On of the things you buy when you buy a Viper SRT10 is exclusivity. These cars are carefully handbuilt in Detroit, and there are only about 15,000 Vipers total after 13 years of production. That exclusivity, and the fact that it is less technically sophisticated than the much less expensive Corvette and probably more fun to drive because of it, must enter into any discussion of value and worth. The interior leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to material quality, fit and finish at these prices, but the rest of the car is more than ready to do battle.The 2006 Dodge Viper is quicker, faster, and more civilized than the previous car, among the fastest production cars sold in America. It is stiffer by far than the convertible, which leads to palpable improvements in steering, stability and handling. It is even more powerful and more torquey than the original V-10. The lightweight plastic body has more built-in downforce for high-speed handing. It is huge fun to drive approaching the limit, and then you really have to be careful. If we had the kind of discretionary income that it takes to own one of these cars, we'd buy one in a hot minute, put slicks on it, and take it to the nearest race track every weekend. Or, just drive it to work, the longest way possible.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from the Detroit area.