There are things you think you know when you decide to roadtrip in a 2009 Dodge Viper, like it has instant torque, cargo space is minimal, it's stiff and loud. Roadtripping lets you test those myths.
For instance, the ride is really quite fine. Firm, yes. Stiff, no. A GT-R rides more harshly than this car. In this respect the Viper is an attractive car for touring.
However, its limited cargo space undermines this possibility. Anticipating this, we economized our packing down as much as possible. We ended up with a duffel, a small rollaway, a driver's suit bag and two helmets, plus a couple of light jackets. Good thing we did, because that gear filled 'er up. You could conceivably fit items on the shelf below the backlight, but I didn't want to block rearward visibility for obvious pork-related reasons.
Space in the cabin is nonexistent, too. You get a glovebox stuffed with the owner's manual and a shallow, wide bin aft of the gearchange lever. That's it -- no map pockets in the door, no cubbies in the dash and no usable space behind the seats. Not roadtrip-friendly. Odds and ends (snacks, drink bottles, maps) wind up in the passenger's lap or footwell. Suck it up, buddy.
Instant torque? Sort of. It's strange, but the Viper doesn't rock your head back like you might expect. The tall gearing and sluggish drive-by-wire throttle really dull the engine's perceived snap. The numbers on the speedo sure come up quickly though...
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor @ 11,505 miles.
Previous Viperoadtrip entries: first
santiagofdz says:
06:41 PM, 07/14/10
Seems really strange that a 8.3L V10 doesn't feel torquey.
Anyways, have a great trip. I'm another one that's very jealous you've got a chance to pull off a roadtrip like that one.
mazda609 says:
07:03 PM, 07/14/10
I must say I am impressed with the fact that the car isnt "stiff." I guess the GT-R only looks good on paper. Have a great trip!
jm1212 says:
07:14 PM, 07/14/10
wait until the interior turns into a sauna!
slickersdrip says:
08:18 PM, 07/14/10
jm1212-- I'd hope Jason would avoid that with just driving with the windows open.
prndlol says:
08:21 PM, 07/14/10
I must say that my first impression upon viewing this post's photo was " Whoa somebody needs a set of luggage" LOL
jeepsrt says:
08:28 PM, 07/14/10
@santiagofd
I drove a 2008 Dodge Viper at the SRT experience and rode in one on a track with a pro driver and it does feel torquey, it's just that the power is so smooth and effortless that it's deceiving.
bankerdanny says:
06:11 AM, 07/15/10
Pork based reasons? Did you really have to go there Jason? Are you one of those California hippy-commie cop haters? Step away from the love beads and assume the position. LOL
felonious says:
10:07 AM, 07/15/10
Bankerdanny, give the guy a little slack. He's driving a bright orange Viper on a long road trip, after all. That thing could get a speeding ticket while parked!
e90_m3 says:
12:49 PM, 07/15/10
banker,
The donut eaters would earn more respect enforcing REAL traffic laws (cracking down on tailgaters, swervers, left lane hoggers, texters, etc) instead of hiding in the bush, shooting laser and harassing motorists all day.
I'd gladly pay my ticket if they can explain to me why doing 80mph in a long, straight, and dry highway in broad daylight with sparse traffic is "dangerous". Unfortunately since I am quite well-versed in highway engineering, I know whatever coming out of his donut-filled mouth is pure unadultered BS.
Rage0329 says:
12:40 AM, 07/16/10
8.4L.... not 8.3L