After receiving much attention in 1993 with the GTS Concept, Dodge released a production version three years later. Unlike previous Vipers, the new car featured air-conditioning, airbags, a CD player and power widows. Had the Viper line sobered up, or were these necessary comforts previous Vipers lacked?
Compared to the RT/10, the GTS had a host of upgrades including new cams, cylinder heads and exhausts. This helped the engine reach 450 horsepower over the roadster's 415.
Outside, the GTs is entirely different from its roadster counterpart. The aerodynamics were heavily reworked allowing the GTS to have far less drag and a higher top speed. The later 1998 RT/10 received a new front fascia to take advantage of these new found aerodynamics.
Also new to the GTS body were exterior door handles and a NACA duct which rammed air into the engine intake.
A number of weight saving measures were taken to reduce the overall weight of the GTS. Many suspension components were cast in aluminum instead of iron. These components, combined with a lighter engine, thanks to less coolant, made the GTS 60 lbs lighter than the roadster. This reduction is quite remarkable considering the extra bodywork and glass needed for the roof of the GTS.
Overall, the GTS greatly improved the Viper line. It offered more power with less weight making it the fastest Viper in 1997.
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