When first introduced to the world, the Dodge Viper instantly earned a reputation as the new bully on the block. The Viper was all about raw horsepower and going fast, and with its muscular, bulging fenders and exposed side pipes there was no mistaking that this car meant business. Youngsters hung posters of this new beast on bedroom walls while grown men pored over magazine articles and pictures hoping for at least a ride – or the opportunity to drive one.

For the next couple of years, Dodge maintained that raw, no-nonsense attitude that had attracted so many followers. As time passed however, refinement of the Viper began with the addition of bodywork covering the side pipes to prevent burns, antilock brakes were added, and when redesigned the pop-in top for those occasional thundershowers gave way to a real canvas folding top. Some people think the Viper also started to lose its muscular lines in favor of a longer more sleek design. Under the hood however, the Viper maintained that legendary raw V-10 power that had brought its popularity to the forefront of the exotic car world.

Today, the push of a “start” button reminds you that the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe, though more refined, still hides beneath its composite body panels a ground-pounding monster of an engine that immediately gets the adrenaline flowing and the heart pumping. The SRT-10 coupe was added to the Viper lineup to provide a car that could be raced (which a large percentage of owners do) in events where convertibles aren’t allowed. The coupe was specifically designed to provide racers improved headroom for helmets, and leave space for a roll-cage, while still maintaining the bad-boy look.