Viper GTS/R

Viper. The name alone stirs up mixed emotions. Fear, speed, cash. So for those of us who don't have the resources to trade in the Chevy for a real Viper GTS R, Hot Wheels has created a desktop version. And what a car they created. Pearl white, blue racing stripes, and enough "cool" to satisfy all modern muscle car fans.



This model is long, low, wide, and just plain mean. All the details that we've come to expect from Mattel's 1:18th cars are here. Lots of moving parts, a heavy metal body, jeweled lights, great paint, and very realistic proportions. The one feature on this particular car that doesn't work as well as others is the steering. The wheels barely turn and immediately re-center themselves. That's not a big deal, since most will stay boxed.



Imagine if you will, looking in your rearview mirror and seeing this......... I'd get out of the way, let me tell you. This shot is my favorite of the bunch. The low angular nose just begs to be photographed. And it shows of the detailing of the headlights, turn signals, driving lights, and the familiar Dodge Viper emblem.



		Under the opening plastic hood, you'll find the famous V-10 power plant. All done in black plastic, with silver painted "chrome" highlights and familiar Viper nomenclature. Understated, yes, but effective.

Around the back of the GTS R, you'll find more correct detailing. The Mattel folks even remembered to paint the stripes on the underside of the wing. Nice! And of course, separate jeweled plastic inserts for the taillights instead of simply painting them.

		Inside the rear window the fuel tank is quite eveident, complete with aircraft style filler hoses connecting the tank to the dual NASCAR style filler caps. The only light the doesn't get the jeweled plastic treatment is the third brake light. I expect the brake lights on real Vipers don't get used much anyway. :-)

		The interior is mostly black, with white faced gauges, and even a redline on the Tach. The seats feature blue 3-point seatbelts, and the center console has a dull brushed aluminum look, complete with shifter and hand brake levers. the steering wheel even has a depression molded in to replicate the Viper emblem.

The wheels are Dodge 10 spokes, with a silver-blue spinner nut. Behind the fat rims you can see gray slotted disk brake rotors. Even the calipers are molded in. They roll quite freely. In fact, when I rolled it across the dining room table, I almost rolled it right off the edge. That would have been a good review, LOL, a wrecked GTS R.

		The exhaust pipes poke out almost in a sinister way from the lower body cladding. And instead of just being a little piece of glued on plastic, the pipes are separate pieces that run under the car. And the door mirrors really work. Small pieces of very shiny plastic actually reflect. Another nifty detail.



This car has quickly become one of the favorites in my 1:18th collection. It has an appeal like no other car. It's one of those models that dreams are made of. Someday...........maybe I can trade in the Chevy....... --Joe