Friday, March 22, 2013

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

Since its arrival in 1991, the Dodger Viper has been a stateside supercar that just doesn’t get its due. From the RT/10 all the way to the 2014 SRT Viper, the Dodge beast, much like the serpent from which it takes its name, has been a quiet killer.

2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA

While the 2014 SRT Viper TA is likely slated for the same underrated reception amidst the Italian, French, and German supercars of the moment, at least its retina-searing colorway is damn loud.

About the car itself: Back in the ’70s and ’80s “TA” stood for Trans/Am, but as a sign of the times, it now stands for the very-videogame-y term “Time Attack”.

Only 33 of these Time Attackers (?) will be produced, all in that crazy tangerine paintjob. While Dodge once hoped the Viper could fight Ferrari or Porsche in the luxurious sports car division, but the TA says “f**k” that noise, scratching leather seats and an audio system in exchange for the ability to hit 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

It’s an 8.4-liter V10 and 640 horsepower that’ll get the TA to that speed, and oversized brakes will help slow it down once it does. Carbon fiber detailing, and stickers (instead of badges) help to slim the Viper down for the track. Of course, it sports the oversized side exhausts — they’ve become almost as recognizable a trademark as its pouncing snake logo.

Considering its relatively accessible $97,000 USD base price, it’s a real shame there are only 33 to be had.