Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/video-2010-nissan-gt-r-makes-supercar-friends/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/video-2010-nissan-gt-r-makes-supercar-friends/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/video-2010-nissan-gt-r-makes-supercar-friends/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Supercar parade - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

It's Godzillapalooza time boys and girls! More precisely, the day before the 2010 Nissan GT-R had to go back, my buddy Steve asked if I could give him a ride in the Skyline. Well, he'd actually been calling since two weeks before the car showed up, but anyhow, Steve is a filmmaker and he showed up camera in hand. Our plan, quite honestly, was just a quick blast across some empty freeways and nothing more. But then we saw the exit for Angeles Crest Highway and even though it was amateur day (Sundays = dozens of motorcycles riding off sheer cliffs in front of cops) we figured Steve should see Godzilla eat a canyon. Plus, after you get a few miles up you can turn left off Angeles Crest onto Angeles Highway, a much less congested (and some would argue better) road.

What happened next is one of the many reasons I'm never leaving Southern California. Stuck behind a pickup truck is a veritable supercar parade. From front to back: Ferrari F355 Spyder, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Mothra BMW M6, Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spyder. I can't say for certain, but I think Godzilla was smiling. Eventually the truck pulled over and it was on. Well, OK, we got stuck behind the slow Ferrari, but it was still quite fun.

We all stopped for lunch where we asked the drivers if the matching Ferrari shirts add 5 horsepower. Then we hopped back in the cars, but not before I announced that the Nissan would be running mid-pack. The Viper driver yelled, "Try to keep up!" Little did he know I was wearing my high performance flip-flops. Thanks to Steve for filming and cutting the video: follow the jump to watch it.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Nissan GT-R2010 R352010NissanGt-r2010R35BMWBMW M6BmwM6DodgeDodge ViperDodge Viper SRT10DodgeViperDodgeViperSrt10FerrariFerrari F355Ferrari F355 SpyderFerrari F430Ferrari F430 SpyderFerrariF355FerrariF355SpyderFerrariF430FerrariF430SpyderGodzillaGT-RM6NissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rR35R35 SkylineR35SkylineSkylinevideoViperWed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[You Had Your Chance: Chrysler says Viper program is no longer for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/you-had-your-chance-chrysler-says-the-viper-program-is-no-longe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/you-had-your-chance-chrysler-says-the-viper-program-is-no-longe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/you-had-your-chance-chrysler-says-the-viper-program-is-no-longe/#commentsFiled under: ,


2008 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The future of the Dodge Viper has been in question since the summer of 2008, when it was reported Chrysler was considering selling the rights to their halo sports car instead of killing it all together. Initially, there seemed to be plenty of interested parties, including Roush and Saleen, but the dwindling economy led to just one lowball offer from Michigan-based Devon Motor Works. Even after the Viper's production facility re-opened last month, it was still assumed that the 600 horsepower sports car would up for grabs. Not anymore.

Today, Chrysler announced that the Viper program is no longer for sale and that it will be continued to be produced past the end of the year at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant. There was no mention as to why the decision was made or what will happen beyond 2010, but for now, the Viper is safe. The official press release doesn't offer much information, but you check it out after the jump, along with a video from Chrysler discussing the decision and giving brief history of the Viper.


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading You Had Your Chance: Chrysler says Viper program is no longer for sale

You Had Your Chance: Chrysler says Viper program is no longer for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerDodgeDodge ViperDodge Viper saleDodge Viper SRT10DodgeViperDodgeViperSaleDodgeViperSrt10ViperFri, 10 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-viper-srt-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-viper-srt-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-viper-srt-10/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Next January's Detroit Auto Show will mark the 20th anniversary of the Viper's debut as a concept. Back then, every car in Chrysler's lineup was still derived from the K-Car. The K-cars saved Chrysler from the jaws of bankruptcy, but an executive named Lutz decided the automaker needed a new halo car to generate some excitement as a new decade dawned. Another old guy named Carroll Shelby was sprucing up Daytonas and Omnis at the time, so they decided to revive an idea from earlier in his career. Together they created a minimalistic two-seater with a humongous engine that became an instant American classic. That basic premise lives on today in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 with only slightly less minimalism. Read on to find out what it's like to live with a snake for a week.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 [w/VIDEO]

Review: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 dodge viper srt-102008DodgeViperSrt-10dodgedodge viperdodge viper srt-10dodge viper srt10DodgeViperDodgeViperSrt-10DodgeViperSrt10featuredviperThu, 11 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Autoblog autocrossing

Yesterday at Chrysler's annual media gathering to show off new products at the its proving grounds in Chelsea, MI, the struggling automaker wanted to demonstrate the performance capabilities of its SRT branded vehicles. SRT staff set up an autocross course on the vehicle dynamics pad and brought out examples of every SRT vehicle from the Caliber SRT-4 to the mighty Dodge Viper ACR. Before we were allowed to hop in the cars, we had listen to a short briefing that described the course and some safety rules. And before being allowed to climb into the big snake, we had to complete at least a couple of laps in one of the five Challenger SRT-8s to get familiarized with the course. For a big 4,140-lb coupe, the Challenger proved surprisingly nimble. We learned that with the electronic stability control enabled, it's almost impossible to get the back end to swing wide. The stability control has two alternative modes. The first is engaged by a momentary stab of ESP button and allows some extra slip before intervening, while pressing and holding the ESP button for five seconds completely disables the stability and traction control leaving only the ABS. Read what happens (and watch the tire-burning videos) after the jump.

