1996 Dodge Viper GTS-R
1996 Dodge Viper GTS-R
Brand
Dodge
Year
1996
Country
United States
Generation
Viper SR II (1.Gen)
1996 Dodge Viper GTS-R
Brand
Dodge
Year
1996
Country
United States
Generation
Viper SR II (1.Gen)
About this car
Discover the history
The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS-R was introduced as a high-performance racing variant of the Viper and quickly made its mark on the global motorsport stage. Developed in collaboration with the French team Oreca and North American Canaska Southwind, the GTS-R was aimed at competing in the GT racing series, and it debuted at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1996. The Viper GTS-R carried a powerful V10 engine and featured significant modifications, including aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction, to meet the rigorous demands of endurance racing. While primarily known for its aggressive power delivery, the car was also equipped with advanced suspension systems and brakes to handle both high speeds and technical circuits.
Initially, the car struggled at Daytona, finishing 29th, but improvements soon followed. The 1997 season saw better results, including a 1st in class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and solid performances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the car secured 14th overall. Over the years, the GTS-R built a formidable reputation, particularly in the FIA GT Championship, where it claimed numerous victories. In 1997, Oreca switched its focus to the GT2 class, achieving significant success by winning seven races and claiming the GT2 championship. The following year, Oreca dominated, winning all but one race in the FIA GT series, along with a class win at Le Mans, solidifying the Viper’s reputation as a top-tier endurance racer.
Technically, the GTS-R was a leap forward from the road-going Viper, featuring enhanced aerodynamics with a large rear wing and front splitter, racing suspension, and lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. The engine, a monstrous 8.0-liter V10, was tuned for endurance racing, providing both the power and durability needed for long races. The combination of raw power, with outputs well beyond 600 hp, and a robust chassis design made it highly competitive in the GT2 class, often outperforming rivals like Porsche and Ferrari.
The Viper GTS-R continued to race until the mid-2000s, competing in various series, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the British GT Championship, and Spanish GT. Privateer teams like Chamberlain Engineering also found success with the GTS-R, achieving victories in races across Europe. The car remains a symbol of Dodge’s brief yet impactful foray into international motorsport, with its performance, durability, and engineering excellence continuing to be celebrated in historic racing events today.
