The Z06 isn't the only new competition!

[Hisserman]

The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

In addition to the new Z06 and the Ford GR-1, Lexus now has an entry in the list of coupes with better performance specs than the Viper. Their new LF-A has a 500+ hp dual overhead valve V8, is lighter than the Viper and is scheduled for the market in 2008.

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

I really wish I could be posting exciting new Viper things on this VCA site, but I guess we have to focus on those coming up from behind us fast!

 

[PRVT JET]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

They better do something about the styling!

 

[Hisserman]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Here's Bob Lutz introducing the CR-6 and Z06 at the Detroit Auto Show today:

www.corvettez06.com

This comes under the category of "Know your enemy"!

 

[rcdice]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

I believe Car & Driver estimated the new Lexus to sticker at $100k+.

 

[SingleMalt]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Don't hold your breath on the production-worthiness of that car either.

 

[doctorbob]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Great post Hisserman. I hope DC was watching the entire program video on the Z06 because (as if we didn't know), Bob Lutz plans to kick our *ss and beat vipers by technology(weight/engine/materials).

 

[Snakester]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Funny, but I don't see the upcoming Lexus as a competitor against the Viper. First-off it's a Lexus, so it's likely shooting for the M6, CL55 market.
And in that pursuit the price will likely be well over $100K, unfortunately for Luxus the Z06 Corvette will likely be more of a threat for this car than the Viper would be.

If the Firepower makes it to market, it would likely also be a player in this performance-luxury coupe segment.If only nibbling at the Jaguar side of the spectrum.

Also I'd be suspect that Lexus (read Toyota) would be hard hit to make this car so lightweight AND still maintain the luxury amenities needed to compete.

 

[Russ M]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Toyota does not know how to build light cars, never have never will. Expecting the new lexus to be light is a pipe dream, plain and simple.

To give you some examples mk2 supra 3100lb's, mk3 supra 3800lb's and mk4 supra 3750lb's. That being said toyota also has no intention of building viper competitors. If this car does make it to production it will be toyotas version of an M6 or AMG benz.

GM on the other hand just put the final nail in the vipers coffin. Many of us will be driving the new z06 since the price target is Viper owner range, not vette owner. Does not look like much, but hey lets face it neither do the srt's.

Dodge has had its day in the light and they blew it, maybe in another 20-30 years they will build a car to bring them back on top but for now all hail the new king.

 

[BlueGTS]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Russ, I am not sure where you are getting your numbers, but the MKIV did not weigh 3750. That car is ~100lbs heavier than a Viper GTS. Also remember, that car was introduced in 1993 and this is going to come out 15 years later. If they can not figure out how to make it lighter after 15 years god help them.

With that said, the car pictured is but ugly. It looks like a CTS gone horribly wrong. It better not look anything like that or no amount of HP will make people buy it.

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

you know, you guys got to start thinking outside the box a little. The Viper is bound to be beat in style and power sooner or later cause Dodge isn't doing sh*t to protect it. The new coupe doesn't have the looks, and doesn't have the power to hold off the competition. Dodge is still feeding off an old design that just doesn't have the blast that it once had.

I don't think the Lexus is so bad and the Vette has good looks, good power and more to come with a price that is very attractive to many buyers.

We are beat guys! Hold on to the Gen II Vipers cause that is the one everyone will desire and remember as the last KING. The KING has left the building.

 

[AviP]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

There was a time when the Supra, 300Z, Vette, etc forums used to fear and post about the Viper specs and now the reverse is happening. Damn you DC!

 

[Dv8tor]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Don't hold your breath on the production-worthiness of that car either.

Yeah, $1000 says that's not what you see the day it rolls off the line. If it rolls off at all.

 

[houstonT]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Hmmmmm, my mk4 supra weighs 3305 lbs. without me in it with a 1/2 tank of gas (per the San Antonio Raceway scales a few weeks ago). I don't know how you're getting 3750, but in the end, I bet the Lexus car will NOT be as light as the Vette...
Peter

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

AviP, exactly my point.


