The 2015 SRT Viper is a car you’ll quickly tire of driving slowly, but slowly tire of driving quickly. Once it’s warmed up, loose, and at velocity; the Viper’s steering feel is incredible, its braking response is instantaneous, and the throttle response is sublime.

1. 2015 Viper SRT Coupe

2. Despite its base model’s greater performance potential,
the 2015 Viper SRT Coupe is thought of as the “other”
American sports car. While there’s no denying the
Corvette’s higher profile is what causes people to envision
the Sting Ray when you say “American sports car”, the
realities of the Viper SRT and Corvette are as dissimilar as
night and day.
Yes, both are lightweight two-seat sports cars with hugely
powerful engines. But the philosophy behind each is
completely different. Corvette is sophisticated in a manner
approaching Europe’s finest GT cars, while the 2015 SRT
Viper is…

4. Well, let’s put it this way; if Corvette and Viper were to
co-star in a movie, Corvette’s personality would mirror
Sandra Bullock’s while Viper’s would reflect Melissa
McCarthy’s. Viper is definitely capable of rocking your
world, but Corvette has more of a lock on the sheer sex
appeal thing.
Big and brassy, Viper epitomizes the stereotypical brash
and crass blue-collar American. In fact, even its engine is
derived from that of the most American of automobiles—
a pickup truck. Nothing looks like it; nothing sounds like
it, and nothing else goes like it either.

5. For the 2015 model year, the base price of the Viper has been cut
by $15,000, and it is being offered in three basic states of trim.
These are SRT Coupe, GT Coupe, and GTS Coupe. Within the GT
range there is also the GTC Coupe, which is essentially a
customization package for the GT.
Standard equipment on the $84,995 2015 Viper SRT Coupe
includes 18-inch front wheels, 19-inch rear wheels, summer tires,
automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and
taillights, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, cruise
control, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming
mirrors, and an automatic climate control system. Electronic
features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and
audio connectivity, and a nine-speaker sound system with satellite
radio, an auxiliary audio input, a USB interface, and an SD card

6. Stepping up to the $94,995 Viper GT Coupe fits different front and
rear styling treatments – including a different hood. Adjustable
suspension and stability control systems, as well as Brembo brakes
with two-piece slotted rotors are added. The interior treatment
gets simulated suede and leather upholstery for the seats, and a
power-adjustable one for the driver.
With a starting price of $107,995, Viper GTS Coupe offers a
unique alloy wheel design, full leather upholstery with contrasting
stitching, a simulated suede headliner and accents for the seats, a
power adjustable passenger seat, and an 18-speaker Harman
Kardon surround audio system.

7. Optional packages include the aforementioned GTC package, two
Time Attack packages, and the Ceramic Blue package. Among the
changes are (depending upon the package) revised suspension
tuning, different aero kits, a X-brace for the engine compartment
to improve chassis rigidity, and carbon fiber trim pieces.

9. The exterior design of the Viper goes into 2015 pretty much
unchanged after being reworked for 2014. It remains immediately
recognizable as a Viper, with cues going all the way back to the
original 1989 concept car, (which ultimately became the very first
Viper production model introduced in 1992). Since then, there
have been three other generations of the Viper, each one more
aggressive than its predecessor.

10. The Viper’s design language is chiefly characterized by a low
stance and an extremely rearward cab position, which in turn
necessitates a very long hood. Another cue going all the way back
to the first car is the gills in the fenders, needed to extract the
tremendous amount of heat the Viper’s massive engine produces.
Speaking of those gills, the one on the left side of the car houses
the release for the front-hinged hood. (You’d go crazy trying to
find it if nobody ever told you where it was—trust us.)

11. If you look closely, you’ll note the roof of the coupe contains a
slight indentation, creating a double-bubble design. This enhances
interior headroom and allows for the use of helmets as well. The
detail-oriented observer will also note the front of the car has a
definite serpent-like appearance to it, all the way down to a pair of
fangs in the lower front grille.
Other interesting detailing includes the snakeskin pattern in the
taillights, the grille covers for the side gill openings, and in the
vents in the hood. As has been the case on every Viper model
since the car was introduced, the exhaust outlets are on the sides
of the car, just forward of the rear wheels.

13. Facing the Viper’s steering wheel, you’re confronted with a huge
analog tachometer. However, all of the other instrumentation is
digital and displayed courtesy of the seven-inch full color
instrument panel, which can be customized to a number of
different configurations—depending upon the information you
value most.
The tachometer is set up to glow red when the engine is nearing
redline, so the driver doesn’t have to focus on the needle to know
when an upshift is required. The tach can also be set up to recall
shift points and peak rpm attained. The SRT performance pages,
offered in all SRT models, will recount 0-60, 0-100, eighth- and
quarter-mile ETs, braking distances, G-forces, and top speed.

14. An 8.4-inch monitor dominates the center stack to contain the
audio system, navigation system, climate control system, and
communications system. It can also be configured to show the
SRT data. Chrysler’s Uconnect Access in-vehicle connectivity
system is also fitted. Additionally, there are secondary knobs for
the radio, climate controls, navigation system, and phone. If your
smartphone and carrier are supported, you can dictate your text
messages to the car. The car will also read incoming text
messages back to you.

