Some other 2008 improvements I noticed...

[Y2K5SRT]

With a couple threads rolling along and 600 HORSEPOWER catching everybody's attention (and rightfully so), I noticed a few other things in the various articles I have read this morning. Of course the engine is VERY different in every respect, starting with the intake and the valve covers:

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I was also pleased to read that the oiling issues have been largely addressed with a larger oil pump and a swinging oil pickup adapted from the Viper Competition Coupe. And of course the redesigned hood is obvious, especially the vents:

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But what REALLY strikes me is the number of available "flavors" you will be able to choose from. Again, straight from the web:

"Eight exterior colors will be introduced throughout the model year - five of which are all-new including Venom Red, Snakeskin Green, Viper Violet, Viper Orange and Bright Blue. Racing stripes continue to be an option with six dual painted stripe colors available: white, black, silver, graphite, blue and red."

So that gives you 56, yes, fifty-six potential exterior color combinations including stripe-delete. But wait! You can further "customize" your car to get the interior colors you want too:

"Five interior colors will be available in 2008: black, and four new color combinations in black/red, black/blue, black/slate or black/natural tan. A choice of bezel finishes on the center instrument panel and console adds to the increased level of customization."

So now we have a whopping 280 potential exterior/interior color combinations - and that doesn't include the bezel finishes. But wait, we aren't done yet!! Don't forget the wheels, including what apparently is an all-new wheel design (and one not pictured yet):

"The Dodge Viper SRT10 rides on polished, forged aluminum, 18 x 10-inch front and 19 x 13-inch rear wheels now available in three styles: the five-spoke, the H-spoke and the all-new Razor wheel with five U-shaped spokes. The wheels are clad in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. The four-groove tread-design tires provide maximum grip, reduced road noise and superior handling in both wet and dry conditions."

So now you have a mind-boggling <u>840</u> potential "one-off" combinations with exterior, interior, and wheels factored in. Not to mention the much-improved PS2 tires as factory standard. We have come a LOOOOOONG way from the three variations (great as they were) in 2003.

So now which one of the 840 to choose from...

 

[Warfang]

More crayola marketing I say.

How about some performance package choices?

 

[Y2K5SRT]

More crayola marketing I say.

How about some performance package choices?

True - 600 HP, improved grip, and who knows what else (yet) certainly isn't enough performance. Perhaps a JATO rocket strapped to the back and actual train wheels (with track for lateral grip) could improve it a bit more.

Sorry, but 600 HP with a beefed up trans and rear end combined with a LOT of customer choices (no Limited Editions mentioned) seems like a HUGE leap forward. Anything else SRT provides at this point is just icing on the cake in my very humble opinion.

 

[DSR207]

Best news I heard in a long time....Way to go DODGE

 

[Fast Freddy]

600 hp never looked so good.

 

[FinalEd357]

I agree. Many of us state that we prefer Viper over Z06 (even if less performance) because of exclusivity. Now it appears we'll have both again, with even more exclusivity. Should the SC Vette materialize, who will car about that extra 50 HP (SS), even with less weight?

Since when does a 600 HP, v-10 that you will hardly ever see anywhere with 0-60 3.6 perf and 0-100-0 in 12 seconds sound slow? I can't wait to see the car in a few weeks.

 

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Looks good cant wait for the road tests.........

And i hope they carry on the white with blue......

 

[Kai SRT10]

I am waiting to see the curb weight numbers.

I'm already impressed by what they've done with the engine and drive train. (And I love the new dark red color.)

Right now, I'd say that the upgrade deserves an "A"

If they've pared down the weight as well, I'd give it an "A+++++"

My only disappointment is that the convertible still has the lame sport hoops instead of real roll protection.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I really wish they had done something with the upper intake. The dull color just doesn't look as menacing as the red intakes on Gen 1 &amp; 2's. I like the valve covers, but the intake doesnt look like it belongs on a exotic car like a Viper. Thats really my only complaint

 

[Early93Viper]

Great post Chris! But don't forget to mention the:

GKN Visco-Lok speed-sensing limited-slip differential
twin-disc clutch
Shorter throw shifter


I am really impressed with the new Viper (at least number wise) and can't wait to see how it does in the real world.

 

[Warfang]

More crayola marketing I say.

How about some performance package choices?

True - 600 HP, improved grip, and who knows what else (yet) certainly isn't enough performance. Perhaps a JATO rocket strapped to the back and actual train wheels (with track for lateral grip) could improve it a bit more.

Sorry, but 600 HP with a beefed up trans and rear end combined with a LOT of customer choices (no Limited Editions mentioned) seems like a HUGE leap forward. Anything else SRT provides at this point is just icing on the cake in my very humble opinion.

The lack of a Limited Edition IS a breath of fresh air ironically.

