Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chrysler readying Hellcat V8 with Viper-like power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A monstrous supercharged V8 engine could be in store for Chrysler and SRT products, if recent rumors are to be believed. Allpar is reporting that the forced-induction V8 - Chrysler's first, if this goes down - could make its debut this summer.

The story goes that the Hellcat would be based on a 6.2-liter Hemi engine, rather than on the existing 5.7- or 6.4-liter versions of the company's vaunted mill. In any case, the general consensus is that the motor will have gobs of power. Modest estimates call for between 500 to 570 horsepower, with some outliers predicting a figure as high as 600 hp. That figure would put the output of the Hellcat awfully close to that of the 640-hp V10 in the SRT Viper, too. Allpar contends that a slightly less powerful version would allow Chrysler to keep costs below that of the more powerful Ford Shelby GT500, which might be a sweet spot.

The Hellcat could debut in a number of SRT products. SRT versions of the Charger, Challenger and 300 are all up for grabs, as is the rumored SRT Barracuda.

Chrysler readying Hellcat V8 with Viper-like power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barracudachryslerchrysler 300dodgedodge challengerdodge chargerhellcathellcat hemi v8hemisrtsrt viperTue, 21 May 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/chrysler-readying-hellcat-v8-with-viper-like-power/20577853/article-detail.xml 20577853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-dodge-charger-srt8-engine-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-dodge-charger-srt8-engine-628.jpg <![CDATA[Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



SRT will be documenting its second season - and first full season - of Viper GTS-R racing in the American Le Mans Series with a new web series called Beyond the Checkered Flag. We don't know much yet, but the team has released a teaser video (below) and promises the series will run at least four episodes, if not more. The videos will feature all six drivers who are responsible for piloting the No. 93 and 91 Viper GTS-R cars that compete in each race, and each episode will be told from a different perspective of the action (drivers, the pits, the fans, etc.).

As we've mentioned before, the return of the Viper to motorsports is a big deal, and we're excited that SRT Motorsports has decided to document it. The car's first go around in racing began in the late '90s and peaked during the fledgling seasons of the then-new American Le Mans Series when the Viper GTS-R won 16 of 18 races during 1999 and 2000. The new Viper GTS-R hasn't been nearly as dominant as the original since returning to ALMS racing last August, the team having only just achieved its first podium finish a few weeks ago in Long Beach with one of its cars finishing third.

The first episode of Beyond the Checkered Flag, which should air in mid-May, will focus on preparations for the 2013 season, specifically the time leading up to the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring in March. Spoiler alert: the team didn't win its class, though the No. 91 car did lead for much of the race and finished fifth, scoring valuable championship points to kick off the team's first competitive season back.

Scroll down to watch the trailer for Beyond the Checkered Flag.

Continue reading Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series

Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsbeyond the checkered flagsrtsrt motorsportssrt vipersrt viper gts-rTue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560675/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/20560675/article-detail.xml 20560675 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

​2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - dead-on front view

Reuters reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Ford Crown Victoria, Porsche 911 and Dodge Viper models for potential defects. NHTSA is currently looking into 2005-2008 Crown Victoria police car models for steering column failures that could cause the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft to separate. Such a condition would lead to a loss of control. So far there are 195,000 vehicles involved with 15 warranty claims.

Meanwhile, 10,000 Porsche 911 sports cars are under investigation for a faulty cooling hose fitting. The loose hose could cause a rapid loss of coolant that could not only damage the engine, but cause a slick road surface that could pose a danger to other traffic. The investigation is only concerned with models equipped with 2001-2007 models. There have been 10 owner complaints of failures, with one owner saying the coolant caused him to loose control and spin the vehicle off of the road.

Investigators are also looking into certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper models for a rear suspension knuckle failure. Two owners have filed complaints after crashes, and NHTSA is now looking into 2,500 of the vehicles.

Note: these probes aren't recalls, but can lead to them if NHTSA or the automakers find sufficient evidence of danger to drivers.

NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge viperfordford crown victoriaford crown victoria police interceptorford police interceptornational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationnhtsa probeporsche 911viperWed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/20554541/article-detail.xml 20554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 SRT Viper drag strip

There are lots of ways to measure the performance of a car, but there's only one that is quintessentially American: the quarter mile. And while we've already seen a proper comparison test or two that puts the new (and also quintessentially American) SRT Viper on a racetrack, we've yet to see what it can do when put in the hands of a proper drag racer for an entire day of tire-burning performance testing. Now we do.

