Mike--
Thanks for asking the questions you asked of the rep.
The numbers you quoted, 11.8 and 212mph--I'd like to comment on them.
First off, you mentioned you think these numbers are more representative of magazines. I'm not so sure about that one. On the 11.8 number, I don't doubt viper launch specialists will be able to make that.
However, with our recent experience with Cheby and the Z06 (2001 quoted from cheby at 4.0 0-60, which nobody was able to ever duplicate) I'm not so sure that the mags will easily duplicate the 11.8 because of skill/repetition required.
Having said that, I predicted here a while back that at least a COUPLE of major auto mags WOULD list an 11 second time. I stand by that prediction.
Now, 212mph.
IF this car breaks 200MPH, let alone 212mph, it will ROCKET into the news as one of the supercars of the world. IF the SRT joins the 200MPH club, I don't know how, but I will FIND a WAY to get one.
If the viper runs 212MPH, it will rock the Automotive world, and that is no joke. Everyone who has critisized the looks in the past will suddently be complimenting the aerodynamic genius behind the design--it's not just Japanization--it's FORM FOLLOWING FUNCTION--now THAT's another story altogether!
Now, back to earth--
Mike, my prediction is that the SRT will not break the 200MPH barrier in stock trim. It will either be drag or electronically limited in stock trim. I say this hoping it will, but those numbers are really just way out of the realm! I suspect that was wild optimism on the part of the Rep.
Thanks so much for the detailed report!