Also, a performance package doesn't necessarily have to be HP-targeted... how about dry sump, suspension, wings, splitters, exhaust, pcm upgrades, etc.? Heck even an OPTIONAL traction control system would be nice for some people. How about a "skinny" package, taking off a couple hundred pounds like the ACR?

Overall... still an awesome car. I'd have no problem with it sharing the garage with my GTS.

 

[TedK]

Don't forget the new "air-gap" headers and elimination of crossover. I wonder if the new exhaust setup could be swapped into 03-06's?

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Ummmm, forged pistons?

"Strength was added with forged powder-metal connecting rods and pistons with larger-diameter floating pins."

 

[Bobpantax]

Ummmm, forged pistons?

"Strength was added with forged powder-metal connecting rods and pistons with larger-diameter floating pins."

Hi Lee. I noticed the same thing. It looks like they built in more than enough durability for a boost option. So, my guess is that if Chevy rolls out their supercharged Vette, the SRT gearheads are ready with a boost option on short notice. It will be fun to see what happens. It has not been like this since the 426 vs 427 years back in the day.

 

[valentine_viper]

Great post Chris! But don't forget to mention the:

GKN Visco-Lok speed-sensing limited-slip differential
twin-disc clutch
Shorter throw shifter

Is the new rear similar to a Quaiff?? If so, considering the cost of converting a Gen 3 to a Quaiff, that's one hell of a bargain.

 

[YellowViperSRT10]

Where did you find this info?

 

[AviP]

Torque went up only 25 ft-lbs and for the first time, there's less torque than hp: the signature of a Viper ride. But it's still looking better than the competition.

 

[Mopar426]

Hi Lee. I noticed the same thing. It looks like they built in more than enough durability for a boost option. So, my guess is that if Chevy rolls out their supercharged Vette, the SRT gearheads are ready with a boost option on short notice. It will be fun to see what happens. It has not been like this since the 426 vs 427 years back in the day.

My only concern with that is they upped the compression so if boost will be added it will be low boost or a piston swap.

 

[Paul Hawker]

Guys. You might be missing the point.

This car comes with 600HP...STOCK....full warranty.
No way should this be looked upon as a bad thing.

Better transmission, rear end, better cooling, updated interior, new wheels, better engine management, better tires....on and on.

People that are complaining about this fantastic car, maybe just like to complain.

Had a girlfriend that liked to complain...once.

 

[SnakeBitten]

Well they got rid of the run craps so that alone will lose a few lbs from the Viper...Really would like to see a return of the ACR option to go head to head with the proposed SS,Bluedevil,Z07 rumer....It will need to be lightened to compete with this possible supervette...But this is great news for all Viper addicts...The Viper is NOT dead....

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Hmmmm.............who knows Warfang, you might get your wish, but join the throng now cheering, as it is the best chance to get those little items that sound so intriguing right now!! Who knows what Santa will bring in the very near future.

Bill P

 

[doctorbob]

I would like to know if DC is going to come out with a color handout to explain options and combinations. I would like to see the colors before choosing one but the blue with white stripes or red has me interested. Bob

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I am sure they will come out with a color sheet, as well as update their website when the time comes. Also, I stand corrected on the new "Razor" wheels - they were staring me right in the face all along!

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[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Those Razor wheels look good, are they the strongest of the choices? I need to know because I plan on beating the snott outta this car when I get it.

 

[Warfang]

Hmmmm.............who knows Warfang, you might get your wish, but join the throng now cheering, as it is the best chance to get those little items that sound so intriguing right now!! Who knows what Santa will bring in the very near future.

Bill P

Don't get me wrong... I think the update is great. DC did good. Was it everything I wanted? No. But it's pretty darn close... a lot closer than any other car out there.

 

[DodgeViper01]

WOW, 840 different color combos. I am liking the sound of that. I really can not wait to see the tan interior!

 

[YouWish]

Today is a great day!!! Long live the Viper!!! Hissssssssssssssssssssss!!!

 

[womsterr]

Looks like drive by wire and they moved the coils out from under the intake but now it has plastic covers over the valve covers like a Vette.

Is it me only ? - I think the hood is awful...

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

With the higher CR, larger displacement, and improved engine airflow, I would have expected 650-700 hp easy. My guess is that DC had to use V V T and electronic throttle bodies to limit the power to meet emissions. I would bet that reprogramming will yield monstrous results.

I am very pleased with the 2008 Viper. It truly looks like it will eat alive anything on the street, srip, or track up to only the highest costing exotics. How could anybody here not get excited about an 8.4 L 600 hp V-10 with a factory warranty. My only problem is that I love my Gen II too much to trade it in so I will have to save up the cash for a second which, for the first time is leaning towards a brand new Viper instead of another Gen II.

 

[FrankBarba]

could HEMI style heads be offered? was it ever considered? 840 different possible combo's. So we to say that we will be special ordering our vipers or are the dealers going to order them &amp; we get whats made? I'm in for a new one.
who wants my order?