Report: Chrysler to take next-gen Viper back to Le Mans?

Apex Motorsports · 06-29-2011, 06:17 PM

This is all very obvious and predictable, but I am just stoked that we are getting close enough that Chrysler is starting to release some propaganda.

Report: Chrysler to take next-gen Viper back to Le Mans?

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Jun 29th 2011 at 1:32PM

Mending a rift in motor racing is good for everybody. It was good for American open-wheel racing when the Champ Car and IndyCar Series put aside their differences to rejoin forces. And it will be good for sports car racing now that the FIA and the ACO are in the same corner.

Just as Indy is set to grow with new manufacturers participating, so is it expected of the new FIA World Endurance Championship. Toyota is one of the major automakers reportedly working on a new LMP1 program, and now reports indicate that the Chrysler Group could be preparing to rejoin endurance racing with a competition version of the upcoming next-generation Viper.

As you may recall, the original Viper bred the GTS-R that claimed overall wins in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Rolex 24 at Daytona. It also scored back-to-back class wins at Le Mans in 1998, '99 and 2000, Sebring in 2000 and numerous others, including several titles in the FIA GT Championship and American Le Mans Series.

In bringing the next Viper back into the fold, Chrysler would look to challenge the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, BMW M3 GT2 and Ferrari 458 GTC in the GTE category. That last bit would be particularly interesting, as the two companies are now corporate cousins under the Fiat umbrella.

The automaker has reportedly brought Riley Technologies, the chassis manufacturer behind eight years running of Grand Am champions, to evaluate the new Viper for competition potential. We'll be watching to see how this development unfolds.

truth411 · 06-30-2011, 12:38 PM

I sure hope so, I still remember everyone getting their butts kicked by the viper in racing. The viper is the main reason GM made the Z06, MY GAWD did I love Team O.R.E.C.A.

*DGthe3* · 07-02-2011, 02:27 AM

I've always liked the Viper. It always struck me as the most badass, love it or hate it, no bones about it car on the market ('till the pulled it from the market). I respect Chrysler for building it, and I certainly hope they race it again. I only wish there were truly a 'stock car' racing series, where the only rules are for safety, not for 'equalization' (aka neutering of massive displacements & forced induction)

Apex Motorsports · 07-02-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I've always liked the Viper. It always struck me as the most badass, love it or hate it, no bones about it car on the market ('till the pulled it from the market). I respect Chrysler for building it, and I certainly hope they race it again. I only wish there were truly a 'stock car' racing series, where the only rules are for safety, not for 'equalization' (aka neutering of massive displacements & forced induction)

+5 billion Paul and I have this discussion about once a month. There needs to be a true "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" racing series.

Apex Paul · 07-02-2011, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truth411

MY GAWD did I love Team O.R.E.C.A.

They had fantastic success with the Viper. Overall wins at Nürburgring in three out of four years, with an overall win at the Rolex 24 as well. That means beating prototypes! Truly amazing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGthe3

...I only wish there were truly a 'stock car' racing series, where the only rules are for safety, not for 'equalization' (aka neutering of massive displacements & forced induction)

I used to like NASCAR, but I don't even turn my head if I walk by a television playing a race these days. If I wanted to watch a bunch of cars that were identical save for the decals run around a track and not pass anyone I would go buy a slot car track.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I've always liked the Viper. It always struck me as the most badass, love it or hate it, no bones about it car on the market

You have got me thinking a trip out of the garage may be in order for today.

Apex Paul · 07-02-2011, 09:33 AM

with Apex Chase's offspring

coolman · 07-02-2011, 09:54 AM

I love the viper. As far as I'm concerned it was the king of the american sports car. I've had several chances to ride in two different versions of this car and in one word I would have to "SCARY". I can wait to see the new one.

06-29-2011, 06:17 PM	#1
Apex Motorsports Drives: 2000 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky. Posts: 25,165	Report: Chrysler to take next-gen Viper back to Le Mans? This is all very obvious and predictable, but I am just stoked that we are getting close enough that Chrysler is starting to release some propaganda. Report: Chrysler to take next-gen Viper back to Le Mans? by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Jun 29th 2011 at 1:32PM Mending a rift in motor racing is good for everybody. It was good for American open-wheel racing when the Champ Car and IndyCar Series put aside their differences to rejoin forces. And it will be good for sports car racing now that the FIA and the ACO are in the same corner. Just as Indy is set to grow with new manufacturers participating, so is it expected of the new FIA World Endurance Championship. Toyota is one of the major automakers reportedly working on a new LMP1 program, and now reports indicate that the Chrysler Group could be preparing to rejoin endurance racing with a competition version of the upcoming next-generation Viper. As you may recall, the original Viper bred the GTS-R that claimed overall wins in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Rolex 24 at Daytona. It also scored back-to-back class wins at Le Mans in 1998, '99 and 2000, Sebring in 2000 and numerous others, including several titles in the FIA GT Championship and American Le Mans Series. In bringing the next Viper back into the fold, Chrysler would look to challenge the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, BMW M3 GT2 and Ferrari 458 GTC in the GTE category. That last bit would be particularly interesting, as the two companies are now corporate cousins under the Fiat umbrella. The automaker has reportedly brought Riley Technologies, the chassis manufacturer behind eight years running of Grand Am champions, to evaluate the new Viper for competition potential. We'll be watching to see how this development unfolds.

07-02-2011, 02:27 AM	#3
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	I've always liked the Viper. It always struck me as the most badass, love it or hate it, no bones about it car on the market ('till the pulled it from the market). I respect Chrysler for building it, and I certainly hope they race it again. I only wish there were truly a 'stock car' racing series, where the only rules are for safety, not for 'equalization' (aka neutering of massive displacements & forced induction) __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

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06-30-2011, 12:38 PM	#2
truth411 Drives: 2022 SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, tx Posts: 1,301	I sure hope so, I still remember everyone getting their butts kicked by the viper in racing. The viper is the main reason GM made the Z06, MY GAWD did I love Team O.R.E.C.A.

07-02-2011, 09:33 AM	#6
Apex Paul Drives: Wagon Queen Family Truckster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 1,476	with Apex Chase's offspring

07-02-2011, 09:54 AM	#7
coolman Guest Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PA Posts: 4,812	I love the viper. As far as I'm concerned it was the king of the american sports car. I've had several chances to ride in two different versions of this car and in one word I would have to "SCARY". I can wait to see the new one.