More Spy Shots: 2008 ASC/McLaren Dodge Viper
We ran across some more pics of the 2008 McLaren-ized Dodge Viper and a few extra tidbits of info? Because the current Dodge Viper just isn't fast, light or fabulous enough, American Specialty Cars decided that it would build a concept Diamondback Viper just in time for this past January's North American International Auto Show. With a wink and a smile, ASC officials hinted at the time that building a production version of the car would present some challenges, particularly the ten intakes popping through the hood. Seems they've solved that problem, if these spy shots are any indication. The snake sports some serious poison as far as horsepower goes -- 650 is the number folks are tossing around at the moment -- putting the vehicle at 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shawn 8:22AM (6/07/2006)
"American Specialty Cars?" LOL German engineering, British know-how, American nothing.
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Randy 8:47AM (6/07/2006)
650 Hp...thats nice
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James 8:50AM (6/07/2006)
the article states that dodge is not planning production vipers for '07. does anyone know why?
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G 8:57AM (6/07/2006)
Looks like somebody's got Z06 envy.
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Taylor York 9:13AM (6/07/2006)
I didn't think that billboard was funny then, and I don't think its funny now.
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JJ 10:11AM (6/07/2006)
Except the fact that the Viper was around BEFORE Chrysler became DaimlerChrysler.. so it STILL is technically an American car, and I dont know much about ASC but i thought they were an american company *shrugs*. Cant hurt that they have an office right across the way from the DCX building in Auburn Hills though
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Bob 10:17AM (6/07/2006)
"American nothing" not quite.
In addition to the England based McLaren, engneering is done by American engineers at both ASC, which is a Southgate Michigan based company and in Auburn Hills, Michigan where the majority of Chrysler Group's engineering is done by about 12,000 Americans.
Plus the Viper is built in Detroit.
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Lee Gibson 11:11AM (6/07/2006)
German engineering? In the VIPER? Pass what you're smoking.
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Tony 11:12AM (6/07/2006)
McLaren Performance Technologies is in Livonia, MI. (http://www.mclarenperformance.com/), ASC is also in MI, therefore this has nothing to do with "German Engineering" and "British know-how".
ASC and McLaren were also responisble for the Buick GNX.
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the other Kevin 11:23AM (6/07/2006)
You guys also seem to forget that Lamborghini had to design the original V10 engine for the viper? American tacked-on is correct. I hate to admit it, but I think the American's piddling with this car is what ruined what could be the ultimate roadster.
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JAPROCKS 11:24AM (6/07/2006)
Haha my civic would blow that thing away.
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Ian 12:00PM (6/07/2006)
McLaren Engineering was originally formed by Bruce McLaren re his entrant of cars into the CanAm series. Later they developed BMW turbo'ed engines for the team in F1 (1983 I think). Later in the decade McLaren Engineering became an independant organization entirely US based and separate from today's Mclaren entity in the UK, which is run by Ron Dennis.
McLaren Engineering has a terrific reputation as well as a full racing history.
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Ian 12:06PM (6/07/2006)
Actually the original V10 was a 100% Chrysler designed truck engine. Lamborghini then tweaked the egnine to Chrysler specs.. See this:
The Viper V10 is loosely based on the rest of the LA family, and appeared with the Dodge Viper in 1992. It can be thought of as a Magnum 5.9 with two extra cylinders and a longer stroke of 3.88 in (99 mm).
Originally designed as a truck engine, Lamborghini revamped Dodge's cast-iron block V10 for the Viper by recasting the block and head in aluminium alloy, giving the engine a significant power boost. Some within Lamborghini felt that the pushrod two-valve design, while adequate for the truck application for which the engine was originally created, was unsuitable for a performance car. However, Chrysler was uncertain about the Viper's production costs and sales potential and so declined to provide the budget for the modification.
The engine produced 400 hp (298 kW) and 490 ft·lbf (664 N·m) of torque. The second-generation engine produced 450 hp and 490 ft·lbf. The third-generation engine (starting with 2003 Viper) continues to use this engine, but now with 510 hp and 535 ft·lbf.
Production of the V10 engine started at Mound Road Engine before moving to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. This is the same facility that produces the Viper itself.
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Nick 1:16PM (6/07/2006)
Don't forgot Chrysler owned Lamborghini back then.
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Frank 2:40PM (6/07/2006)
So what Ian is trying to say to you "the other Kevin" is that Chrysler turned to Lamborghini (which was OWNED by Chrysler at the time) for help in casting the engine in aluminum, something that Lamborghini had a lot of experience with. Lamborghini did not design the engine. I hope you learned something.
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gbh 2:54PM (6/07/2006)
Yes it is a very lightly modded truck engine. If it were a truly 'purpose modified' hipo 8L V-10, it would have OHC (SOHC or DOHC). It would also have a performance intake. It would also probably be force-inducted.
Doesn't really matter to me though. For under 50K, there's too many ways to beat a Viper.
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Mike from Scarborough 5:57PM (6/07/2006)
To everyone ::::( Exept Ian who is correct ) There 8.0 L Viper Motor was 99% Amercan.The engine is based on a 360 'LA" series motor.The " LA " series engines includes the 273,318,and the awesome 340 wich i had in 2 or my cudas.Lamborghini had verry little to do with anything with a 360 CI pushrod v-8 engine with another bank of 2 cylinders on it.They Tunned the runners for the motor,that I know.
" It takes a Mopar to catch a Mopar"
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Mopar Bloodline 2:23AM (6/11/2006)
ok heres the deal (mopar rules mopar rules mopar rules then i need to say something that really maters there needs to be a maclaren challenger if they come out with them in 08' which is problably the reason for no production viper in 07' can anyone say hemi with twin turbos and a 7 speed and a stroger rear and better running gear if not ill do it when i buy one but that would freakin sell gentelmen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and ladies if there are any who like mopar.. most girls i kno love rustangs
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