What sports car did Dodge make?

The Dodge Viper is the brand’s most famous sports car, produced in multiple generations from 1992 to 2017 and renowned for its large V10 engine and track-ready handling.

Dodge’s history with high-performance cars centers on the Viper as a purpose-built sports car, while the brand has also offered performance versions of its more mainstream models like the Challenger and Charger. This article outlines the Viper’s legacy, its key generations, and how Dodge has positioned performance vehicles in the modern era.

Dodge Viper: the quintessential sports car

The Viper was developed as a pure performance machine, prioritizing power, agility, and driver engagement. It originated as a two-seat roadster and evolved into a series of coupe and track-focused variants, becoming an iconic symbol of American performance.

The following overview highlights the Viper’s major generations, their defining characteristics, and notable variants.

• Gen I (RT/10, 1992–1995) — The original roadster introduced Dodge’s Viper with an 8.0-liter V10 and a no-frills, high-performance approach aimed at raw driving experience.


• Gen II (GTS, 1996–1999) — A more refined, coupe-form several years later, offering improved handling, aerodynamics, and a more hospitable interior while retaining extreme power.


• Gen III (SRT-10, 2003–2006) — A shift to a larger 8.3-liter V10 and modernized chassis, enhancing both straight-line speed and cornering capability.


• Gen IV (SRT-10, 2008–2010 era; updated variants through the early 2010s) — A styling and engineering refresh that included further power and the introduction of the race-focused ACR variant for track enthusiasts.


• Gen V (SRT Viper, 2013–2017) — The final generation, featuring continuation of the 8.4-liter V10, modern electronics, and refined aerodynamics before production ended in 2017.

In the years since, there has been ongoing discussion about a potential Viper revival, but as of 2025 there is no new Viper in production. Dodge has since emphasized its broad performance lineup, including established muscle cars and modern performance editions, while refraining from launching a direct Viper successor.

Other high-performance Dodge models

Beyond the Viper, Dodge has offered several performance-focused models that sometimes get grouped with sports cars by enthusiasts, though they sit in the broader muscle-car category. These include the Challenger and Charger, as well as limited-edition performance variants.

• Dodge Challenger — A modern two-door coupe that has hosted high-performance variants such as the Hellcat and Demon, delivering extreme straight-line speed and aggressive styling.


• Dodge Charger — A four-door performance sedan that has also worn high-performance trims, combining practical practicality with serious power.


• Dodge Challenger SRT Demon (2018) — A limited-edition, street-legal drag-focused variant with exceptionally high horsepower.

These models illustrate how Dodge has maintained a performance-focused lineup even as the Viper’s era came to a close, emphasizing power, handling, and acceleration across different body styles.

Summary: Dodge’s flagship sports car is the Viper, produced from 1992 through 2017 in several generations and variants, renowned for its V10 power and track-ready ethos. While the Viper is no longer in production, Dodge continues to offer high-performance options through the Challenger and Charger, maintaining the brand’s legacy of aggressive American performance.

What are the most iconic Dodge sports cars?

3 Iconic Dodge Sports Cars

• The Dodge Viper. The Dodge Viper brought attention to speed and power with a bare-knuckle approach that left the competition in the dust.
• Dodge Challenger.
• Dodge Charger.

Does Dodge have a sports car?

Yes, Dodge offers sports cars, with its most iconic and recent models being the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. Historically, Dodge also produced the high-performance Viper sports car, and the company continues to be known for its muscle car heritage, powerful engines, and performance-oriented vehicles.
 

• Current Models: The Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are Dodge's current offerings in the sports car category, both available with a range of powerful engine options, from V6 to supercharged V8s. 
• Historical Models: The Dodge Viper, produced from 1992 to 2017, was a two-seat sports car featuring a powerful V10 engine and a focus on performance. 
• Performance Focus: Dodge is known for its high-performance vehicles, and even the Charger, which is a four-door muscle car, is considered a sports car with its powerful engines and performance features. 
• Future Models: Dodge is also launching new models, such as the 2026 Dodge Charger, which will have powerful engine options, including a new SIXPACK SO engine. 

Why was Dodge Viper banned?

Dodge stopped making the Viper in 2017 primarily because it couldn't meet new federal safety regulations requiring side curtain airbags, which were impossible to fit due to the car's low roofline. Low sales also made the expensive redesign cost-prohibitive, and the manufacturer's parent company was not keen on continuing production of a low-volume, unprofitable vehicle.
 

• Safety regulations: The main reason for the discontinuation was the inability to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 226, which mandates side curtain airbags. 
• Lack of space: The Viper's low roofline meant there was not enough headroom to install the required airbags without a significant redesign. 
• Financial considerations: Dodge determined that redesigning the chassis and engineering the airbags would be too expensive, especially since sales of the final generation (2013-2017) were poor. 
• Slow sales: Despite a capable final generation, the Viper struggled to sell well, with fewer than 600 units sold in its final year, making it a poor investment to continue production. 

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How many Dodge M4S were made?

A total of nine Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor units were built: four functional, driving cars and five non-functional units. The functional cars were used as pace cars for the PPG IndyCar series, while some were also used in the movie The Wraith.
 

• Functional units: Four were built as working prototypes for pacing races. 
• Non-functional units: Five non-running versions were also built, with some used as movie props for The Wraith. 
• Total production: Nine units in total were created for the project between 1981 and 1987.