Detroit Auto Show: Viper gets more of what it doesn't need
When you're packing 600 horsepower, you don't really need an interesting press conference. Or so Dodge thought when it came to introducing the new 2008 Viper. Other than a brief appearance by Kurt Busch, whose
ears are looking great by the way, the introduction of the Viper was as uneventful as Mr. Busch's last season in NASCAR.
It's kind of sick really when a 600 horsepower production car doesn't elicit anything more a low murmur from the assembled masses, but what do you expect from a car that was already ridiculously overpowered. Dodge did a decent job on the new hood as it manages to add more vents without looking like a Saleen reject. We still don't like the Viper's wheels though. You would think that a company with such close ties to AMG would figure out how to make a decent looking set of wheels, but once again the Dodge boys missed the mark with the Viper's honeycomb alloys.
All pinned back and ready for another season of NASCAR, Kurt Busch yucks up for the crowd.
- Permalink | Comments (9)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 9, 2007, 9:21 AM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Dodge, Sports Cars
Just when I thought the sick lunatics over at SRT couldn't think of anything else to put in the viper once again those maniacs have plesantly suprised me. 600 horses while to some it seems like overkill I think its a nice imporvement to the car and now all dodge has got to do is find buyers who will not floor this thing down the highway with half of the LAPD on their tail
I see what you mean about the wheels.
They remind me of those on the 1999 Daewoo Mirae concept, but are much less attractive.
I kinda like the rims. They don't exactly scream muscle car, but they're still nice.
There have been rumors of a forthcoming GTS model. I can only imagine what kind of insanity that'll comprise of.
I beleive the car has been improved in every perspective. Okay but the rims are iffy but i could live with it what with the 600 horespower and all.
600hp, wow! Unfortunately the Z06 will still whip the Viper in comparison tests because the Viper is just a powerful brute while the Z06 is refined. Not saying I dont like the Viper, just that its too much for some.
Everyone thought Dodge was going to sit back and watch Chevy leave them in the dust. WELL GUESS AGAIN! I knew Dodge wasn't gonna let Chevy make it too far ahead! Yes, we all know that Dodge isn't an everyday vehicle and YEs, it does it hot in the cabin, but that's what makes it a TRUE High performance exotic car........Now the only one we have to worry about is Porcshe coming out with a beast to kill both of them.
Dodge officials stated that they are fully prepared for a horsepower war when it comes to the Viper. Also, the Viper is a nimble vehicle (certainly for its size). You'd be surprised how fast it can negoiate the turns at a road course.
Is my memory problem or Dodge Viper had difficulties putting 500 hp down before? What they had to work on is interior, weight saving, and steering & suspension tuning; not adding another 100 hp and hoping some crazy dragsters will buy into it.
The reason they went to 600 was because they were ousted by the Z06. It's purely bragging rights. Now, I have no idea what 500hp compared to 600hp feels like, but I imagine it's a lot like 110º compared to 120º.