And so the $64,000 question is, How does it perform? Pretty well indeed, recording a best time of 11.1 seconds at 127.4 miles per hour, wearing street-legal drag radials with the boys from Drag Times behind the wheel. That run included 3.1 seconds for the big Viper to hit 60, and it took just 7.1 seconds to reach 100. Impressive performance, to be sure. But those figures need to be put in context for the full picture... in other words, how does its acceleration compare to such high-horsepower rivals as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?

Well, without running all three of these muscle machines down the same track on the same day with the same driver, it's not going to be a fair comparison. Plus, the Corvette in particular has had several models years for drivers to keep plugging away for the best possible results. That said, the Viper's 11.1 seconds at 127.4 mph is well shy of Drag Times' best recorded (and verified) ZR1 time slip of 10.332 seconds at 132.74 mph, and there are a total of seven documented ZR1 runs quicker than the Viper's.

As for the GT500, the best recorded run on file at Drag Times is 11.570 seconds at 124.3 mph. So, it's not as quick as the Viper or ZR1, but we wouldn't really expect it to be. In any case, it's a fun comparison for bragging rights, but it's anything but scientific. In other words, take all this with a healthy spoonful of salt and stay tuned for more in this space from all three of the American automakers.

Check out a video from Drag Times below, and remember, reaction time doesn't matter in this scenario.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time

2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperdodge viperdrag racedrag timesquarter milesrtsrt vipervideoviper drag raceWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547271/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/20547271/article-detail.xml 20547271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-srt-viper-drag-times_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-srt-viper-drag-times.png <![CDATA[See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Color Kitchen - Viper coupe - screencap

Paint colors are a big deal for any automaker, and choosing hues for a specific brand can take as much fretting and focus as nearly any other aspect of vehicle design. For SRT, that means finding colors that cooperate with everything from the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 SUV and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 sports sedan, to the wilder Charger SRT8, Challenger SRT8 and Viper. That range requires more than a little breadth, and Jim Parker, Head of Exterior Color at Chrysler, recently took the time to sit down for a little video to talk about what goes on in the SRT Color Kitchen.

What start out as computer-generated images move to paint samples from a supplier, which then get sprayed on more complex shapes. From there, SRT may spray a whole car to see how the color looks in the flesh before ever giving the hue the nod for production. You can check out the video below to see how it goes for yourself.

Continue reading See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen'

See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viperautomotive paintchryslerpaintpaint colorssrtsrt color kitchensrt vipervideoMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/20540073/article-detail.xml 20540073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628.jpg <![CDATA[SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous <i>Motor Trend</i> Viper vs. ZR1 test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ralph Gilles with Motor Trend staff

In one of the most interesting roundtable discussions we've seen in quite some time, the boys from Motor Trend, along with pro racing driver Randy Pobst, sat down with SRT head honcho Ralph Gilles to discuss the 2014 Viper. And the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, naturally. As you may remember, Motor Trend has filmed two videos pitting the latest Viper from SRT against the standard-bearing ZR1, with the Viper losing the first battle but barely eking out a victory with the upgraded TA model in the second.

A few interesting tidbits sneak out regarding the Viper, such as the fact that an ACR model isn't ready "yet," as well as the story of how the TA model came into existence after the first test by Motor Trend. Apparently, that test also resulted in a slight softening of the regular Viper's suspension for production. Interestingly, Gilles doesn't seem ready to admit defeat even in that first testing session, saying that the Viper used by MT was a pre-production model and that it had been out of alignment - that said, he does offer up an apology of sorts for "throwing gas on the fire" on social networks after the video hit the web.

Moving away from the Viper toward the end of the discussion, Gilles touches on the new Camaro Z28 and mentions that "the Challenger is under the knife as we speak... and we're going to come with an answer to [the Z28] and an answer for our friends at Ford." That sounds mighty intriguing... though Gilles also admits that a Cuda isn't coming "anytime soon," but that it is "a couple years out" on a different platform than the Challenger. Fortunately, it sounds like the next-generation of the Challenger SRT will make an appearance in New York in 2014.