16. Very few production cars are as performance focused as the Viper.
Anyone settling behind the wheel and expecting to experience the
comfort of a more conventional automobile will be disappointed.
But don’t be put off by that statement, as this version of the Viper
is more comfort-oriented than any previous version of the car. The
seats are narrow, firm, and use very deep bolstering in their quest
to keep you in place—should you decide to exercise the Viper
SRT’s full potential.
That said, the interior design of the fifth generation Viper exhibits
the most significant attention to style and workmanship ever
offered with the model. All of the major interior surfaces are sewn
and wrapped. Further, additional padding is applied in comfort
areas in an effort to further civilize the car.

17. Of course, the Viper is still far from being practical as a daily
driver, but the time you do spend in the car will be more
comfortable than in previous versions of the Chrysler Group’s
supercar. Particular attention has been paid to the fit and finish of
the interior components, lending the interior an air of quality
heretofore overlooked.
Occupants will also find the interior of the current Viper more
spacious than any before it. According to SRT spokespeople, this
is the most spacious Viper in the history of the model. What’s
more, while interior storage space is at a premium, the Viper does
boast a reasonably capacious cargo area. You’ll find just over 14
cubic feet of readily accessible storage space behind the seats.
Also, the rear hatch, while a bit on the heavy side, does open wide
enough to make placing overnight bags back there a reasonable

19. The standard suite of safety kit includes ABS, stability control,
traction control, driver and front passenger airbags, a rearview
camera, Uconnect roadside assistance, collision notification, and
emergency services. On the GT and GTS trimmed cars, you’ll also
get a multi-mode stability control system.
Other than that, you’re on your own.
That said, we strongly, no, emphatically recommend you liberally
exercise common sense in copious quantities. If you have your
heart set on a Viper, definitely take advantage of the high
performance driver training offered with the car.
Please know, Vipers do not suffer fools; they bite the living crap
out of them.

21. Just as it has been from the very beginning, the key feature of the
Viper is its hand-built, 8.4-liter aluminum V10 engine. Mounted so
it sits behind the centerline of the front wheels, the V10 delivers
645-horsepower and 600 ft-lbs of torque (this is up a full five
horsepower over the 640-horsepower 2014 model).
Details of the massive engine include an ultra-high-flow
lightweight composite intake manifold; high-strength forged
pistons; sodium-filled exhaust valves; free-flowing catalysts to
ease backpressure; and an aluminum flywheel to reduce
reciprocating losses. In addition to making the V10 wind more
freely, these efforts have also resulted in shaving approximately 25
pounds from previous iterations of Viper’s engine.

22. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by way of a Tremec
TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with significantly closer
gear ratios than previous versions of the Viper. The final drive ratio
was also shortened for this iteration from 3.07 to 3.55. To improve
drivability, the shifter’s throw is shortened over that of its
predecessors as well. The Viper’s 206 mph top speed is attained in
sixth gear at the 6,200 rpm redline.
As you might imagine, the Viper SRT Coupe is definitely more
about smiles per gallon than miles per gallon. With a zero to 60 of
3.7-seconds, it comes as no surprise to find the EPA says to
expect 12 mpg in the city, 21 on the highway, and 15 overall.

24. Before we go any farther, if you haven’t figured it out, this is a car
you drive with a healthy sense of respect. Yes, new driver aids
have been added to help keep the Viper under control, but this is
a car you drive, you don’t let the Viper drive you—because in most
cases you will NOT be able to keep up.
The capabilities of this car are so far beyond the skills of the
average driver, we highly recommend you avail yourself of the
one-day SRT track experience, which is included in the purchase
price. This is an incredibly powerful car, with extremely high limits.
Thing is, when you overstep those limits, the car gives you very
little warning, and if you’re all the way out on the ragged edge of
its potential and lose it, the result will very closely resemble the
aftermath of a thermonuclear incident.

25. The good news is the car warns you what it’s about from the
moment you try to set it into motion. Its controls are very heavy
at low speeds. The clutch pedal is stiff, the brake pedal is hard,
and you feel every bump in the road because the suspension
system is so taut. The shift lever even resists shifting when the car
is moving slowly.
Of course, those of us who have a deep and abiding appreciation
for fast cars know this means the Viper will let you perform some
absolutely incredible maneuvers when at speed. Once it is running
free, all of those detriments drop away and you very quickly come
to understand the Viper is calibrated for fast running—not
trundling around town at parade speeds.

26. The 2015 SRT Viper is a car you’ll quickly tire of driving slowly, but
slowly tire of driving quickly. Once it’s warmed up, loose, and at
velocity; the Viper’s steering feel is incredible, its braking response
is instantaneous, and the throttle response is sublime. What’s
more, the Viper exhibits incredible grip in the corners. Give it what
it wants, you'll find one of the most satisfying driving partners
you've ever had.

28. This pretty much says it all:
- Top speed = 206 mph
- 0-60 mph = low 3-second range
- Quarter-mile E/T = mid 11-second range
- 0-100-0 mph E/T = less than 12 seconds
- Braking distance from 60 mph = 106 feet
- Coefficient of drag (Cd) = .369

30. Pros: All the
performance
you’ll ever need,
interior more
civilized than
previous
models…
Cons: Low fuel
economy,
outward
visibility limited
in some
circumstances…