I bought my first Viper in 1994, have had at least one Viper at all times since, with two Vipers from 1996-2003(I still have my 2001 GTS). Having bought 5 new Vipers, most recently the '03 and been a VCA member since it was formed, I am in no small measure a Viper fan and owner for almost 11 years now. A simple "nay" is too mild for the sorrow and disappointment I feel in this latest offering.
DC has killed the Viper IMO. I bought my GTS from Bill and consider Bill a friend and co-enthusiast. But to read his suggestion of an aftermarket mod for the Viper to outrun a Corvette is amazing and to pull the "exclusivity" card! That sounds like an echo of the Ferrari and other exotic crowd when trounced by the Viper. Sorry, Bill and I do hope that DC's efforts don't affect your profession much, as you bring so much professionalism to the business.
Compounding this, unless the Coupe has the oiling issue fixed, the Coupe is a poseur car IMO, just like the SRT. AFTER I bought my '03, I discovered that DC re-designed the sump so that the SRT (de-emphasis on RACING) starves for oil when turning left. Fine on the street, but useless on the track. DC told me I should not take the SRT on track. Outrageous! Am I supposed to enjoy the SRT's formidable performance potential with pedestrians, other traffic, telephone poles and small animals around? The ONLY place to responsibly partake of what this kind of car can do is the relative safety of the track. Well, By-Bye SRT.
Well, I just read Autoweek and the Z06's makers put in a dry sump and say fine to track driving and we'll warranty it, too. It is probably 200-300 lbs lighter than the SRT and should perform comparably or better and cost $15K or more less that the SRT Coupe. So what if there are others driving the Z06 around? I drive what I like because I like it, not to pose like a Madonna video.
As for looks, the SRT is fine, but not that special and not dramatically better than the Z06. In fact, the Z06 has a more purposeful look and I respect the aluminum frame, hydroformed headers, titanium connecting rods and intake valves and other innovations so much that the car becomes more beautiful to me when I know what lies beneath.
If DC does not have a surprise in Detroit next week (and they have been know to do that!), the Viper is dead. Long live AMG, the top dog in DC performance, as long as you like a lead sled with an auto.
A harsh rant, I know, but my next two-seater will NOT be Viper, and I never said that from 1993-2003.
VIPER
R.I.P
2006
