricks in order to get a better look. This is not a car for the shy.

Photos: © Dan Lyons 2004