The history of Dodge Viper goes way back to 1988 when a casual discussion between Robert A. Lutz, Chrysler President, and Tom Gale, the chief of design, too place. Lutz had the idea of trying to bring out a newer version of the Cobra.
Lutz wanted to bring out a sports car that was equipped with a modern engine, a new type of transmission, a great suspension designed that was supported by a computer and high quality tires. Although this new sports car would have all the benefits of modern technology, it was not going to be a car with high end gadgets or other high tech fittings. The car was meant to have a rear wheel drive with a lot of power.
Lutz wanted to bring out a sports car that was equipped with a modern engine, a new type of transmission, a great suspension designed that was supported by a computer and high quality tires. Although this new sports car would have all the benefits of modern technology, it was not going to be a car with high end gadgets or other high tech fittings. The car was meant to have a rear wheel drive with a lot of power.
The Red Dodge-Viper
All these people worked together to come up with the ultimate American sports car that packs a power with its V10 engine, 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. This car became so popular that the first generation Vipers were sold out in no time.
The delivery of 196 first generation Dodge Viper started in May 1992. These cars went around 2,800 dealer. The 1992 Dodge Viper had a retail price of $50,000 along with $700 for destination charges, $2,600 for gas guzzler tax and $2,330 for luxury tax. This made the final price of the Viper $55,630. However, the consumers wanted this car so badly that some dealers added a mark up of $100,000 on the final price. Even the mark up did not do anything to reduce the demand. Therefore, dealers were instructed to take orders 3000 Dodge Vipers that would be produced as 1993 models. By July 1992, 70 percent of the 3000 were already booked by consumers.