Изначально планировалось, что пэйс-каром для Indy 500 1991 года станет новенький Dodge Stealth, пока организаторы не выяснили, что Stealth собирается вместе со своим "братом" Mitsubishi 3000GT. Чтобы избежать скандалов на патриотической почве - мол, "как же так, иностранная машина - пэйс-кар?", руководство Dodge решило предоставить на гонки предсерийный прототип своего новейшего масл-кара, Viper. Несмотря на то, что в шоу-румы Viper планировали выставить в 1992 году, Dodge быстро привел в порядок предсерийный образец Viper, чтобы право сделать пэйс-кар не отдали другим. С 10-цилиндровым 8-литровым двигателем у Viper было более чем достаточно мощности, чтобы справиться с обязанностями пэйс-кара. Stealth всё же использовали, но в качестве парадной машины. Да и после гонок победитель обошелся без Viper - ему дали лишь Stealth.
The 1997 Viper RT/10 returned on the market after a short delay receiving all the changes that were made on the '96 Viper GTS. Those included the redesigned 450 hp engine and dual airbags. Also the power windows were added. More powerful engine gave an excellent driving experience but as a side effect price increased to $66000. The 1997 RT/10 cost the same as '97 GTS which was the main reason for the sharp decline in demand and just 117 roadsters were produced. This was the absolutely lowest annual number for the RT/10 during first and second generations. For the 1997MY white and black colors were retired while blue color was added, interior had an accents in body color.
Key facts for 1997MY:
For the first year of production the second generation Dodge Viper RT/10 was available in three different exterior design themes: red with silver or yellow (optional) wheels, black with silver stripes and silver wheels, white with blue stripes and white wheels. A total of 721 cars were produced in 1996MY (686 units for U.S. market, 30 units for Canadian market and 5 units for other markets). This was the lowest number since 1992, when just 285 cars were built.
Key facts for 1996MY:
WheelsAge.org '2005–н.ч.