Skip advert
Advertisement

SRT Viper GTS

There’s a new name and new attitude as the famous Viper muscle car tones down its act... slightly

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your SRT Viper
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Viper really has grown up. This model is comfortable, usable and high quality in a way that no Viper has been before. Some people may bemoan the fact that it’s not as vicious, but the fact you can still burn yourself on the door sills when getting in or out should tell you all you need to know about what kind of car this is. It’s a shame that there are no European sales planned, but you can rest assured that some brave buyers will find a way to get one on to UK roads.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Dodge Viper has always been one of the most vicious performance cars on the road, with a huge V10 engine, rear-wheel drive and no stability control.

But now the Viper has been ever so slightly tamed, promising to be more usable and with a new name to match. Now called the SRT Viper, after Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology performance brand, the latest generation model comes with the likes of sat-nav, a plushcabin and cruise control.

Admittedly, some things haven’t changed: there’s still a huge 8.4-litre V10 under the bonnet with exhausts that exit just behind the front door, and a look that’s as dramatic as ever. Finished in bright yellow with black stripes running down the length of the body, our Viper has got to be one of the most eye-catching cars on sale. The long bonnet, flicked rear spoiler and low-slung profile are all textbook Viper styling traits.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Yaris Hybrid

2024 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

23,788 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,875
View Yaris Hybrid
Sorento

2019 Kia

Sorento

45,119 milesManualDiesel2.2L

Cash £18,229
View Sorento
T-Roc

2022 Volkswagen

T-Roc

27,890 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,299
View T-Roc
Juke

2018 Nissan

Juke

34,750 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £7,300
View Juke

But while the interior of the old car was a bit bland and felt a little low-rent, the new Viper’s cabin is a huge improvement. The hand-stitched leather, soft-touch plastics and hi-tech screens lend it a feel that’s appropriate for a car that costs around £75,000.

Reassuringly, the driving experience feels as visceral as ever. Push the starter button and the 631bhp V10 bursts into life, shaking the car from side-to-side. The noisy, rough growl isn’t the kind of smooth note you get from a tuned Italian supercar, but it fits the Viper’s image. And the performance is staggering. Floor the throttle and work your way through first and second gears in the accurate gearbox, and you’ll find the Viper can accelerate from 0-60mph in around 3.5 seconds, on its way to a 206mph top speed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s more civilised than the old car in a lot of different ways, though. The suspension, for example, feels a lot softer. As a result, the standard suspension is much more comfortable on an everyday basis. You don’t have to hold your breath every time you exit a quick corner anymore, either, thanks to standard traction control.

Even with a bit of steering lock on, you can begin to accelerate without the rear end stepping out. There is, of course, the option of turning the traction control off, but beware... this Viper can still bite.

As a package, this latest model is definitely more usable and accessible, and when you consider it starts from around £65,000 in the US, it sounds like a bargain.

But it’s not so appealing for British buyers. First of all, there are no plans to sell the Viper anywhere in Europe, so you’ll have to get one imported and pay all of the taxes and fees, which could add another £10k. Then, of course, there’s the fact that it will be produced only in left-hand drive. Taking into account the hassle and expense, most buyers will probably begin looking in the direction of similarly priced – and similarly quick – performance models like the Nissan GT-R.

There will be the brave few, though, who will opt for the Viper and they’ll be treated to the kind of brash drive that few cars currently on sale in Britain have any hope of matching.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025