2008 VIPER SHOWN IN MAGAZINE

[handyman_321]

It's just a gen III with more HP... dissapointing to say the least. I would like to hear Jays answer as to why he knew about all this in advance but couldn't/didn't say anything. Who else knew???

I'm about to join the VCA and from what I understand Jay is some sort of official or something (I'm going to find out). If this is true then I don't think he'll be getting my vote next year (if there even is a vote??). It sounds like he's trying to sound important by letting us know that he was in on the big secret. Then he teases everyone with another secret that ony he knows and us common folk will have to wait for press day to find out... What are we 10 years old??? I finished grade school along time ago and am long over popularity contests. Is this us/them attitude normal for the VCA???

Jay I don't know who you are, but thats strike one!!!

 

[Warfang]

It's just a gen III with more HP... dissapointing to say the least. I would like to hear Jays answer as to why he knew about all this in advance but couldn't/didn't say anything. Who else knew???

I'm about to join the VCA and from what I understand Jay is some sort of official or something (I'm going to find out). If this is true then I don't think he'll be getting my vote next year (if there even is a vote??). It sounds like he's trying to sound important by letting us know that he was in on the big secret. Then he teases everyone with another secret that ony he knows and us common folk will have to wait for press day to find out... What are we 10 years old??? I finished grade school along time ago and am long over popularity contests. Is this us/them attitude normal for the VCA???

Jay I don't know who you are, but thats strike one!!!

Forget about the politics, ego and ineptness with the VCA... it's not worth it. Their magazine even *****. I just pay my yearly $100 for the discounts with some of the great vendors/sponsors here. That pays for itself.

The best thing about the VCA are the Viper owners... most of them are great people.

 

[bigmike32172]

I know the secret too!
The car is going to weigh in at 3180lbs, OOPS!!! I let the cat outta the bag!

 

[Vic]

What!!???

No power cupholder????

Man, I'm so dissapointed. I was really looking forward to a power cupholder. Now I just can't bring myself to buy this new outrageous Viper with ~600HP. Boy, did DC screw up on this one...

[/satire]

 

[vipah]

Yeah yeah, time will tell. That's what everyone said about the Z06 too. If the SS is a reality, then DC missed again, and the SS (or blue devil) information has been out there for a long time at 650hp etc..")

Vipah, with ONLY 600 HP stock, you probably should not buy the 08 (although I'm thinking you would not even if it had 800 HP).
Better you wait for the Blue Devil. In the meantime, I will be kickin Z-oh-6's at the track and waiting on you and the blueman group. Rave on bowtie. Face it, DC responded with many changes to an already great car. The Z's are now yesterday's news.

I was looking forward to getting one that was going to be in the 650 range as promised by so many on this board.

Unfortunately the HP of the 2008 Viper doesn't match the DC flagship MB power. At 580HP it is well below the SL65 AMG.

Keep saying 600 all you want, the article is saying 580, and the SAME rag says the Corvette SS is coming in at 650HP. If it is the same weight as the Z06 you will do nothing but see tail lights.

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

What!!???

No power cupholder????

Man, I'm so dissapointed. I was really looking forward to a power cupholder. Now I just can't bring myself to buy this new outrageous Viper with ~600HP. Boy, did DC screw up on this one...

[/satire]

Hey Vic, don't forget the traction control. 'cause the beast is just toooo tough to handle without some nanny helping out.

/sarc

 

[Vic]

Yeah yeah, time will tell. That's what everyone said about the Z06 too. If the SS is a reality, then DC missed again, and the SS (or blue devil) information has been out there for a long time at 650hp etc..")

Vipah, with ONLY 600 HP stock, you probably should not buy the 08 (although I'm thinking you would not even if it had 800 HP).
Better you wait for the Blue Devil. In the meantime, I will be kickin Z-oh-6's at the track and waiting on you and the blueman group. Rave on bowtie. Face it, DC responded with many changes to an already great car. The Z's are now yesterday's news.

I was looking forward to getting one that was going to be in the 650 range as promised by so many on this board.

Unfortunately the HP of the 2008 Viper doesn't match the DC flagship MB power. At 580HP it is well below the SL65 AMG.

Keep saying 600 all you want, the article is saying 580, and the SAME rag says the Corvette SS is coming in at 650HP. If it is the same weight as the Z06 you will do nothing but see tail lights.

