Dodge Viper With Supercharged V10 Rumored
The Dodge Viper’s sales are struggling, but would a supercharged V10 help turn things around?
Rumor has it that the American automaker is working on a supercharged V10 engine for the struggling Viper that could have upwards of 800 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. With the introduction of the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat models sporting a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine providing 707 hp, it’s no surprise that Dodge wants to up the ante for its flagship sports car.
SEE ALSO: SRT Viper Production Resumes After Two-Month Suspension
But does it really make sense for the company to invest all that money into research and development for a model that has been failing to catch on in the market? Sources say that supercharged V10 engines have been delivered to Chrysler for testing purposes despite it making more sense for the company to find a way to get its Hellcat powerplant to work with the Viper. Perhaps the company wants bragging rights, eclipsing the 800-hp mark and trumping anything Chevrolet can throw its way in the form of a Corvette.
Either way, we recommend taking this rumor with a grain of salt – but one thing’s for sure, Dodge has to find a way to make its Viper relevant in today’s marketplace.
GALLERY: 2014 SRT Viper TA
[Source: Allpar]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I'd like to order one srt-10 viper with a side of 1000hp please
Its true: Hellcat is too tall to fit in the Viper's engine bay. People forget how small the Viper is, especially compared to the Challenger/Charger. The new rumor is that superchargers are going to become ubiquitous across the Dodge lineup, even in the compact cars. Exciting times! Also, that V10 is iconic to the Viper. Seriously, when you think 'Viper' you think 'V-10'. Without it, you really just need to cancel it. Besides, the point of a halo car isn't the sales, its the extremes, and Viper is that. With FCA bringing Ferrari 'to heel', I'm betting (hoping) that some of that Ferrari transmission and brake tech will work its way into the Viper's DNA (these are the things the Viper needs work on without sacrificing the character of the car, IMHO).