2010 Dodge Viper

The ACR package gains a short-throw shifter and revised rear wing. The 2010 model year marks the end of the line for the second-generation Dodge Viper, and quite possibly the end of the Viper altogether. Since the original concept car debuted in 1989, the Viper has embodied the brash American spirit of excess. We'll mourn the loss, mostly because of the Viper's unapologetic nature.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is offered as either a two-seat coupe or a soft-top roadster. Inside, the Viper comes with race-inspired seats, power-adjustable pedals, a tilting steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, six-point harness pre-fabrication, leather and Alcantara upholstery, keyless entry and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player.

Satellite radio and a navigation system are packaged together as options. No, this package doesn't impart a "Jersey Shore" spray-on tan to your skin, it adds tan napa seats, a tan roadster convertible top and matching interior trim. The big performance-enhancing option for the Viper is the American Club Racer (ACR) package, which is only available for the coupe variant.

Powering the 2010 Dodge Viper is a completely bonkers 8.4-liter V10 engine that thunders out 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The best safety equipment for the 2010 Dodge Viper isn't included with the car. Conspicuously absent are side airbags, traction control and stability control -- making the skills of the aforementioned driver even more critical.

Driving Impressions
The 2010 Dodge Viper is rough, raw, loud and unrefined when compared to other sports cars, and therein lies much of its appeal. Novices can appreciate the Viper's straight-line power and fury, but only advanced drivers should explore its cornering limits.