Skip advert
Advertisement

Dodge SRT-10

Snakes alive! One year after it went on sale in America, the Viper has finally wriggled its way into UK Chrysler dealerships. Only it's not called the Chrysler Viper any longer. Despite the badging, styling and thrilling V10 exhaust note, the two-seater has undergone an identity change, and the Viper tag has been dropped.

It looks great, sounds stunning and goes like a rocket - what more do you need? Well, it would be good if the SRT-10 handled properly, but that is unlikely to put many prospective buyers off. With only 15 coming here next year, the ultra-rare Dodge roadster is the ultimate Stateside status symbol.

Advertisement - Article continues below

According to Chrysler's company lawyers, someone else owns the rights to the name in the UK, which means the newcomer is known as the SRT-10. The Chrysler moniker has been axed, too, and a Dodge badge now adorns the huge roadster. Dodge is new to the British market, and the SRT-10 is the model charged with building awareness of the US marque.

Immediately recognisable as the successor to the original Viper, the long, wide and low sports car is a brutal looking machine, defined by its chromed alloy wheels, snake-head badge and massively long snout.

Italy's finest supercars can't match the aggression generated here. Some styling cues are carried over from the previous model, but every panel is new, and this time the two-seater has a proper convertible roof.

For £77,500, you'd expect full electric operation, but instead you have to lift the bootlid, undo a clip on the header rail and manually collapse the roof before closing the giant lid back down. There's little impression of quality in the cabin, either - there are exposed screw heads, a cheap stereo and simple air-con controls.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Crossland

2021 Vauxhall

Crossland

14,708 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,500
View Crossland
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

43,303 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,200
View XC40
Ibiza

2021 SEAT

Ibiza

41,511 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,300
View Ibiza
Kona Hybrid

2023 Hyundai

Kona Hybrid

49,974 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £13,400
View Kona Hybrid

The ergonomics aren't much better. The windscreen pillar sits too close to your head, and the steering wheel is offset to the right. So how does Dodge justify the lofty asking price? The answer lies under the bonnet.
The SRT-10 has the largest engine of any car available in the UK - an 8.3-litre giant. Given its displacement, the power outputs don't sound too special, but in isolation, it's hard to argue with 500bhp and 712Nm of torque, or the fact that 70mph requires only 1,250rpm in top gear.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There's nothing particularly technical going on under the voluptuous bodywork - certainly no traction or stability control. And that means the SRT is a bit of a handful. There are lots of warning signs, though - the engine bellows as soon as you press the starter button, the heavy six-speed gearbox seems to have been taken out of a truck (actually, it has) and the rear tyres are well over a foot wide.

However, the ease with which they lose grip is astonishing. Plant the throttle in a low gear, and you're rewarded with instant wheelspin - entertaining in a straight line on the test track, but hairy if you're mid-corner.

Especially as the suspension isn't very sophisticated. Despite adjustments made to UK cars by engineering firm Prodrive, the SRT-10 is not particularly well mannered. The rear suspension is too soft, the steering lacks feedback and the ride is poor, with little bump absorbency. In short, it doesn't instill confidence.

But it will put a smile on your face. Find a suitable straight, and Dodge claims the SRT-10 will cover the dash from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds. The firm must have achieved that figure on very grippy tarmac, as the best we managed was 4.5 seconds - but take it from us, it's more than quick enough.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,780 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,825 off RRP*Used from £12,170
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan
VW ID. Tiguan front 3/4 Avarvarii

Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan

Heavy update for EV will bring with it a fresh, but familiar, name
News
12 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025