I know everyone hates the Viper, but for me... man, this is my dream car...
But the Viper holds a special place in my heart. I´d give anything to at least see one in real life
You know, the original RT-10 version of the car was neat when it came out, because it was a totally new look and didn't look like anything else on the road. I liked it, but didn't really love it. And I don't think the design aged that well.
The last version that was made before they stopped production, the SRT-10, was a more streamlined design. It retained the aggressive styling cues, just using more angled lines as many of the cars designed in the 2K+ era.
The coupe version of the latest design shared a great deal of the same styling as the roadster. Preference between the coupe and roadster basically came down to what you wanted to do with the car. Track days, the coupe for better rigidity. Cruising and road trips, the roadster for that open view and wind in the hair enjoyment.
But, the car that chronologically fell between the original roadster design and the last generation roadster and coupe designs was the model that I think was a styling triumph.
The GTS coupe, which ran from 1996 to 2002, was so much more than just the original roadster with a hard roof installed. All of the body panels were different and the super aggressive stance and bulging fenders, hood, and back end made this car look like it was on steroids.
For me personally, that is the best looking model. And of all of those GTS coupe, the editions from 1996 and 1997 which were painted in the blue and white stripes livery were the zenith of automotive beauty.
The first time I saw a picture of one of these, I was awestruck.
When I finally saw one up close in real life, I fell in love.
And when I actually got to rent one in Las Vegas and spend a whole day tearing through the desert roads and canyons, I knew that I was in heaven and that someday I must own one of these cars.
And that iconic model of the Blue and White GTS, which became the standard image that people associated with the Viper name, and is in pretty much every racing video game since 1996, IS NOT IN GT5!
There is the correct body style, in Used Car Standard, but it only comes in Black with Silver stripes. If you paint it, the stripes get painted over.
There is the newer 2003+ model available in Blue with White stripes, but it's not the iconic body style.
I was quite disappointed in GT5 not having my favorite car.
Of course, I own the Blue and White version in the later year body style. I own the correct year body in the Black and Silver stripes. And I own the correct year body repainted in the correct solid Blue without stripes.
So close, but no cigar.
Aside from my uber-love for that Viper, my other favorite car in GT5 for sheer beauty in the Aston Martin DB9. Just a stunning design. 👍
j/k
