TA in the rain

[johniew398]

Went to a car show today which turned out to be a bust plus after we saw what cars were there, it started to rain.

Stopped at my wife's sister's house on the way home for a couple of hours. It started raining again when we were leaving and then turn into monsoon type weather for the 35 miles back home. Everyone was driving slow and had their blinkers on.

How bad was it raining? I had two semi's following me for several miles if that gives you an idea.

I had never had a reason to check the rain mode before but switched to that and couldn't believe how controllable the TA felt even when we hit small streams coming across the highway.

I typically wouldn't take the Viper out in the rain but it's nice to know it's nothing like the older cars and the Vettes I've owned.

[Policy Limits]

I had the opposite experience in my non rain mode 13 leaving an event in CT traveling into RI in incredible weather. Glad they thought of that moving forward though. Not like u plan to travel in those conditions but things happen. I still can't believe Dick Winkles & Ralph made it through a blizzard. They must've been scared to death.

[swexlin]

Also depends on tires. I've had my 03 in driving rain on the PA Turnpike out to Carlisle. At speeds of about 40, the PS2s handled great, and the car was pretty docile. Now, the Gen 5 has Pirelli's, correct, so that could be part of it as well?

[genVer]

I have a 13 so no rain mode and my first and only experience with driving in the rain was terrifying. The car only had about 500 miles on it so the tires were still brand new. I was on the interstate doing about 75 when it started to downpour. I didn't touch the brake; just took my foot off the accelerator and did my best to keep it pointed straight. I'm glad there wasn't traffic in the adjacent lane because the car drifted right into it and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I slowed down to a crawl until I could get off the highway and limped home. The next day I went out and bought a Wrangler to drive when the weather isn't great. I LOVE the Viper but it's not made for the rain.

[Bruce H.]

I did a full track day in the rain at 500 miles, and another half day closer to 1500 miles I think, with the TA's Corsa tires (see avatar picture). Both in regular ESC On mode, not rain mode, and it was good in the corners even very stable at just over 100 mph on the straights during the rain...avoiding standing water. Recently I got caught in heavy rain on the highway with about half tread left and had to slow way down as it was trying to hydroplane in standing water, and ruts in road from transports made it twitchy with the TA's 2.5 negative camber. Definitely have to drive with care according to conditions.

[mikesax]

I have over 15000 miles on my 13-unfortunately a good 500 in the rain and as long as you are not an idiot the car handles fine! I even had the "pleasure" of driving through and 8" belly of water for about 100 feet after a mega downpour last year-I still can't believe the car came through unscathed but it did!! As much as I hate "rain" the Viper handles it well! Kudos SRT!