Welcome to the seventeenth in the Gone in 60 Seconds Series
If you are familiar with the movie you will know that there was a list of 50 cars that needed to be boosted (stolen), you do not need to steal any cars to find this cache. To complete the series there will be another 33 caches hidden named after the remaining cars on the list, this is the seventeenth one on the list 17 1998 Dodge Viper Coupe GTS - Denise
Second generation (SR II, 1996–2002)
Dodge Viper GTS, which was introduced as a new model for the second generation of the Viper.
Although the 1996 model year is the beginning of the second generation, in the Viper community, the 1996 model of the RT/10 is sometimes referred to as "Generation 1.5" since it saw the carryover of many first-generation parts during the model year while transitioning to second-generation parts. The roadster relocated the exposed side exhaust pipes to a single muffler at the rear exiting via two large central tailpipes during the middle of the model year, which reduced back pressure, and therefore increased the power to 415 hp (309 kW; 421 PS). Torque would also increase by 23 lb⋅ft (31 N⋅m) to 488 lb⋅ft (662 N⋅m). A removable hardtop was now available along with a sliding glass window. Some steel suspension components were replaced by aluminum, resulting in a 60 lb (27 kg) weight reduction.[10]
Later in the 1996 model year, Dodge introduced the Viper GTS, a new coupé version of the Viper RT/10. Dubbed the “double bubble”, the roof featured slightly raised sections that looked like bubbles to accommodate the usage of helmets and taking design cues from the Shelby Daytona designed by Pete Brock. More than 90% of the GTS was new in comparison to the RT/10 despite similar looks. The GTS would come with the same 7,990 cc (8.0 L; 487.6 cu in) V10 but power would be increased to 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) of torque at 3,700 rpm. The 1996 GTS would be the first Viper to be equipped with airbags and also included air conditioning, power windows and power door locks as standard equipment. The Viper GTS would be chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.
Minor updates would continue in 1997 and 1998. In 1997, the RT/10 would receive a power increase to 450 hp along with air-bags and power windows. In 1998, both of the versions of the Viper were equipped with second-generation air bags, revised exhaust manifolds (saving 24 lb (11 kg) over the previous cast iron components) along with a revised camshaft.
In 1998, the GT2 Commemorative Edition was released. With the FIA GT2 Team and Driver series wins in October 1997, Team Viper set forth with the creation of a unique Viper called the GT2 Commemorative Edition. There would be 100 offered through the top Dodge Viper dealers.
The team started working on the concept in November 1997 with design concept approve in January 1998, prototype parts in February 1998, pricing approval of $85,200 in April 1998, and production from June 16 to July 7, 1998. The vehicles were the first to be built in VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) sequential order with the first having 001 as its last three on the VIN and the last being 100.
The GT2 exterior is best known for its white with blue stripes paint, large rear wing, front dive planes and splitter, side sills, American flag, BBS rims, and GTS-R badging. Its this badging that causes many to refer to the vehicle as the GTS-R. However, the GTS-R was the race version of the Viper and not street legal.
The GT2 interior is best known for the blue accent trim, Oreca 5-point racing harness, and the center dash plaque with the vehicles unique production number.
The GT2 power increased by 10 horsepower to 460 HP with the use of K&N air filter and smooth tubes connecting the filter to the intake manifold. Torque increased by 10 to 500 foot pounds.
Of the 100 number vehicles, number 100 was keep by the Chrysler museum until it was later sold into private ownership. Number 051 was given to Oreca Team drive Olivier Beretta. However, due to Monaco's import regulations, Olivier was unable to take delivery. The vehicle was later sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale's auction and is in private hands. Number 052 was given to Oreca Team driver Justin Bell. He kept the vehicle for several years before being sold into private hands.
The GT2 is regarded as the pinnacle of the Gen II (Generation Two) GTS Viper coupe collectability.
Any reference to the GT2 being built to meet any homologation effort are inaccurate.
In 1999, ACR performance package was released. With the increase of Viper owner's "tracking" their vehicles, Team Viper created a track ready version of the GTS.
The ACR used the same K&N air filter and smooth tubes from the GT2 for the power gains along with the BBS rims. A new 5-point harness with the ACR logo was installed for both the driver and passenger. For 1999, Koni adjustable shocks were installed and changed to Dynamics later in the 2000 model year. Lastly, the spring rates were increased. The vehicle could be painted in solid color or with stripes with the color choices changing yearly. The ACR came standard with air conditioning and radio deleted, but could be added back in as a $10,000 option. A small amount were produced yearly that were AC and radio delete.
In 2000, the Dodge Viper was updated to lighter hypereutectic pistons and received factory frame improvements. While the hypereutectic pistons provided less expansion, the forged pistons were preferred by customers for the supercharged and turbocharged aftermarket packages. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) recalls (998 and 999) were done at local dealerships to repair the 1996 to 1999 Viper frames by adding gussets with rivets near the steering box. 2001 saw the addition of Anti-lock braking system.
2002 would be the final year of the second generation of the Viper. Dodge would build 360 “Final Edition” cars (326 coupés and 34 ACR editions) to commemorate the final year. These models are painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars. The RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 roadster in 2003, and the GTS was replaced in 2006 by the SRT-10 coupé.
Colors would vary throughout the second generation. Dodge would offer three or four colors per model year. Some colors such as steel gray were only offered for one model year (MY2000) while other colors such as red were offered during the entire second generation. Interior colors and wheel options would also vary throughout the second generation. The cobalt blue colour of the Dodge Viper GTS seen in the Viper (TV series) was exclusively available to the series.
Stripes would be an option beginning in 1996. The GTS stripes were larger, fuller stripes than the stripes offered on the 96 RT/10. The GTS had twin stripes (8 inches wide with a 4-inch gap in between) that ran from the front bumper all the way through the rear bumper. 1996 was the only model year in which the stripes would run through the rear license plate area. Stripes on later models would run from front to rear but did not run through the rear license plate area.
Just like stealing cars, stealth must be used at all times.