2008 Dodge Viper: More Power, Less Gas-Guzzler Tax

It’s hard to believe, but 2008 is the 18th model year for the Dodge Viper. Rather than showing liver spots as it ages, the Viper boasts some new-found energy for 2008: a healthy 90-hp boost thanks to an upgrade in the V-10 engine. It goes from a 510-hp 8.3-liter to a 600-hp 8.4 liter. Perhaps Dodge is feeding the Viper Viagra?

More startling than the power boost is the fact that despite adding more horses to feed, the Viper’s $3,000 gas-guzzler tax has been whittled down to a mere $1,700.

Why? Because despite a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of less than 4 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph, the car’s mileage rating rose to 13/22 mpg (city/highway) with the 8.4 liter V-10, up from 12/20 with the 8.3 liter. And those new numbers are the more stringent 2008 variety too.

Peter Gladysz, senior manager for powertrains for Dodge’s SRT performance program, said improved engine breathing, reduced engine friction and a switch to variable valve timing “all fooled the engine into thinking it is really smaller than it is” so it burns less gas.

However it works, you can use the $1,300 savings to help defray the coupe’s $84,745 base price or the roadster’s $83,995 base price.

Or use it to buy a few gallons of gas.