2008 Dodge Viper Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Dodge skipped the 2007 model year to do a lot of under-the-snakeskin work on its bad-boy super sports car. For 2008, Dodge bored out the...
Dodge skipped the 2007 model year to do a lot of under-the-snakeskin work on its bad-boy super sports car. For 2008, Dodge bored out the Viper's V10 to 8.4 liters and finessed 600 hp from what originally was just a truck engine. The engine block and new cylinder heads are now all-aluminum. The new block features cross-bolted main-bearing caps for added strength. A new cam system provides for variable exhaust timing, with all the valves enlarged and those on the intake side hollowed out for lighter weight. Intake and exhaust gases move more efficiently with a new two-piece intake manifold and tubular-header exhaust system that provides 20 percent better flow.
To handle the engine's increased torque, a new twin-plate clutch replaces the standard single-plate arrangement, sending power to a beefed-up six-speed Tremec manual transmission. Shift throws are 30 percent shorter, and a new speed-sensing GKN ViscoLok hydraulic clutch-pack-style differential gets the power out through the newly designed rear wheels.
The carefully reworked suspension has increased spring rates and front and rear shock compression, decreased rear low-speed rebound, added a new solid rear anti-roll bar, and tweaked camber and castor rates. A modified hood features extra cooling slots that extract more engine heat and also act to increase downforce.
All this adds up to a 202-mph coupe and a 197-mph roadster - with the top down! The 0-60 blast is over in 3.5 seconds. Driving the Viper requires 100 percent attention - one reviewer figured that's why there are no cupholders - but all those suspension tweaks have made it easier to drive than previous models. It has a tendency to understeer, which is now more easily controllable with throttle lift off. Some reviewers, however, found the steering to be "too nervous" at normal speed. Others complained about the new pair of electronic "by wire" throttles (one for each bank of cylinders) creating a throttle lag that could result in "ungluing" the rear end when least expected. The interior remains unchanged.
The consensus is that this is the best Viper so far, though still not an everyday driver like the Corvette.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Dodge Viper are thrilled with its explosive power, heart-pounding performance, and thrilling driving experience. Many love its aggressive looks and the excitement it brings on the road. However, some drivers express concerns about handling and interior quality, suggesting that while it's a fun car, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially inexperienced drivers."
Dream Car Performance - acceleration, braking, handling on the edge Build Quality - it needed more mods? roars/rattles the brain Appearance - both interior and exterior styling Worth the Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance Fun Factor - this car fun to drive !!!
October 18, 2009The Viper's has a 8.4-liter engine with Chrysler's unique variable valve timing offering 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It produces a 3.8 second zero-to-60 times, with a 203-mph top speed. It has a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, and a twin-disc clutch and limited-slip rear end.
October 13, 2012no lightweight wheels. for achievable speed body is well proportioned. the car has no power issues and accelerates from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 409 kph! its just a matter of having enough road for it...
September 16, 2010What owners say
Dream Car Performance - acceleration, braking, handling on the edge Build Quality - it needed more mods? roars/rattles the brain Appearance - both interior and exterior styling Worth the Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance Fun Factor - this car fun to drive !!!
October 18, 2009The Viper's has a 8.4-liter engine with Chrysler's unique variable valve timing offering 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It produces a 3.8 second zero-to-60 times, with a 203-mph top speed. It has a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, and a twin-disc clutch and limited-slip rear end.
October 13, 2012no lightweight wheels. for achievable speed body is well proportioned. the car has no power issues and accelerates from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 409 kph! its just a matter of having enough road for it...
September 16, 2010Dislike: that i dnt have it yet!!! Like: Biggest production motor in any car to date, massive amounts of horsepower n torque at such low gears, a track ready car out the box, fastest nuringburg track time n record, 0-60 in under 3.4 seconds all in first gear as well best car ever, and the price aint bad for wut u really are gettin: a 600 hp/ 540Lb of torque machine for under $100,000 is a bargain compared to the overpriced japanese and european sports cars
January 24, 2010The newest generation of the Dodge Viper is the best and most aggressive version to date. The performance is blistering in every aspect. 0-60 mph happens in 3.9 seconds and 0-100 mph happens in 7.2 seconds. Top speed is 198 mph. The turning is sharper then ever. I'm extremely satisfied with my Viper.
October 8, 2008This car is an awesome, fast, and beautiful car!!!! This is definatley the "King of the Road!!!"
June 13, 2008Drifting is so awesome with this car, you just slam that throttle down and crank the wheel and that ass end just lights up!!
June 7, 2008The interior of this sports car is no exception to its adventurous journey. The cockpit is fully equipped with all the instruments including the center-mounted tachometer and 220 mph speedometer. Apart from the five different color combinations offered to the interior, other noticeable feature is the bezel finish applied to its instrument panel and the console.
November 17, 2007You know exactly what you're getting with a viper. Looks that attract a ton of attention, an abundance of power, capable but scary handling and an experience every time you drive the car. For this price point I would expect better quality interiors, both in design and material.
May 14, 2015A true driver's car. This can't be your first performance car. Must be for the experienced drive only. Absolute BEAST with raw horsepower, no traction control, MONSTER torque. Excellent car for the purist that knows how to drive. Love this car!
November 30, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $85,210 | Seating 2 |
Engine 8.4L 600 hp V10 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $84,460 | Seating 2 |
Engine 8.4L 600 hp V10 | Cargo Capacity 8.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
