2010 Dodge Viper SRT10: A Beast of a Sports Car

Just saying the name makes my pulse quicken. The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 is on its farewell tour and I am lucky enough to get some seat time in this ten-cylinder, 600 horsepower coupe.

Driving shoes? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Blood pressure medication? Yea, that too.

The 2010 Viper SRT10 is not just some nimble sports car. It is a street legal racecar that instead of having a roll bar and fire extinguisher, it is equipped with air conditioning and a CD player.

The 8.4-liter V-10 engine pushes the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with a shifter that is so stiff, carpel tunnel could be right around the next corner. The rigidity of the suspension is such that I thought one of those inflatable donut cushions might be in order if I was going to be doing any more driving around town.

It is impossible for the driver and passenger to enter or exit gracefully, plus it has side-exiting exhaust pipes that can burn you if you brush against them.

Once behind the wheel I discovered the forward and side visibility is limited and the driver and passenger sit in what amounts to uncomfortably narrow channels gouged out between the thick center tunnel and the tall, wide doors

Off for some weekend fun? Don't plan on taking you and your friends clubs to the golf course and trips to the grocery store may not include more than milk as the storage space is very limited.

But none of this matters because the Dodge Viper SRT10 is a purpose-built rear wheel drive machine. It is a car engineered for folks who care more about mind-numbing sports performance than comfort and luxury, the Viper offers no compromises. It is as bare on the inside as it is powerful and capable on the road and track. Automobile Magazine states, "The Dodge Viper has always been a raw sports car with very few frivolities." The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10's lack of convenience and safety features is proof of that.

When it comes to looks the Viper SRT10 is a real head turner. Out for a drive I noticed people could not stop staring at the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10's wild—yet functional—exterior design. It's style is unmistakable and easily turns heads with its long hood with multiple air ducts, its short deck lid with lip spoiler, deep-cut side scallops and sleek sloping roof line.

Priced at $97,000 this car is for a select few. The Viper is a purpose-built rear wheel drive machine. It is a savage beast that is meant to be driven by the serious enthusiast or the professional who likes working on his day off.