Viper Bites 2008 SRT10 promises 600 hp
 

Viper Bites
2008 SRT10 promises 600 hp

By MAC MORRISON

AutoWeek | Published 12/28/06, 12:00 pm et


The eternal battle between Corvette and Viper will evolve again this summer, when the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 arrives well ahead of Chevrolet’s Corvette SS “Blue Devil” supercar expected as a 2009 model.

Significant changes are signaled by the hood, which features a larger scoop and six new louvers designed to improve ventilation. When AutoWeek readers first spied test Vipers with this multi-ported hood last summer (“Killer Snake,” June 12, 2006), we speculated that Dodge might be working with Michigan-based American Specialty Cars to develop the McLaren-tuned Diamondback Viper featured on the ASC display at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Dodge says there is no connection between this Viper and the Diamondback, but SRT did go to the same specialists at McLaren Performance Technologies, as well as the tuners at Ricardo Inc., to put extra venom in this new Viper.
Leo Werberg
AutoWeek reader, Leo Werberg, captured this spy shot over the summer.

Extra underhood cooling is necessary to bleed off heat from the aluminum block V10, which receives a one mm larger bore to raise displacement from 8.3- to 8.4-liters. New cylinder heads, larger valves and variable exhaust valve timing—a Viper first—are part of an engine revision package that produces a staggering 600 hp, 90-hp more than the previous model. Torque rises by 25 lb-ft, to 560. The factory claims sub-four second 0-to-60-mph capability, and says the snake will run from 0-100-0-mph in the 12-second range.


Besides the engine mods, Viper receives a smaller twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia and pedal effort, and a revised Tremec six-speed gearbox with stronger gears to handle the torque increase. The gearbox also utilizes different synchros and is connected to a new short-throw shifter. Brakes and suspension carry over, but a new GKN Visco-Lok limited-slip differential promises improved traction.


The 2008 Viper goes on sale this summer with a minor price increase expected over the current $86,995, keeping it well under the “Blue Devil’s” anticipated six-figure sticker. But with rumors suggesting the mega-Vette will push as much as 650 hp, General Motors might regain the upper hand as the American exotic car tete-a-tete continues unabated.

Your move, Chevy.

Mopar will always be in 2nd place :D

Even my buddy with a 2005 Viper says he'd rather have the C6 Z06 for everyday driving :D

The carbon fiber 675 Horse with 600 Torque is the Blue Devil Eater {Special Viper}. But both are sweet. Unfortunatley with ZO6 roof panels blowing off, Valves dropping and wiping out engines, Crank bearings wiping out, Half shafts breaking and rears blowing...
GM needs to get a grip if they do not want Toyota as the "Largest Car Company On The Planet" . Please GM do not let this happen.
AND BUILD THE VOLT NOW!

I'd take the ZO6 ANYDAY over the Viper.

I prefer the looks and the everday driveability of the Vette. :thumbsup:

I agree I have ridden in both cars. Z06 all the way. unfortunatly i was not allowed to drive either.:cry:

viper and corvette look like the same car

:drool:

You bring that 675hp Viper, put it up against the Callaway Corvette, and there is no viper anywere that will run with it. Only a few a year are made. Or the new Callaway C16 Corvette. Nothing is gonna touch it. I am Corvette all the way.

:shakinghead:

the original viper did not look like a vette.

They look nothing alike one looks like a snake the other looks like it is drawing from modern aeronautical themes in military jets.

They have some similarities, but IMO look nothing alike.

I would also take a corvette over a viper any day. The only thing stopping me is my wallet.

I know it's already been said, no they don't.
Here's a side profile of each of them to help prove the point.

http://www.corvettecentral.com/image.../full/Side.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e1...coupe-side.jpg


As you can see, the Z06 is CLEARLY the better-looking car. Not to mention fastest.