With few exceptions, not since the muscle car era has it been so cool to drive a Dodge, especially an SRT model. At the top of the heap, the Viper has always been cool, if sometimes a little unrefined and/or lowbrow to some. After a brief hiatus that saw no 2007 models, 2008 brings a new coupe and roadster convertible, with an even stronger V10 for both, reassuring the faithful and possibly creating a few converts in the process.
Let’s see how the new Dodge Viper SRT10 does against its peers on a 100-point scale split between the measures of luxury and practicality.
The luxury ride
Unlike a lot of sports cars, there’s never really been a “slow” Viper. Even the first cars in 1992 could dash from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and top 180 mph. Over a decade and a half later, those are still great numbers, but not great enough for Dodge. For 2008, the famed V10 has been thoroughly reworked. It now displaces 8.4 liters and is rated at 600 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, with 560 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, thank you very much.Dodge asserts the Viper SRT10 will now top 197 mph and the coupe an even more impressive 202 mph. Runs in either model from 0 to 60 mph can be realized in about 3.5 seconds with a little practice. There is a new speed-sensing limited-slip differential, but because the Viper still eschews stuff like launch control and traction control, it’s remarkably easy to sabotage your acceleration times by hammering it too hard from a standstill. That’s great if you want to quickly smoke the Z-rated rear 19" x 13" tires down to their cords (18" x 10" wheels are up front), but it’s not the otherwise preferred approach. Speaking of the wheels and tires, there are four rim options, but only the style varies; they’re all the same monstrous size.
At any speed, the new twin-disc clutch has ideal pedal travel and feel, while snaking the updated Tremec six-speed manual through its gears. Their operation is a noticeable improvement over the last model. For that matter, the steering and brakes feel a lot stronger too. This contributes to the overall feeling of a new level of precision in the Viper’s performance. Don’t think for a moment that the car has gotten soft, though. You and the car still need ample time to get acquainted before you try any funny stuff. Without your undivided attention and conscious input, this unbridled beast with 600 horsepower can instantly turn from friend to foe with just a twitch of your right foot or an errant jerk of your hands.
Compared with the last Viper, the new model is a little smoother, yet no less aggressive. Most prominent is the new hood, with a bigger scoop and louvers. Though far from a 180-degree turn in design, we’ve heard gripes that the new Viper is getting uncomfortably close to the Corvette in its lines. We see their point, though this seems less so in person than in pictures. Available colors range from restrained (Venom Red, our favorite) to even more extroverted than the car itself (Snakeskin Green, Viper Violet and Viper Very Orange really take the cake).
And on the subject of cake and such, amply proportioned guys won’t be any more comfortable inside than before. The leather and suede seats bear hug you with their bolstering, so we advise against hitting the buffet before a drive. The Viper still features standard adjustable pedals, which come in handy both for taller owners and guys who split their cars’ time between the track and street. As you may have guessed, there’s not much new inside beyond the availability of a nav system. One outside feature appreciated inside is the new exhaust. It does away with the under-cabin crossover that used to stew occupants in their own juices.
The verdict
Brute force, redefined, the 2008 coupe and convertible are true Vipers, only more so. Corvette Z06 owners should take note and be on their guard.Luxury score: 47
The practical ride
From day one, Vipers have seen duty as regular drivers. With each generation, they become a little easier to live with. Don’t be mistaken; there are no shared practicality traits with the Caravan, but with a few concessions Vipers can be fun, trustworthy everyday cars. Even with a ridiculously powerful V10 on standby to do your bidding, there’s no problem driving gently around town. Well, there is one problem, and that’s resisting the temptation to flatten your right foot. Chances are, you’ll get very familiar with local clubs and tracks in order to cope.Not surprisingly, flexing your right foot will cost you at the pump. Gas mileage never was this car’s strong suit, and the new 600-horsepower V10 was not tuned to compete with the Toyota Prius. The new Viper’s EPA estimates are 12 mpg city, 20 mpg highway. When you put it all in perspective and consider the car’s power and its mission, these are not abysmal numbers. What’s more, if you don’t have much to carry besides a couple bags or a passenger, you shouldn’t have reservations about road tripping in this. Noise, vibration and harshness are never far away, but somehow we suspect you’d be aware of this beforehand.
By now, you’ve seen plenty of ads touting Chrysler’s Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. Just don’t get your hopes too high, because the $86,190 convertible and $86,940 coupe are not included. It’s probably understood that if you have the money for either, you won’t mind the Viper’s 36-month, 36,000 mile plan.
The verdict
If you can manage to get around without an entourage or a lot of spare gear, the Viper is reasonably compliant and practical when you consider its instantly exploitable capabilities.Practicality score: 39
and the total is...
Too many cars get dumpy over time, plumping with each generation until they’re lumpy caricatures of their once-respectable names. Leading the way for the SRT Dodges, the 2008 Viper SRT10 is as lean and lethal as ever.86/100
Resources:http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/viper/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=5891
www-5.dodge.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Viper
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario