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[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[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

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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 <![CDATA[Connor Assembly reopens, first production SRT Viper goes down the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/connor-assembly-reopens-first-production-srt-viper-goes-down-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/connor-assembly-reopens-first-production-srt-viper-goes-down-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/connor-assembly-reopens-first-production-srt-viper-goes-down-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Celebrations at Chrysler today, as the company posted the image above on its Facebook page showing a 2013 SRT Viper, VIN #001, rolling out of its Conner Assembly Plant in Detroit. New owner Scott Thomas (pictured with his family standing next to Sergio Marchionne) is understandably pleased.

As you may recall, the 400,000 square-foot Conner facility closed in the summer of 2010 with no immediate plans for it to reopen. However, things changed the following year when the automaker chose to open the plant for the next-gen Viper and implement Fiat's World Class Manufacturing (WCM) production system. (WCM is a methodology that makes employee safety the number one priority, focusing on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, improving quality and restoring dignity to the employees, says Chrysler.)

Completely modernized, the state-of-the-art facility is now tasked with producing the all-new SRT Viper. The sport car's frames arrive from an outside supplier in Kentucky, before spending upwards of six days inside Conner for assembly and finishing before they are ready for delivery. The plant is expected to produce about twelve Vipers each day. Read more of the details in the press release below.

Continue reading Connor Assembly reopens, first production SRT Viper goes down the line

Connor Assembly reopens, first production SRT Viper goes down the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conner avenue assembly plantsrtsrt viperviperThu, 10 Jan 2013 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/connor-assembly-reopens-first-production-srt-viper-goes-down-th/20425418/article-detail.xml 20425418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/19929628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/19929628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper GTS dyno'd by <i>Edmunds</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/2013-srt-viper-gts-dynod-by-edmunds/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/2013-srt-viper-gts-dynod-by-edmunds/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/2013-srt-viper-gts-dynod-by-edmunds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 SRT Viper GTS on the dyno - video screencap

First-time dynamometer runs for any production car are interesting business, at least for those with "car nerd" in their resumes. And the virgin public dyno testing of a new supercar like the SRT Viper GTS, well, that's just a bit o' heaven right there. So, when we heard that the number crunchers at Edmunds had gotten the new Viper into the test facility, we were hooked right away.

We won't spoil the video for you by blowing the ending right here, but suffice it to say that the SRT 8.4-liter V10, rated at 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque at the crank, is still pretty super by the time the power makes its way to those wide rear tires. Follow on below for the fun.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper GTS dyno'd by Edmunds

2013 SRT Viper GTS dyno'd by Edmunds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viper gtsdodge viperdynoedmundssrtvideoviperviper dyno testThu, 03 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/03/2013-srt-viper-gts-dynod-by-edmunds/20415952/article-detail.xml 20415952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-dyno-run-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-dyno-run-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch <i>Motor Trend</i> give the 2013 SRT Viper a thrashing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/watch-motor-trend-give-the-2013-srt-viper-a-thrashing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/watch-motor-trend-give-the-2013-srt-viper-a-thrashing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/watch-motor-trend-give-the-2013-srt-viper-a-thrashing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Viper

It's no secret the boys and girls at Motor Trend don't look at the 2013 SRT Viper through rose-tinted lenses. After all, the publication recently chose the Corvette ZR1 over the new supercar from Chrysler, saying the Chevrolet was easier to drive quickly. That's bad news given there's a new Corvette coming down the pike. But until now, we haven't been able to watch Motor Trend give the Viper a proper thrashing. Carlos Lago hopped behind the wheel of the V10-powered bruiser to give the machine a once-over.

While Chrysler has made big waves about the Viper's improved interior, Lago wasn't too impressed, saying there's plenty of the old car in the cabin. With a pedal box pushed toward the driver's side, a rough ride and a noisy cockpit, MT found that the Viper lags behind its European counterparts, but there's certainly no arguing against the machine's straight-line thrust. The magazine managed to rip off a 3.4-second 0-60 mph time during testing.

In the end, Lago finds that the Viper still earns its brutish reputation, but is somewhat more controllable. Check out the review for yourself below, including a segment with pro Randy Pobst at Laguna Seca.

Continue reading Watch Motor Trend give the 2013 SRT Viper a thrashing

Watch Motor Trend give the 2013 SRT Viper a thrashing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt vipermotor trendsrtsrt vipervideoviperThu, 27 Dec 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/watch-motor-trend-give-the-2013-srt-viper-a-thrashing/20411909/article-detail.xml 20411909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/viper-motor-trend_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/viper-motor-trend.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/2013-srt-viper-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/2013-srt-viper-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/2013-srt-viper-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An Extraordinary Effort to Break Previous Stereotypes

2013 SRT Viper

The Viper has always scared the hell out of me.

My aversion to the famed American sports car has nothing to do with its immensely powerful ten-cylinder engine or its Matchbox-like styling - those attributes are genuinely captivating. Instead, I have found little to like in a vehicle that is brash, coarse, uncivilized and untrustworthy at the limit. Rather than unload a slew of bitter complaints directed at each of its previous four generations, let's just say that the Viper has always represented the automotive equivalent of barbarous mechanical mayhem.

That is, until now.

After a three-year absence, an all-new Viper debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show. No longer under the Dodge umbrella, Chrysler's supercar returned wearing the new performance-oriented SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand label. Despite its familiar shape and engine configuration, the completely redesigned coupe promised not only more power but better handling, superior craftsmanship, innovative technology and a world-class cabin.

While this may sound as if the automaker's halo two-seater has been tamed after being forced through politically correct manners and etiquette classes, my observation - after spending a couple days with the snake on public roads and at Sonoma Raceway - is that the iconic Viper may be much more refined and less temperamental, but it still has some of the longest and sharpest fangs in the segment.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper [w/video]

2013 SRT Viper [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viper gts2013+dodge+viper2013+srt+viper2013+srt+viper+first+drive2013+viper2013dodgeviper2013srtviper2013srtviperfirstdrive2013viperfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivesrtsrt+vipersrtvipersuper+carsupercarviperviper first driveviper gtsviper photosviper reviewviper videowTue, 20 Nov 2012 20:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385154/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/2013-srt-viper-first-drive-review-video/20385154/article-detail.xml 20385154 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[<i>Top Gear</i> blokes starting supercar road trip across USA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Top Gear UK crew prepares for supercar road trip across US

According to the Twitter musings of one Jeremy Clarkson, the Top Gear UK crew is back in the States for another harebrained adventure, this time in a trio of comely supercars. Judging by some grainy Twitter pics, Clarkson is in Las Vegas with Richard Hammond and James May, set to drive cross-country in a Lexus LFA, SRT Viper and Aston Martin Vanquish.

The ever-wry Clarkson appears to have just landed, having announced on Twitter less than 24 hours ago: "People of America. We have passed muster at your idiotic border controls, and we are here, ready to play."

In fact, the Top Gear action this time 'round might not be limited solely to the US - on November 7, Clarkson tweeted, "We will be in Mexico next week." Earlier missives suggest a sizable journey - some 3,000 miles. We're guessing the trip will work out to be the longest journey by a media member in the new SRT, and not by a little bit. Who knows, that may even hold true for the Lexus and Aston Martin. Viva Lost Wages, boys.

Details about TG's journey or when the story will air on the BBC are otherwise slim... anyone else have information on where they're headed? Let us know in Comments.

Top Gear blokes starting supercar road trip across USA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston martin vanquish2013 lexus lfa2013 srt viperaston martinbbcjames mayjeremy clarksonlexuslfarichard hammondsrttop gearvanquishviperTue, 13 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378530/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/20378530/article-detail.xml 20378530 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-usa-supercar-trip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-usa-supercar-trip.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories shines at SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2013-srt-viper-with-mopar-accessories-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2013-srt-viper-with-mopar-accessories-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2013-srt-viper-with-mopar-accessories-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories

What would a new toy be without tons of new toys to accessorize it with? That's the question Mopar asked about the 2013 SRT Viper, and they answered it with more than 50 Mopar add-ons to go over, in and under the 640-horsepower coupe. The straightforward and inexpensive includes the $158 black leather shift knob, $205 door sill guards and $325 fleece-lined car cover in a choice of three colors.

Things hot up with the cat-back exhaust for $668, the $880 carbon fiber engine cover that can be tastefully paired with the exposed carbon fiber brace at $3,175, or the StopTech brake rotors that will run you $1,445 at each axle. Top-dog fettling happens with racing exhaust that mimics a straight pipe for $1,005, the 5-into-1 headers for $3,495 and six-point harness that hasn't been priced.

Get details on those and more in the press release below, and check out the visuals in the SEMA gallery above.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories shines at SEMA

2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories shines at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperaccessoriesmoparsemasema 2012srtviperWed, 31 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/2013-srt-viper-with-mopar-accessories-sema-2012/20366026/article-detail.xml 20366026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-viper-srt-mopar-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-viper-srt-mopar-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler previews SEMA showcars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mopar Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser headed for SEMA 2012

Chrysler is taking on the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in a big way, with a sprawling 15,300 square-foot display encompassing a total of 24 modified vehicles. We got a chance to preview some of those creations, including the plucky little Fiat 500C you see above. Designers decided to take a page from the West Coast custom scene with unique widebody fender flares. The 500 Beach Cruiser sits a full foot wider front and rear thanks in part to a set of prototype aluminum wheels. We dig on the louvers and the wooden surfboard rack, too (though with the canvas lid slid back, we're guessing it'd make for some interesting tan lines).

Of course, it wouldn't be a Mopar booth without at least one outrageous engine swap. The Dodge Charger Juiced fills that role this year with a Viper V10 crate engine worth a full 650 horsepower. Other stars include the Chrysler 300 Luxury, with its unique True Blue Pearl paint and Katzkin leather interior, as well as the 392-powered Urban Ram and carbon-fiber laden Dodge Dart Carbon Fire (which appears to be nearly identical to the car we showed you in spy shots last week). You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler previews SEMA showcars

Chrysler previews SEMA showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300500500cchargerchryslerchrysler 300 luxurydartdodgedodge charger juiceddodge dart carbon firefiatfiat 500 beach cruisergrand cherokeejeepjeep grand cherokee half halfjeep wrangler sand troopermoparsemasema 2012sema showurban ramviperwranglerFri, 12 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/20348694/article-detail.xml 20348694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mopar-fiat-500628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mopar-fiat-500628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper options detailed and priced, 150,000 combinations promised]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2013-srt-viper-options-detailed-and-priced-150-000-combinations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2013-srt-viper-options-detailed-and-priced-150-000-combinations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2013-srt-viper-options-detailed-and-priced-150-000-combinations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 SRT Viper Launch Edition - blue with white stripes - sitting on grass

Many automakers are trying to trim down the number of available build combinations on new models in order to make the car-buying process easier and raise quality metrics, but Chrysler is making sure that customers in the market for the 2013 SRT Viper can get just about anything they want. In fact, Chrysler is promising that the new Viper will have close to 150,000 appearance combinations, not to mention numerous option packages. That's oodles more than before.

In terms of its styling alone, the Viper and Viper GTS are offered with eight wheel styles, eight exterior colors, two body stripe options available in four colors and five interior color combinations. White and yellow are back on the color palette, but you can also get iconic Viper colors like red and blue. One of the exterior colors, Stryker Red, was originally developed just for the show car, but Chrysler said reception of the color was so positive that it will be an optional hue on GTS models. Sign up this author for the Race Yellow Viper GTS with Black Venom stripes and the six-spoke Venom wheels in Hyper Black.

While the styling choices of the new Viper are in line with the previous generations, SRT definitely wanted to make sure to offer similar luxury elements to rival some of the car's supercar contemporaries. These include two available Harman Kardon surround sound audio systems, optional Nappa leather seats with Alcantara inserts, added performance from the $3,500 Track Package (two-piece brake rotors, lightweight Sidewinder II wheels, etc.) added technology from the $2,500 Grand Touring Package (navigation, satellite/HD radio, backup camera, cupholder) and optimal luxury from the $7,500 GTS Laguna Interior Package (wall-to-wall premium leather and Alcantara). For the ultimate Viper junky, the 2013 model will offer a limited run of just 150 with the $15,500 GTS Launch Edition Package (pictured above).

Scroll down to see some the major options offered on the new Viper, and then just think back to the original Viper that didn't even offer roll-up windows or a proper roof.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper options detailed and priced, 150,000 combinations promised

2013 SRT Viper options detailed and priced, 150,000 combinations promised originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viper2013 srt viper optionschrysler groupdodge vipersrtviperMon, 01 Oct 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20337631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/2013-srt-viper-options-detailed-and-priced-150-000-combinations/20337631/article-detail.xml 20337631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-srt-viper-launch-edition-monterey-1345241689_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-srt-viper-launch-edition-monterey-1345241689.jpg -1 2