Went to New York to see SRT today... got some new info too!

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Mike Brunton

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Jeff,

I think that was Rick's point... the SRT certainly doesn't look 9" wider. I think Rick thought the same thing and measured, and found it was only incrementally wider.

Probably a bunch of marketing goons looked at the car and tried to figure out how much wider they could say it was and get away with it, and they (being marketing goons who don't understand math) picked 9"
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toddt

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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!
 

garolittle

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Actually, one of the major car magazines (I think it was Road & Track) listed the width as 84 inches. Considering a Lamborghini is "only" 80 inches wide, the new Viper would have trouble squeezing into many parking spots.
 
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Mike Brunton

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Todd,

Excellent post - thanks.

As for the 212mph thing... I tend to think that was optimistic just like you do. However, I definitely think the car will break 200.... because....

1) It's got a reasonable amount of extra horsepower
2) I wouldn't be surprised if it rev's a bit higher than prior Vipers (GTS's are RPM limited in 5th gear)
3) It's supposedly a fair bit more slippery
4) Taller tires should effectively increase gearing just a bit
5) GTS's are rated at 185mph, but I've seen tests up to 192mph.

So, we're talking 50 more HP, less drag, more advantageous gearing, and I think that will be enough to grab an additional 8mph in top speed.

And I wholeheartedly agree that if it happens the car will really make it big in the rags. I know everyone says they dont care about top speed, but it will really help the image of the car, IMO.

We shall see! I wonder who would do a top speed test? I think MT used to be the only ones, but after Shroeder's crash, I believe they gave up on it.
 

Bobpantax

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A convertible that does over 200MPH - I don't think so. And, even if it did, what nut case is going to risk it without a full roll cage? My guess is that, with the top up, beyond 150MPH there will be serious noise,flutter and structural integrity problems with the top. Top down? - aerodynamics will suffer and the noise will be hellatious. ON the other hand, the new Comp Coupe should easily be good for 210+.
 

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