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

I hear ya. Unless this new Viper has gone on Jenny Craig diet, the 2008 SS Vette will still have a much better power-to-weight ratio. (580HP@~3425#, verses 650HP@~3150# is a huge difference, and the Viper would need about 700HP to equal the power to weight ratio of the 2008 SS Vette. If Chevy hits their near-impossible target weight of 2900#, the Viper would need 765HP just to be equal)

But mysteriously connected Jay says there is more to this new Viper than has been released so far, so maybe it went on a diet after all.

Another way to look at it, the Viper has tree stump pulling torque, way down low. Its not one of those high strung engines that needs to whine up to redline before the car moves its ***. And it looks much better than the Vette, imo. The total package is more unique, agressive, bolder looking than the Vette. Thats one thing I always liked about Vipers, the huge, effortless torque on tap, most of it already coming on, just above idle.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

Buy a Vette. Please, buy a Vette.

 

[vipah]

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

Buy a Vette. Please, buy a Vette.

I'll probably just save my money at this point. No reason to step up for the new Viper when it will get whooped by a Vette.

I'm a big Viper fan. That's why I am so dissapionted. Not sure why everyone else sees this as a great victory. Denial I guess.

 

[Vic]

Chuck- LOL! Why can't we have one of each? Here's my Santa list for 2008-

Keonigsegg CCX
Pagani Zonda
Saleen S7 TT
Enzo
Ford GT
Porsche GT
Viper
SS Vette
and so on down the food chain...right down to my new Mustang GT daily driver.

Why not? THats what guys do when they gots tons of cash, like Jay Leno, who has a barn full of neat stuff.

Even Paul Mumford had several sports cars, a couple of Porsches, at least one Ferrari I know of, a couple of Vipers, even an S2000.

Variety is the spice of life, if you can afford it. If not, (like me), then you just basically go for the best ONE or TWO you can afford. But that fact doesn't make me oblivious to other great and notable sports cars.

 

[Blue Batmobile]

I like the hood. Wish they made the front grill alittle different say bigger openings. I didnt see anything different in the rear.

Bat™

 

[Smog Dog]

Here is the Press Release on the new car:


The Chrysler Group's flagship brash and unrestrained V-10-powered sports car is significantly more venomous for '08. The underlying look inside and out is familiar, but the big changes are underhood, where the V-10 engine has been pushed out to a super-sized 8.4-liters, for 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 time of well under four seconds.

With help from racing specialists McLaren and Ricardo, engineers looked to raise the V-10's engine speed and improve its breathing. In doing so, the engine has improvements to the cooling system, plus new iron cylinder liners, cross-bolted main bearing caps, and powder-metal forged connecting rods. New CNC-shaped cylinder heads with larger valves and variable valve timing cap the new engine, improving response and efficiency, and a new two-piece intake manifold brings better airflow.

To match the engine improvements, the Viper gets a new clutch that's actually smaller in diameter, but its twin-disc design handles the torque with reduced pedal effort - a common complaint on the current model - while reducing rotating inertia. This is mated to a new Tremec six-speed manual with a wider range of ratios, improved synchros, and reduced shift-knob travel. In addition, the Dana rear axle gets a new speed-sensing, limited-slip differential for better traction.

Thanks to Brembo dual opposing-piston calipers front and back, the Viper can now brake from 60 mph to a stop in less than 100 feet, and go from a zero to 100 to zero in just over than twelve seconds.

Changes to the Viper's outward appearance are minor overall, but in front the '08's differences are most pronounced, with a hood that's been redesigned with a larger scoop for better induction and aggressive-looking louvers for improved cooling.

Previously, Vipers came in little more than basic-black inside, with a kit-car feel brought on by parts-bin components and non-matching surfaces. The current Viper was a big step up in civility, but for the '08 Viper makes another step ahead with more than a few interior choices. It will be available in five different interior colors with a choice of bezel finishes, along with other customization options.

Assembly will remain at the Chrysler Group's Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit , with first deliveries of the '08 planned for spring.

I am interested in seeing how the gear ratios are changing in the new Tremec, if this press release is accurate. Less overdrive 5th and 6th?? More guts 1st and 2nd???

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

Buy a Vette. Please, buy a Vette.

I'll probably just save my money at this point. No reason to step up for the new Viper when it will get whooped by a Vette.

I'm a big Viper fan. That's why I am so dissapionted. Not sure why everyone else sees this as a great victory. Denial I guess.

Denial? I'm not denying 600hp.

But you haters need to face reality. Even if a newer beautiful body style came out in 08 it would never capture the magic the GenI/II had. Enjoy the memories and move forward.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I was looking forward to getting one that was going to be in the 650 range as promised by so many on this board.

