[KILLER74Z28]

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.