There are plenty more interesting tidbits in the video, so we suggest you take about 20 minutes of at the end of your day to watch it yourself. Scroll down below to watch it, along with the two MT videos comparing the Viper and ZR1 at Laguna Seca.

Continue reading SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous Motor Trend Viper vs. ZR1 test

SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous Motor Trend Viper vs. ZR1 test originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 srt viperchevrolet corvettemotor trendralph gillesrandy pobstsrtsrt vipersrt viper tavideoThu, 04 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/20530411/article-detail.xml 20530411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mt-gilles-roundtable_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mt-gilles-roundtable.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler begins shipping 2013 SRT Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 SRT Viper - front three-quarter view at speed in the rain

Almost a year to the day after SRT president and CEO Ralph Gilles first introduced - and kissed the fender of - the 2013 SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the high-performance coupe has begun shipping to dealers. The first production cars started rolling off the line at Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit back in January (a facility Gilles lovingly compares to Santa's workshop), but The Detroit News is reporting that the cars just started heading to customers across the US on Sunday.

Two of the first examples destined for driveways include a Stryker Red example that was the very 2013 Viper to be sold (the car was won by Scott Thomas of Oklahoma City at a Barrett-Jackson charity auction for cancer for $300,000), along with a white example headed to Gilles' personal collection. The report says that Gilles took delivery of his Viper and put just 30 miles on it before heading to New York for this week's auto show. What, he didn't drive?

Chrysler begins shipping 2013 SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viper2013 srt viper productionconner avenue assembly plantralph gillessrtsrt viperFri, 29 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/20523120/article-detail.xml 20523120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 SRT Viper TA live on stage at 2013 New York Auto Show

As if the 2013 SRT Viper GTS hasn't stirred up enough excitement, SRT has created a more specialized version of the car designed to attack any track. On display at the New York Auto Show, the 2014 Viper TA has been enhanced for even better track duty, but production will be limited to just 33 units when it goes on sale later this year.

Obvious changes to SRT's flagship performance car include upgraded Brembo brakes, a carbon fiber x-brace under the hood and carbon fiber front and rear spoilers - the latter aero changes providing about 300 pounds of additional downforce at speed. Oh, and if you didn't notice, the car will only be offered in this eye-blazing Crusher Orange paint job with black, lightweight wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The black-only interior gets similar contrasting orange stitching all over to bring some color indoors.

Less obvious changes include a revised two-mode Bilstein suspension that is firmer than the standard Viper GTS to begin with, and has a "smaller spread between the modes," suggesting that even though the car is road-legal, it's likely to be a pretty extreme ride. Asis the case with "lesser" Vipers, the TA relies on the 8.4-liter V10 to churn out 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Scroll down to watch video of how the TA came to be and to read the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]

2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 srt viper2014 srt viper tadodge vipernew yorknew york auto shownyias 2013srtsrt viperWed, 27 Mar 2013 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519971/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/20519971/article-detail.xml 20519971 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-srt-viper-ta-new-york_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-srt-viper-ta-new-york.jpg <![CDATA[Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ready for round two? Friend of Autoblog and Motor Trend personality Jonny Lieberman has helped SRT whip the covers off the new Viper TA (which stands for Time Attack, apparently) by putting professional racecar driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel and pointing him at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with cameras in tow.

What those cameras captured includes plenty of footage of a Crusher Orange SRT Viper TA running amok at The Corkscrew and generally bludgeoning the race track into submission. Updates to the Viper package for TA duty include bigger brakes from Brembo, a Carbon Fiber Aero Package that includes a massive rear wing and a Track Package that boasts better wheels and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Weight savings are found via a new carbon fiber X-brace underhood along with badges that have been replaced with stickers (seriously). Perhaps most importantly, the TA comes equipped with the two-mode remote reservoir shocks seen on the more expensive GTS. While the GTS offers Street and Track modes, the TA goes a step further with Smooth and Rough settings - no Street mode here.

The result? According to Motor Trend, the TA is the fastest Viper it's ever tested, reaching 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile ET of 11.3 seconds at 129.3 mph. But is the TA good enough to beat the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the car that beat the Viper the last time MT put them together at Laguna Seca? Scroll down below to find out, and join us in waiting for round three, when Chevy releases the next generation of its Corvette for the track.

Continue reading Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]

Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viper tachevychevy corvettechevy corvette zr1laguna secamotor trendrandy pobstsrtsrt vipersrt viper taMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20508952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/20508952/article-detail.xml 20508952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt.png <![CDATA[Will Fiat cap performance of 2014 SRT Viper ACR out of fear for Ferrari? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 SRT Viper - front three-quarter view in the wet

Motor Trend has got word that an SRT Viper ACR - the acronym for American Club Racing - is headed for a reveal in 2014. However, at the same time as SRT is working to maximize the model's performance, the report says there's an internally imposed performance ceiling on at least one aspect of the super coupe that will keep it from being all the Viper it could be.

Having watched other super sports cars go super fast on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires - MT cites the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as the prime example - SRT is looking to Pirelli for a set of rubber that improves on the Viper's P-Zero Corsas. Where the Viper ACR will be restrained is its power-to-weight ratio; rumor is that bosses at parent company Fiat have decreed that the Viper cannot outdo the 5.2-pounds-per-horsepower of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. It's also rumored that Ferrari doesn't want the Viper to have more power than the 731 horsepower of the F12, even though SRT has said it would be "relatively easy" to increase output from the current 640 hp.

The last Viper ACR didn't get more oomph under the hood, so there should be plenty of ways to navigate Ferrari sensitivities. However, the last Viper club racer did offer a Hardcore Package that dropped weight by 40 pounds. If the specific power-to-weight number really is a bright line for the coupe's development, it will be interesting to see if such a package is offered again and how SRT manages it.

UPDATE: SRT boss Ralph Gilles has poo-pooed these reports, saying that the whole thing stemmed from a "joke I made at the [New York Auto Show] Viper reveal ... that apparently took a life of its own," and tweeted that "Ferrari plays in a totally different market."

Will Fiat cap performance of 2014 SRT Viper ACR out of fear for Ferrari? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 srt viper acracrdodge vipersrtviperviper acrMon, 25 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/20474815/article-detail.xml 20474815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/viperacr2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/viperacr2014.jpg <![CDATA[2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/2003-04-dodge-viper-recalled-for-sudden-airbag-deployment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/2003-04-dodge-viper-recalled-for-sudden-airbag-deployment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/2003-04-dodge-viper-recalled-for-sudden-airbag-deployment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2003 Dodge Viper SRT10

As if driving the old Dodge Viper (not the fancy new SRT model) isn't intimidating enough, imagine trying to wrangle that V10 beast and then suddenly having the airbags deploy. Yikes. That's apparently what could happen to some 3,660 Viper models from the 2003 and 2004 model years, and as such, Chrysler has issued a recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the car's airbag control module may fail, causing the bags or seatbelt pre-tensioners to deploy without warning while the vehicle is in operation. That's a dangerous scenario in any car, let alone one offering insane horsepower a near-total paucity of safety nannies should things get squirrely.

Owners will be notified this month about the recall, though a remedy is not expected to be available until later this year. Scroll down for the full NHTSA statement.

Continue reading 2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment

2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2003 dodge viper2004 dodge viperdodgenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallsafetyviperFri, 15 Feb 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/2003-04-dodge-viper-recalled-for-sudden-airbag-deployment/20464016/article-detail.xml 20464016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2003-dodge-viper-srt10628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2003-dodge-viper-srt10628opt.jpg <![CDATA[SRT Viper's initial allotment sold out, convertible still a ways off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The launch of the 2013 SRT Viper marked the first time the car has been introduced as a coupe rather than a roadster, but that didn't matter to buyers. According to Wards Auto, the initial run of 800 Vipers has already sold out with deliveries starting next month, and, even more impressively, SRT president Ralph Gilles reportedly said that more than 80 percent of those sales consisted of the sportier, more expensive Viper GTS model.

Gilles indicated that a convertible version of the new Viper could be available within a few years, and it won't be hard to produce since the current car was designed with a topless model in mind. Two of the likely reasons behind the SRT Viper reversing the trend of launching as a convertible was that the outgoing Viper was selling 60 percent coupes and 40 percent roadsters when production ended in 2010. Further, the SRT team wanted to get back into American Le Mans Series racing, which necessitated a hardtop.

