The Dodge Viper (SR II) is the second generation of the Dodge Viper sports car, manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Dodge. The car had many parts carried over from the previous generation.
The 1996 model year marked as the start of production for the second generation of the Viper, called the SRII. The car was essentially an updated version of the first generation of the Viper, since most of its parts were passed on to this generation.
The RT/10 received minor changes, the biggest change being the exhaust position. The exhaust pipes of the car were relocated to the rear to release back pressure, which therefore increased the power to 415 hp (309 kW; 421 PS) and the torque to 488 lb⋅ft (662 N⋅m). A removable hardtop was now available along with a sliding glass window. A few steel suspension components were replaced by aluminum, which resulted in 27 kg (60 lb) of weight reduction.
GTS
A new model of the Viper was introduced in late 1996. Known as the GTS, the car was essentially a coupé and more powerful version of the RT/10. The roof of the car was shaped in such a way that drivers were able to fit their helmets during track days.
This was dubbed the double-bubble, and has been used for all of the subsequent generations of the Viper following the SR II. Over 90% of the GTS contained new parts compared to the RT/10 despite similar looks, and the 8.0-liter V10 engine received a power increase, with the engine now producing a maximum power output of 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS). The GTS was also the first Viper to receive airbags.
In 1997 and 1998 model years the Viper would continue to receive minor updates. The GTS would get second-generation airbags, revised exhaust manifolds, and a revised camshaft for 1997, and the RT/10 would gain a power increase up to 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) for 1998.