Unfortunately the HP of the 2008 Viper doesn't match the DC flagship MB power. At 580HP it is well below the SL65 AMG.

Keep saying 600 all you want, the article is saying 580, and the SAME rag says the Corvette SS is coming in at 650HP. If it is the same weight as the Z06 you will do nothing but see tail lights.

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

I havent seen the 650 # mentioned here in a while. Lately it has been 600HP that had been rumored. Where did you read 580HP? The MotorTrend article plainly says 600HP

 

[vipah]

I was looking forward to getting one that was going to be in the 650 range as promised by so many on this board.

Unfortunately the HP of the 2008 Viper doesn't match the DC flagship MB power. At 580HP it is well below the SL65 AMG.

Keep saying 600 all you want, the article is saying 580, and the SAME rag says the Corvette SS is coming in at 650HP. If it is the same weight as the Z06 you will do nothing but see tail lights.

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

I havent seen the 650 # mentioned here in a while. Lately it has been 600HP that had been rumored. Where did you read 580HP? The MotorTrend article plainly says 600HP

Within the article it says 580hp, even though the title says 600hp. It was a bit hard to read from the scan, but it clearly said it is producing 580HP.

The last people that were 'in the know' were saying 630 to 650. Maybe they were confused with the vette SS

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

"Denial? I'm not denying 600hp.

But you haters need to face reality. Even if a newer beautiful body style came out in 08 it would never capture the magic the GenI/II had. Enjoy the memories and move forward."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not a hater, I'm a lover of Dodge and having experience that great "Leap Forward" of the initial Viper designs and the stunning continuation in GenII, I have no issues with holding those body design engineers that are not getting it done in 2008 to task. Folks, the 2008 body design is the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and NOW the 2008 design with a NEW HOOD.

The "newer beautiful body style" didn't come out in 08. Its a clunky, almost goofy hood, and it will take a beating in the real world of crushing new designs. I'm not just disappoined, I'm beginning to get worried.

That alarm some of us are hearing is the "another year wasted in regard to retaining the title of "The World's most beautiful, most powerful AMERICAN MADE masterpiece" alarm."

 

[Scott_in_FL]

Gee, 5 pages in and this is the first I catch of this thread. My point has always been that DC has no incentive to design the new car to do anything more than just edge out the Z06. Why do more and face reliability issues?

I'll bet they tested all hp from 550 to 650 trying to figure out what number will best a Z06 by one tenth to 60 and in the quarter. How much does anyone want to bet the road tests will all have the Viper beating the Z06 by those slim margins?

There is no way DC was going after the Blue Devil with this refresh in '08. That would cost huge $$$ because weight is the killer. If the Viper survives to '10, then we'll see GenIV take a stab at it.

So, again, why is everyone so surprised about the news? It's the only result that makes any logical sense?

P.S. That's why buying an '06 coupe for low $70k when you could was the deal of the decade (assuming you add the paxton).

 

[Nader]

0-60 isnt a true measurement of performance since traction is a huge issue especially with all the Viper's torque but I am sure it will best it by at least one tenth. However I think it will beat the Z06 in the quarter by .3 to .5 with the new power, better tires, better tranny, lighter clutch and better rear...

 

[Finally got it !]

I for one will be buying an 08 as soon as production rolls. My only dilema is the color scheme.

 

[BlueGTS]

600hp, twin disk clutch, better tranny and people are still complaining? This car will run high 120's in the quarter bone stock. What more can you ask for?

Why would they redesign the coupe that has been out only 1 year? That would be the worst return on investment ever. The new coupe is a great looking car and looks 10x better in person. (Not as nice as a GTS, but that is personal preference.)

This is the most exited I have been about the Viper program since I saw the GTS concept car. Way to go Dodge!

 

[getbit]

600hp, twin disk clutch, better tranny and people are still complaining? This car will run high 120's in the quarter bone stock. What more can you ask for?

The Concept GTSR or even a street version on the Competition Coupe...the very thing most current owners have been asking for at every opportunity and round table discussion at VOI's.

 

[SRT10]

Yeah yeah, time will tell. That's what everyone said about the Z06 too. If the SS is a reality, then DC missed again, and the SS (or blue devil) information has been out there for a long time at 650hp etc..")

Vipah, with ONLY 600 HP stock, you probably should not buy the 08 (although I'm thinking you would not even if it had 800 HP).
Better you wait for the Blue Devil. In the meantime, I will be kickin Z-oh-6's at the track and waiting on you and the blueman group. Rave on bowtie. Face it, DC responded with many changes to an already great car. The Z's are now yesterday's news.

