Viper

Make
Dodge
Segment
Coupe

Sometimes, newer is better but not always as well-loved. A case in point is the second-generation Acura NSX; in every measurable aspect, it's better than the first-gen NSX, but it's the original that still tugs harder at the heartstrings.

Another example is the Dodge Viper. It's not as comfortable as today's high-performance Challenger coupes, but there was something appealingly raw about the Viper that we still yearn for. We're not the only ones who still appreciate the old-school Viper. Now, a car design student from Paris has come up with his own interpretation of a modern Viper.

The designer in question is Guillaume Mazerolle, who dubbed his creation the Viper Basilisk Concept. Mazerolle happened to stumble upon a Viper GTS-R in 2019 in France. Given the opportunity to sit inside, he was quickly won over. Drawing inspiration from both the second and third-gen Vipers, Mazerolle got to work with his modern interpretation.

While the cues to the older Vipers are evident in aspects like the rear graphic outline, the tailpipes from the older GTS, and the low front grille with dual stripes, Mazerolle's design is still clearly a much more modern and futuristic interpretation. There are ultra-thin headlights and a deep air inlet on the hood, while the windshield and transparent roof seamlessly flow into each other.

For the powertrain, the Basilisk has been envisioned with an electric motor at the back and a V10 engine in front, while the battery has been mounted low within the floor. While modern sports cars like the Corvette Stingray have transitioned to a mid-engine layout, there's still something appealing about an endlessly long hood to accommodate a front-engine configuration.

It's unlikely that the Viper will make a comeback anytime soon, but Mazerolle's design wouldn't be a bad place to start if Dodge had an unexpected change of heart.