2008 Dodge Viper Convertible SRT10

Along with Chevy's Corvette, the Dodge Viper is one of the most eye-catching and most recognizable high-performance sports cars in the North American marketplace.

It was largely responsible for reinvigorating the Dodge brand in the early '90s.

The Viper created immense enthusiasm when it was shown in concept form at the 1989 Detroit auto show, and interest continued to intensify from there. The production version was released in 1992 and it arrived with no compromises.

It was a convertible two-seat roadster that lacked exterior door handles, windows and even a roof (only a small cover for storage). Traction control and anti-lock brakes were not available.

It packed a big 8.0-liter 400-horsepower V10 that drove massive rear wheels. The wheels were 13 inches wide, as big as the diameter of some compact cars at the time. The styling was outrageous and, even with some refinement over the years, today still turns heads everywhere.

The exhaust pipes exited under the side doors, a neat styling cue but a heat hazard for the legs when getting in and out of the vehicle.

Fast forward to today's Viper SRT10 and the sports car is a lot easier to live with. It has side exhausts that are no longer fully exposed, a real soft-top roof, power windows, anti-lock brakes and many more comfort and convenience items.

The engine has been enlarged to displace 8.4 liters and generates 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It has variable valve timing for more efficient operation. The only transmission offered is a six-speed manual.

Zero-to-60-mph blurs by in less than four seconds.

The Viper also has an anti-spin differential rear axle.

The rear wheels are still 13 inches wide. The diameters are 19 inches at the rear and 18 inches up front (10-inch width up front).

For 2008, a vented hood is new and the suspension and transmission have been updated.