2002 Dodge Viper GTS Supercharged test drive and walkaround with Chris from Chicago Cars Direct So the saying goes: “If I have to explain, you wouldn’t understand.” Those who squint at the Dodge Viper, shrug, and say, “I don’t get it,” should just sit on their hands or buy something else. The rest of us appreciate Dodge’s outrageous musclecar for proving the company had the guts to produce what amounted to a concept vehicle for the street. A romping 8.0-liter OHV V-10 rendered in aluminum pushed 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque through a mandatory six-speed manual. Those rare early Vipers only 285 were built the first season (1992)–had nothing so civilized as air-conditioning, ABS, or traction control. Not even roll-up windows or external door latches. And no one seemed to care: The Viper was raw and elemental–and hugely popular for an impractical, 000 extravagance. Sales peaked in 1994 at 1926 cars, but just more than 14000 were built through the 2002 model year. 1992 Dodge Viper Convertible Right Front Side View Click to view Gallery Gradually, Dodge tamed the beast. In 1994, air-conditioning became a factory option (dealer-installed before), and in 1996, the side-exit exhausts moved to the rear accompanied by 15 more horsepower. That year, the GTS coupe arrived with yet more power, 450 horses. In 1999, slightly hopped-up ACR versions became available. For 2000, Dodge fitted a regular Viper with a tamer camshaft that took some of the edge from the car’s …