Is the Dodge Viper only manual?
The Dodge Viper has always been manual transmission-only; there has never been a factory automatic option for production Vipers. From its debut in 1992 through the final 2017 model year, every Viper was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.
For readers looking at the car’s history or shopping for a used example, this means you should expect a driver-focused, hands-on experience with a six-speed manual. The manual-only ethos was a deliberate design choice tied to the Viper’s performance and involvement-focused character, and it persisted across all generations and variants—from the RT/10 through the GTS and ACR variants.
Transmission history: manual-only across generations
Below is a concise timeline of the Viper’s production generations and the fact that each generation used a manual transmission:
- 1992–1995: Viper RT/10 — manual 6-speed
- 1996–2002: Viper GTS and related variants — manual 6-speed
- 2003–2007: Gen III — manual 6-speed
- 2008–2010: Gen IV (SRT10) — manual 6-speed
- 2013–2017: Gen V (SRT Viper) — manual 6-speed
In all production Vipers, the transmission remained manual. Dodge never offered an automatic option, and there were no factory paddle-shift or torque-converter configurations in the Viper lineup. This remains a defining trait of the car and a key point for collectors and enthusiasts.
Notes for buyers and enthusiasts
While the factory lineup was exclusively manual, some owners have discussed aftermarket options or interpretations for other projects. Such changes are not part of the official model history and can affect resale value, reliability, and warranty considerations. If you’re buying a Viper, verify the transmission type via the VIN and seller documentation to ensure you’re getting the factory manual configuration.
Summary
The Dodge Viper is, and always has been, manual-transmission only. There has never been a factory automatic version of the production Viper, a stance that has shaped its identity and continues to influence how collectors evaluate and drive the car today.