I was looking forward to getting one that was going to be in the 650 range as promised by so many on this board.

Unfortunately the HP of the 2008 Viper doesn't match the DC flagship MB power. At 580HP it is well below the SL65 AMG.

Keep saying 600 all you want, the article is saying 580, and the SAME rag says the Corvette SS is coming in at 650HP. If it is the same weight as the Z06 you will do nothing but see tail lights.

Looks like another let down to me. I am truly dissapointed.

From Kipp Owen Director of SRT..its 600HP NOT 580hp

PRESS RELEASE:

Even More Venom: Dodge Unleashes New 600-horsepower 2008 Viper SRT10

* Additional 90 horsepower on tap from new 8.4-liter Viper SRT10 V-10 engine
* Dramatic new hood features restyled, functional air extractors
* 0-60 mph in under four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in just over 12 seconds, braking in under 100 feet
* New exterior, interior colors provide customers with increased customization options

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling.

While every SRT vehicle offers balanced, overall performance, the heart and soul of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is its standout powertrain. For 2008, SRT ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque.

"A legendary big-game hunter once said, 'Bring enough gun!' ? and with the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, we've created some very powerful artillery for sports-car enthusiasts," said Kipp Owen, Director ? Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Engineering, Chrysler Group. "With 600 horsepower ? 90 more than before - and 0-to-60 performance in less than four seconds, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 sets a new benchmark for the ultimate American sports car."

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

So what percentage of people will now will think Gen III's are all 600hp?

 

[Vic]

600Hp! Sheesh! I can remember back in the early 80s, we all thought 300Hp was a lot. Then the Gen1 seemed like a bear with 400HP when it came out.

This is the golden age of automobiles. Pinch yourself, and check your pulse, if you're not excited! We are living it NOW.

600HP off the showroom floor.....mull that over for a while.....600Hp!

Sorry, but the impact is just now setting in!

 

[big-n-italian]

this may a good time to remind everyone who will be buying an 08 - DONT LET ANYONE DRIVE YOUR CAR!

if a car wash attendant, a mechanic, whatever cant handle 500 HP, do you think they will be able to handle 600 HP?

NO!!

 

[AlbertFattal]

imagine trying to wax the cars hood

 

[RoadiJeff]

Looks like DC is heading in the right direction with the performance increase, although people in other forums are saying that an 8.4L V-10 should be putting out more than 600 HP.

Anyway, if DC would do something about that GM bowtie car styling they'd have a winner and I might be interested in one for myself. Until then, some aftermarket goodies over at Roe Racing will keep me happy for a few more years.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Looks like DC is heading in the right direction with the performance increase, although people in other forums are saying that an 8.4L V-10 should be putting out more than 600 HP.

They've been saying that ever since 1992. But we usually have to wait for them to catch up to us to remind us of that.

HP/L ratio. LOL Yeah...I really care.

 

[elanderholm]

Jay, that *****!

The Gen IV seems to have the same looks of the Gen III (besides cosmetic crap). That I don't like. It probably makes it a Gen III.5

Did anyone notice that for the first time, the Viper makes less torque than hp! I thought that was the signature Viper experience, earth moving torque.

We need to get Bob Lutz back!

It seems that that is the tradeoff with variable valve timing tech...Most cars with it have less torque than HP....This isnt so bad though...It could have been like the S2000 and have 160tq while making 250hp lol....Cant wait to see what this new snake does numbers wise....Wonder if it went on a diet...Doesnt look so at a glance...Glad they got rid of the run craps...That alone should drop the weight and have better ride/handling...

Variable valve timing has nothing to do with cars having less torque then HP. It has been used mostly, in the past on small engines allowing them to at least make some torque on the bottom end and still make high HP at faster engine speeds. VVT will always result into better use of the engine, by allowing different cam profiles to be used at different engine speeds. As long as it is reliable it's always a win/win. The tuning can be more difficult, but people have been tuning vvt engines forever.

 

[elanderholm]

600Hp! Sheesh! I can remember back in the early 80s, we all thought 300Hp was a lot. Then the Gen1 seemed like a bear with 400HP when it came out.

This is the golden age of automobiles. Pinch yourself, and check your pulse, if you're not excited! We are living it NOW.

600HP off the showroom floor.....mull that over for a while.....600Hp!

Sorry, but the impact is just now setting in!

Exactly, with a 5 year waranty and reliability to make the engine last over 100k miles.