The Viper, which debuted in 1992, transformed into its second generation model in 2003, when the Viper SRT10 was announced at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show. Keeping the classic and glamorous long nose, short deck style, and the massive V10 OHV engine in an[1] FR layout, it has a presence so strong that anyone seeing the car immediately recognizes it as a Viper.
As with the first generation model, it was only available in an[1] open-top model. However in 2005 the Viper SRT10 Coupe was released as a 2006 model. The SRT (Street and Racing Technology) name points to Chrysler's internal specialty team who handles the development of their high performance models.
The 8.3L displacement, V10 OHV engine they prepared for the car produces 510 HP, with a maximum torque of 534.9 lb-ft, much more powerful than before. Rather than maximum power, the Viper gains its world class speed from its immense amount of torque. The car's weight - which affects handling greatly, is much lighter than the previous model. This is probably due to their aims to target the world's supercar market rather than just the traditional, more straight-line "American" sports car market. They began development work at the Nurburgring around this time, and started to compete against the Chevrolet Corvette on the track. High power for just show and image are no longer enough for American sports cars, and they are now seriously geared towards real speed.
Though its unique exterior tends to grab everyone's attention first, the Viper pursues the goals of a real supercar, to be "ever lighter and more powerful", and is a notable presence in the world of supercars.