Andrew

 

[Russ M]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Russ, I am not sure where you are getting your numbers, but the MKIV did not weigh 3750. That car is ~100lbs heavier than a Viper GTS. Also remember, that car was introduced in 1993 and this is going to come out 15 years later. If they can not figure out how to make it lighter after 15 years god help them.

With that said, the car pictured is but ugly. It looks like a CTS gone horribly wrong. It better not look anything like that or no amount of HP will make people buy it.

Gutted race cars like Chris Rado's, Joel Tanzmans, etc.. Weigh in at 3450 but I just realized that its with the drivers included

However that still makes a stock mk4 about 3500lb's which is extremly heavy for any sports car sporting a 6 cylinder engine.

 

[GTSREDDOG]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

That things just not ugly ...ITS FUGLY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Russ M]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

There was a time when the Supra, 300Z, Vette, etc forums used to fear and post about the Viper specs and now the reverse is happening. Damn you DC!

Far as the supra/z forums go they have no reason to change their fear neither of those cars have improved in the last decade.

Vette on the other hand, has finaly done what they have been dreaming of since the introduction of the viper.

 

[BlueGTS]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Russ, I still do not know where you are getting your information. "Gutted race cars" like the Titan car are 2800lbs. Supra's weigh about 3350 and I believe a GTS is about 3250.

I doubt this will be a high volume car, which will make it easy to keep it light. I bet it will look nothing like the picture when it comes out. I for one want as many 500hp cars on the road as possible. More things to pick off...

 

[Russ M]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

Look up the old specs they are all 3500lb's plus, I just did that on the mk4 forums.

The only way you are getting a mk4 to 2800lb's is by cutting alot of metal been there done that. Cars that are street cars where no cutting is allow weigh in much more. I can call Nero and ask him but 2800lb's is highly doubtfull even without driver.

 

[SnakeBitten]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

I had a friend with a Supra tt automatic and he weighted it at the track and it came up to nearly 3800lbs...Now he had Nos bottle and few other things in it so minus 100lbs to be generous and its still around 3600lbs plus...I know the hardtop non turbo's weighted in around 3300lbs and the 6 speed tt's are lighter then the automatics. Whenever I see someone quote the 3300lb range for Supras its either lightened or its a hardtop non tt. Or a hardtop NA-T. The average weight Ive seen over the years is 3500-3600lbs...

 

[Vreracing]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

I'm not sure about the appearance of the new Lexus.

Listen to Bob's opinion on the appearance of vehicles I got off the National Geographic channel.

Bob's comment

 

[Hisserman]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

They just announced from the Detroit Auto Show on tv a few minutes ago that the Saleen S7 is being boosted by 200 HP!! Their latest twin turbo beast comes from the factory with 750 HP and costs $550,000. They claim that they are aiming straight at the Enzo. Production is planned for 30 units/year. Nice car to run down to the grocery store in . . .

By the way, love Bob's comment above!

 

[CO GTS]

Re: The Z06 isn\'t the only new competition!

The way that I see it the Viper sits in an interesting slot in relation to these other cars. The Vetts are just Vetts, regardless of their specs; the problem being that they are so very common. I had a C5 and saw myself coming the other way almost every day. Vipers are rare and will always be so. Some of the other cars are rare; I have never seen a new Ford GT, Saleen S7, or an Enzo on the street. I'm sure their owners feel just like we do about our cars. The big Lexi, AMG MB's, BMW ///M's are just sedans as dull as the Vetts. The Viper simply is the best bang for the buck in terms of delight of ownership.
What makes the Viper different? Well here is a quote from the local BMW discussion group regarding some Vipers at a recent track event here in CO:
"That is some good footage. There were a TON of people out on Friday. I have never seen 6, yes 6, vipers in one place before. Took my older boy, Ryan, out for the first time. He thought he was getting away with something that he shouldn't be. What a blast. It was good to see all the folks from the club out there. Chalk up another 78 track miles and a good time."
---------------
David
2001 yellow GTS