The Dodge Viper Is Proof That An Italian Makeover Can Turn A V10 Truck Engine Into An Icon

The Dodge Viper looked like a masterstroke of design, but behind the scenes, it was a beautiful accident. Dreamed up as a modern Shelby Cobra, it desperately needed a powerplant to match its wild looks. When Dodge’s massive truck V10 proved too heavy, they turned to an unlikely savior: Lamborghini. The result? A lighter, meaner engine that turned a crazy concept into an all-American icon.