SRT Viper's initial allotment sold out, convertible still a ways off originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperralph gillessrtsrt viper convertiblesrt viper coupesrt viper roadsterviperviper productionviper salesWed, 13 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20459098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/20459098/article-detail.xml 20459098 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Old vs. New Viper - C/D video screencap

It's easy to play the "Would you rather have a New X or an Old Y with a bunch of upgrades?" game more often than we care to admit, but the crew at Car and Driver have taken bench racing to the next level with their latest video. In it, the magazine pits a brand-new 2014 SRT Viper against a highly modified 1997 Dodge Viper GTS. There are 16 years between the time this particular GTS rolled off the production line and when the new car bowed, but that doesn't mean the old snake's owners have been sitting on their hands.

Thanks to a spate of modifications, the GTS offers up a better power to weight ratio than the new machine, but is that enough to overcome the technological leap forward represented by the 2014 Viper? We won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to check out the full clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper

Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1997 dodge viper gts2014 srt vipercar and driverdodgeold vs new videosrtsrt vipervideoviperviper gtsFri, 08 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/20454330/article-detail.xml 20454330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/old-v-new-viper-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/old-v-new-viper-628.jpg <![CDATA[SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Viper GTS-R

We were on hand last year when the 2013 SRT Viper made its racing debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the American Le Mans Series, but now Chrysler has accepted the invitation to run two Vipers at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The Viper has a brief but successful history at Le Mans, finishing in the top two spots of its class for three consecutive years (1998-2000), and it will look for more of the same success when it returns to action in the LM GTE Pro class.

Chrysler said that the two cars entered into the 24-hour race would be driven by Marc Goossens, Tommy Kendall, Kuno Wittmer, Dominik Farnbacher and Jonathan Bomarito, but it also promised "additional team announcements" at a later date. In addition to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Viper GTS-R will also be running a full season of ALMS, which kicks off next month at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Chrysler released a press release for the Viper's return to Le Mans, which we've posted below.

Continue reading SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return

SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heures du mans24 Hours of Le Manssrtsrt viper gts-rviperviper gts-rSun, 03 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20446678/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/20446678/article-detail.xml 20446678 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/srt-viper-gtsr-petit-le-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/srt-viper-gtsr-petit-le-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under:



Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering cars already deemed classics, is out with its annual Hot List predicting this year's ten cars that will be future collectibles. Even though it stays under $100,000, it spans almost $74,000 in MSRPs starting with the $23,700 Ford Focus ST on the affordable end and peaking with the $97,395 SRT Viper.

Other notables include the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427, what with 2013 being both the 60th anniversary of the brand and the last year of the C6, the 505-horsepower 427 special edition being a send-off to the sports car that always does well in the last model year of a particular generation. The Tesla Model S collects yet another award for delivering a welcome and overdue shock to the electric-car game and is the only sedan to make the list, and the Subaru BRZ also adds to its trophy chest, the lightweight coupe doing so much with so little that it might be worth a packet after Father Time has waved his staff a few times.

You can check out the rest of Hagerty's picks in the press release below.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBRZCamarocamaro ZL1Caymancayman SChevroletclassicscollectiblesCorvettecorvette 427Focus STFordGTihagertyhagerty hot listhagerty insuranceJohn Cooper Works GPMiniModel SPorscheRS5SRTSubaruTeslaViperVolkswagenThu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20444538/article-detail.xml 20444538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist.jpg <![CDATA[Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Official production of the 2013 SRT Viper kicked off this month with VIN No. 001 rolling off the Conner Avenue Assembly plant to a small celebration that included the car's owner and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. Now, The New York Times has released a video and some great pictures showing just what it takes to get the newest Viper from a bare frame and engine to the final product.

The fast-motion video shows various stations along the Viper's production line ranging from engine inspection and assembly to a dyno test of the body-less car (shown above). The video of the birth of these early Vipers is posted below, but be sure to visit the NYT site for a handful of images of the car, the plant and its workers.

Continue reading Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line

Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperchryslerconner avenue assembly plantdodge vipersrtsrt10videoviperviper assemblyMon, 21 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/20433817/article-detail.xml 20433817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-assembly.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Last month, Motor Trend took over Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to perform one of the first head-to-head comparisons between the current Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and its newly redesigned nemesis, the SRT Viper. We've already gone over the article and amazing photographs of this epic all-American battle, and now, MT has provided a video of the deed in its latest "Head 2 Head" installment.

