Overall I'd say this was a very positive review for the Viper. Tons of air time, looks way better and 1/3 the cost of the AMG. Here are a couple of grips that never seemed to get answered (by Motor Trend or SRT).
-Looking at the trap speed, I'd venture to guess the AMG's horsepower is underrated, especially given the extra weight the AMG hauls.
-Although the DCT is going to be faster at both the road course and a straight line race, they never answer this question. Can it handle the heat of running around the track for more than 4 laps at full tilt? A lot of DCT will get very hot (especially after 4 or more laps in 100 degree plus temps). I know a single lap shows a lap time, but can the AMG Black Series finish a track day at Laguna Seca with the heat they had last weekend?? How do you say "Limp Mode" in German?
-Rear wiggle from the Viper, really SRT, you still can't figure out how to make our halo car planted? (even after all the b.s. with the first Gen V versus ZR1 test). I think I even heard Randy mention bumpsteer, again not hard to sort out. Honestly, not acceptable on a platform that is technically over 10 years old.
-I didn't pay attention to the tires on the AMG Black, but were they Sport Cups or something very sticky?
-Melting paint and body panels on the Gen 5?...first time I've heard this.
-Parked side by side, the Gen 5 looks like art, the AMG looks ricer with that ugly wing. If you're going to make a Black Series and not have it look like ass, you've got to push the boundaries and flare it out, put a bigger wing on it, etc. At this level, it looks like something ordered from the JC Whitney catalog.
-Because of the cost, the AMG should technically win (if it can't then it is a epic fail on Mercedes part). Even if the Viper isn't faster at the track (and I think it would be if tire compounds were equal) it would be hard to pass up the car based on looks alone....white Gen 5's rule.
Cheers,
George
