Paul Hawker
Enthusiast
When at the Barratt-Jackson charity auction for the first production Viper, we got the chance to speak with the designers and engineers for the Gen V.
I casually asked what the deal was with the new Launch Control, and the answer stopped me in my tracks. The answer was that it allowed you to "beat everybody, every time".
Further discussion revealed that it did not mean that it was going to be the fastest car out of the hole considering 4wd set ups, or tubbed out street racers with slicks, but that it was designed to take the anxiety out of hole shots.
Don't know about everybody else, but I consider myself pretty good at launching my Viper, but still there is a bunch of anxiety about getting it going against tough competion. Sometimes I bog just a bit, or get over zealous, and spin a bunch too much. Sometimes I hit a painted line on the asphalt, and feel the tires skip and need to throttle back to regain traction.
With Launch Control, we can just hammer down and lay down consistant maximum launches.
For those who believe they can improve on the system, or simply wish to remain in complete control of the launch, they can easily leave Launch Control off and use their own personal skill to get off the line.
When on ViperClub events it is not unknow for members to line up against the Viper next to them at a light or stop sign. I know now that if I find myself up against a Gen V I will need to be on the top of my game, and will respect it's capability.
I casually asked what the deal was with the new Launch Control, and the answer stopped me in my tracks. The answer was that it allowed you to "beat everybody, every time".
Further discussion revealed that it did not mean that it was going to be the fastest car out of the hole considering 4wd set ups, or tubbed out street racers with slicks, but that it was designed to take the anxiety out of hole shots.
Don't know about everybody else, but I consider myself pretty good at launching my Viper, but still there is a bunch of anxiety about getting it going against tough competion. Sometimes I bog just a bit, or get over zealous, and spin a bunch too much. Sometimes I hit a painted line on the asphalt, and feel the tires skip and need to throttle back to regain traction.
With Launch Control, we can just hammer down and lay down consistant maximum launches.
For those who believe they can improve on the system, or simply wish to remain in complete control of the launch, they can easily leave Launch Control off and use their own personal skill to get off the line.
When on ViperClub events it is not unknow for members to line up against the Viper next to them at a light or stop sign. I know now that if I find myself up against a Gen V I will need to be on the top of my game, and will respect it's capability.
, a horrible lot they are