As we've already reported, not only did the 'Vette come out victorious when it came to lapping Laguna Seca, but it also set a new track record for a production car with a time of 1:33.70 beating the previous time by 0.2 seconds and beating the Viper by more than two seconds. In straight-line performance, both cars ran an identical 11.4 seconds in a quarter mile sprint. In the video, MT's drivers point out that the ZR1 has better braking and cornering on the track while the Viper's raw power and rough ride were mentioned on multiple occasions. One of the interesting notes is that the video points out the "deafening" cabin noise and "rock-hard" seats in the Viper, but SRT responded by saying both issues will be fixed by the time the car goes on sale.

Scroll down to watch the whole video showing both the Viper and the 'Vette tackle one of the toughest tracks in the country.

Continue reading Motor Trend pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1

Motor Trend pits SRT Viper against Chevy Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 srt viperchevroletcorvettemazda raceway laguna secamotor trendsrtvideovideosviperviper vs vetteThu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/motor-trend-pits-srt-viper-against-chevy-corvette-zr1/20431939/article-detail.xml 20431939 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/viper-vs-vette_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/viper-vs-vette.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #316]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/autoblog-podcast-316/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/autoblog-podcast-316/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/autoblog-podcast-316/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Detroit Auto Show recap featuring Corvette, plus Ralph Gilles interview autoblog podcast logo

Episode #316 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert and Michael Harley talk about the sights that have been seen at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, especially the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Plus, Dan and Zach recorded an interview with Ralph Gilles, head of SRT and design for Chrysler, and we share that as part of the podcast as well. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #316:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8
2013 Buick Enclave

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Michael Harley


Runtime: 01:50:11

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #316

Autoblog Podcast #316 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 buick enclave2013 chrysler 300 srt82013 detroit auto show2013 hyundai santa fe2014 chevrolet corvette2014 corvette300300 srt8autoblog podcast 316buickc7chevroletchryslercorvettedetroitdetroit 2013detroit auto showenclavefeaturedgilleshyundaipodcastralph gillessanta fesrtsrt viperviperTue, 15 Jan 2013 16:50:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #316Autoblog01:50:11 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429206/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/autoblog-podcast-316/20429206/article-detail.xml 20429206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #316 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-316-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-316-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-316-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Autoblog Podcast #316 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #316
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #316 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvette2014 srt viperautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 316 topicschevroletcorvettedetroit auto shownorth american international auto showpodcastpodcast 316podcast topicssrtviperMon, 14 Jan 2013 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-316-live/20428443/article-detail.xml 20428443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an Aventador, Viper and LFA play the songs of their people]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/watch-an-aventador-viper-and-lfa-play-the-songs-of-their-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/watch-an-aventador-viper-and-lfa-play-the-songs-of-their-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/watch-an-aventador-viper-and-lfa-play-the-songs-of-their-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador vs SRT Viper vs Lexus LFA

Our friends at Road & Track recently stopped by Cars and Coffee in Irvine, California, with the 2013 SRT Viper and found themselves a place to park between a Lamborghini Aventador and a Lexus LFA. Those machines might as well be the three musketeers of ludicrous exhaust notes, and rather than keep those 24 raging cylinders muffled, R&T set about conducting an orchestra of internal combustion. On seeing these three lined up, we were more than prepared to call the Viper victorious when it came to tickling our ear drums, but the latest domestic V10 sounds down right civilized in this company.

If we're picking favorites, we have to say the LFA takes the cake. There's something about the noise of a street-legal V10 that can wrap it's tachometer all the way to 9,000 rpm that turns our knees to quivering dollops of jelly. Check out the clip below for a listen. We shouldn't need to tell you to get frisky with the volume.

Continue reading Watch an Aventador, Viper and LFA play the songs of their people

Watch an Aventador, Viper and LFA play the songs of their people originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventadorlamborghinilexuslfasrtvideovideosviperFri, 11 Jan 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/11/watch-an-aventador-viper-and-lfa-play-the-songs-of-their-people/20425054/article-detail.xml 20425054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aventador-viper-lfa-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/aventador-viper-lfa-628.jpg -1 2