New Car Profile of the 2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Roadster

Description: Roadster
Base MSRP Range: $80,995
Invoice Price Range: $73,791

A new design for the Viper roadster emerged last year to beat all contenders, thanks to that V10 powertrain that pushes the power curve up to 500 hp plus more than 500 lb-ft of torque. All of the torque, directed to Viper's 19-inch rear wheels, enables the roadster to romp from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds, with its top speed climbing to 190 mph. A heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission is standard, along with aluminum components for the four-wheel independent suspension plus huge disc brakes tied to a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The exterior form resembles the predecessor roadster yet Viper's long hood slinks lower and there are swept-back fenders on-board with deep-cut scallops on the flanks.

For 2004 editions, bold red brake calipers become standard issue along with a folding tonneau cover, and there's a new body color available in Viper White.

A race-ready version also emerges as the Viper Competition Coupe. It has a coupe-shaped body in carbon fiber and Kevlar and a track-ready chassis derived from the SRT-10. Filled with racing gear -- a roll cage, window net, six-point restraints, fire-suppression system and racing slicks, the Competition Coupe is eligible to compete in the Viper Racing League, Grand Am Rolex Series and SCCA Speed World Challenge.