What a rough year 2014 was for the Viper->ke1404, one during which we often asked ourselves whether Chrysler->ke21 would axe the nameplate for the third time. Production was halted for several months due to slow sales and hundreds of units sitting on dealer lots, with only the massive discount introduced in September bringing more customers to Dodge->ke28 dealerships. We say Dodge dealerships because 2014 was also the year in which the Viper returned under its initial badge after Chrysler decided to relegate the SRT brand back to its former performance-division status. With deliveries back on track, Dodge has restarted Viper production and can now focus on launching updated models for 2015. First on the list is the Time Attack model, which returns as the TA 2.0.

Not much has changed with the 2015 model year update. The TA carries the same aerodynamic body, the same interior and the same suspension updates. However, there are a few aero bits, slightly revised graphics, five extra ponies rumbling under the hood and, more importantly, pricing has dropped by more than $20,000. Read on for the full details.

Updated 01/08/2015: Dodge decided it was about time to let us know how the Viper TA 2.0 Special Edition looks like and it dropped the first images of the sports car. All we can say is: not bad at all.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Dodge Viper TA 2.0 Special Edition.

2015 Dodge Viper TA 2.0 Special Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Dodge Viper TA 2.0 Special Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 645 @ 6200
  • Torque: 600 @ 5000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Updates for the 2015 model year are far from massive, but there are plenty of add-ons to make this Viper worthy of the Time Attack moniker. Up front, the high-performance package adds a carbon-fiber splitter with lower dive planes, while the rear gets a carbon-fiber applique and a massive spoiler. Naturally, these features are responsible for the TA's increased downforce and improved handling over the standard Viper.

Visual upgrades continue with TA decals for the nose and the front fenders, with minor changes in terms of graphics. A set of ultra-lightweight, matte-black, Sidewinder wheels measuring 18 inches front and 19 inches rear complete the package. As things stand, the 2015 TA appears to be identical to the 2014 model, save for the slightly reshaped aero bits. And that's great news, as the Time Attack is not just menacing in a good way, but also the most aggressive track-prepped Viper since the ACR.

No official word on exterior colors as of January 2015, which means the TA is available in the same Crusher Orange, Viper White and Venon Black coats. However, thanks to Dodge's new "1 of 1" Concierge Service, customers can have their Time Attack supercar finished in a range of bespoke colors, including the stunning Ceramic Blue shown above.

Interior

The TA's interior is a carryover, meaning the cabin boasts the same Sabelt-sourced sports seats with either three- or six-point harnesses. These seats feature a lightweight fiberglass shell for weight reduction and long-term durability. Black remains the standard interior hue for the TA, but the unique Crusher Orange accent stitching adds a bit of color to the cloth seats, instrument panel, center stack, steering wheel, and the door panels.

Drivetrain

Just like the previous model, the 2015 TA is motivated by the same naturally aspirated, 8.4-liter V-10 engine offered across the Viper lineup. The only difference is that the 2015 Viper update includes a five-horsepower bump, meaning the updated TA benefits from 645 ponies and 600 pound-feet of twist.

The extra five horses shouldn't make a big difference from performance stand point, with the 2015 TA to sprint from naught to 60 mph in the same low three-second range, while running the quarter-mile in the low elevens. Top speed remains locked at 206 mph, an impressive figure for today's supercar market.

Naturally, the engine mates to the same six-speed manual found in any Dodge Viper and it seems Dodge isn't planning on offering an automatic anytime soon.

Type and Description

10-cylinder, 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled

Displacement, liter (cu.in.)

8.4 (512)

Bore x Stroke

4.055 x 3.96 (103 x 100.6)

Flywheel

Low-inertia aluminum with steel wear surface

Intake

Three-piece shell molded, vibration-welded composite for improved flow, reduced weight and improved thermal performance

Valve System

Overhead valve, variable-valve timing (VVT), 20 valves, roller-type hydraulic lifters

Fuel Injection

Sequential, multiport, electronic

Construction

Aluminum-alloy block with cast-iron liners, forged-aluminum pistons, forged-steel crankshaft, aluminum-alloy heads

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Power (SAE net)

645 HP @ 6,200 RPM

Torque (SAE net)

600 LB-FT @ 5,000 RPM

Max. Engine Speed

6,400 rpm (fuel cutoff)

0 - 60 mph

3 seconds

Top Speed

206 mph


Suspension and Brakes

This is where the Viper TA gets to show off. Its fantastic track skills are provided by an upgraded and uniquely tuned suspension system that includes a two-mode Bilstein Damptronic suspension, high-performance shock dampers, spring, and stabilizer bars, as well as a carbon-fiber structural X-brace. These upgrades result in a 50-percent improvement in torsional rigidity and significantly improved track performance. No wonder this Snake shattered the Corvette ZR1's record on the Laguna Seca race course.

In the braking department, the TA uses two-piece Brembo rotors and black Brembo calipers with orange lettering. The tires are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for maximum grip.

Prices

This is where the big news lies. Thanks to the massive discount Dodge applied across the entire Viper range hoping to increase sales, the TA 2.0 wears a sticker of only $101,995. That's a huge $21,085 reduction compared to the $123,080 starting price customers paid in throughout most of the 2014 model year.

Competition

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Initially aimed at the C6-based Corvette ZR1, the Viper TA remained without a proper American rival once GM discontinued its halo car. For 2015 however, the TA 2.0 gets to showcase its track skills against the brand-new Corvette Z06. Based on the seventh-generation Stingray, the 2015 Z06 features an extensive aerodynamic body kit, a host of race-bred internals, and a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

The massive mill delivers a whopping 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, and enables the Z06 to boast some impressive, supercar-like performance figures. The coupe needs only 2.95 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start -- making it it slightly quicker than the TA 2.0 -- while top speed is rated at 200 mph. The eight-banger mates to either a seven-speed manual transmission or a brand-new, eight-speed automatic.

Besides being newer and quicker in a straight line, the Z06 is also cheaper, retailing from around $78,995. This means you can buy a supercharged Vette and use the remaining $23,000 for options and some extensive track time with the amount you'd need to spend for a Viper TA 2.0.

Conclusion

The TA 2.0 may be a carryover from the 2014 model year for the most part, but that's far from being a problem considering it comes with a significantly cheaper sticker. The Viper was built for sheer driving pleasure and track performance, and the updates that come with the TA enhance those feats even further. There's only one problem though: the TA 2.0 is no longer alone in this segment. The Corvette Z06 is here, and it's not only quicker and more powerful, but more affordable as well. Sure, the Viper and the Corvette are rather different in many aspects, but one can't help comparing the two as America's most iconic, modern-day sports cars.