Dodge gives 2015 Viper slight power increase, new GT model

Tue, 02 Sep 2014

With its troubling sales figures, the newly rechristened ~~SRT~~ Dodge Viper needs to come out swinging for 2015. To do that, Dodge has made a number of tweaks and changes that will hopefully carry the V10-powered sports car into more successful days.

First up for 2015 is a new GT model, which aims to marry the reasonable price of the base car with the adjustable suspension and trick stability control program of the GTS model. The GT also sports a cabin that's covered in Alcantara suede and Nappa leather as standard.

Also new for 2015 is the SRT TA 2.0 Special Edition, which expands on last year's Viper TA by adding new aerodynamic bits and bobs, including a larger rear wing, which ups downforce at 150 miles per hour from 278 pounds to 400 pounds.

Two new shades of paint and a new appearance pack are joining the Viper's color palette. The new shades, Stryker Purple and Yorange sport the "liquid mercury" appearance. Not surprisingly, neither shade is particularly subtle. The new Ceramic Blue Edition Package, meanwhile, sports the aforementioned Ceramic Blue paint, black stripes and black, five-spoke "Rattler wheels." Other aesthetic tweaks include a Satin Black exhaust bezel, orange brake calipers and carbon fiber brake ducts.

Regardless of which trim, edition or shade you opt for in your 2015 Viper, you'll benefit from an 8.4-liter V10 that is both more powerful and more fuel efficient (because owners of V10-powered sports cars can be environmentally conscious, too). Power is up a modest five ponies, to 645 horsepower, while the Viper's highway fuel economy rating has increased from 19 to 20 mpg. Neither one is a dynamite increase, but we suppose every bit helps. In what should be a most welcomed change, though, Dodge has also tweaked the sixth ratio of the Tremec six-speed manual, with the promise of a quieter ride at highway speeds.

Expect exact pricing details to arrive as the 2015 Viper's launch date, which is also unknown, nears. Until then, scroll down for the full press blast from Dodge.

By Brandon Turkus