Gallery: Chrysler SRT Autocrossing

Continue reading Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR

Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge challengerdodge challenger srt-8dodge challenger srt8dodge viperdodge viper acrdodge viper srt-10dodge viper srt10dodge viper srt10 acrDodgeChallengerDodgeChallengerSrt-8DodgeChallengerSrt8DodgeViperDodgeViperAcrDodgeViperSrt-10DodgeViperSrt10DodgeViperSrt10AcrfeaturedFri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

R.I.P. DODGE VIPER

A few blogs back I wrote about how Chrysler is going to combine its three brands and start eliminating overlapping models. The idea is to have Dodge concentrate on trucks and work-utilities, with Chrysler exclusively selling cars, and Jeep offering only SUV-based Jeeps.

It's a bold plan, but a risky one. And while I see the logic in what they're trying to achieve, I don't agree with parts of it. Specifically, I wrote in my blog that no matter what happens, they ought to keep the Dodge Viper. Well, so much for my opinion. The word just leaked out that the Viper is going to get the axe.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to finish reading this week's editorial.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitAutolineDetroitautolineonautoblogdodge viperdodge viper cancelleddodge viper srt-10dodge viper srt10DodgeViperDodgeViperCancelledDodgeViperSrt-10DodgeViperSrt10john mcelroyjohn mcelroy autoblogJohnMcelroyJohnMcelroyAutoblogviperMon, 31 Mar 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Has Cerberus killed the Viper?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/has-cerberus-killed-the-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/has-cerberus-killed-the-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/has-cerberus-killed-the-viper/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above to view more high-res shots of the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

According to Jalopnik, yes. We reported yesterday that as a part of Project Genesis, Chrysler was planning to cut more models in addition to the PT Cruiser Convertible, Pacifica, Crossfire and Magnum. Jalopnik is reporting that, according to several of its sources, the decision has already been made that the Dodge Viper SRT10 will be cancelled, as well. The decision was reportedly made after Cerberus took control of Chrysler and was not part of the automaker's future product plans prior to its split with Daimler.

While the current 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 just received an update for 2008 that includes a new version of its iconic V10 engine capable of producing 600 horsepower and a track-ready ACR model, it was only ever meant to be on the market for another two years until the fully redesigned next-gen Viper bowed. Since that's reportedly not going to happen, the Viper will reportedly be sold as is through the 2011 model year.

The Viper has never been a cheap car to build, being assembled by hand at the automaker's Connor Avenue Assembly Plant. The obvious argument for killing the halo car is that money spent on developing the next-generation Viper could go towards better interiors and more appealing designs for bread and butter models, the sales of which keep the lights on at the company's Auburn Hills, MI headquarters. The Viper, however, has always been more than just a halo car for Chrysler, it's been a symbol of what the company can do when it's firing on all cylinders. If this report is true, to see it cancelled indicates just how lean these times really are for Chrysler under its new management.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

Has Cerberus killed the Viper? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcerberusdodge viper cancelleddodge viper srt10DodgeViperCancelledDodgeViperSrt10viper cancelledviper killedViperCancelledViperKilledFri, 08 Feb 2008 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2007: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR Live Shots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/14/la-2007-2008-dodge-viper-acr-live-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/14/la-2007-2008-dodge-viper-acr-live-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/14/la-2007-2008-dodge-viper-acr-live-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

click above image for more live shots of the 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

Seeing the 2008 Dodge Viper ACR in person makes you wonder even more how this thing is legal to drive on public streets. The carbon fiber front spoiler and winglets have more of a visual effect up close, and the rear wing would be absolutely ridiculous if it weren't functional... but it is. The asymmetrical paint scheme back up the race car look even more, although it looks a little goofy from straight on. We've added another 18 live shots to the 2008 Viper ACR's gallery for you to closely inspect the car, as well.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

LA 2007: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR Live Shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 dodge viper2008 dodge viper acr2008DodgeViper2008DodgeViperAcracrdodgedodge viper acrdodge viper srt10dodge viper srt10 acrDodgeViperAcrDodgeViperSrt10DodgeViperSrt10AcrLA 2007La2007viperWed, 14 Nov 2007 19:09:00 EST