Video: Dodge Viper V10 powered 300C

Ah, what could have been. Or what could be. The 300C with a Hemi V8 or the SRT version are both formidable cars in their own right. But with a bunch of Viper V10's running around and no new Vipers to put them in, could they be put to better use? Absolutely.

This short video shows a glimpse of what the definition of a sleeper looks like. This Viper powered 300C is a project car that features a manual transmission, but now much else is known about the car. The sound, however, is unmistakable and the possibilities are tantalizing.

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak to have Viper V10

The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, which made its debut back in 2009, is the very definition of a factory prepped drag-ready car. All that have been produced so far have been snatched up quickly, proving that there is indeed a market for a turnkey racer.

The big news for 2011 is that the Drag Pak is is moving on from the 6.1 liter Hemi it has been using for power, and replacing it with an 8.4 liter, Viper V10 backed up with a two speed automatic transmission. Power output is identical to the now defunct Viper at 600hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.

Other race only goodies include built in roll control, body in white construction, fuel cell, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight front brakes, and race style wheels and tires.



Three packages are available. The Competition Package costs $7,950 and features an eight point roll cage, six point safety harness, and mesh window net so you can enter and exit Dukes of Hazard style. The Mopar Body Logo Wrap will cost $950, and if you don't like white for an additional $6,800 you can have one of an assortment of colors.

If you want one, you better hurry. Only 70 examples will be produced, with a starting price of $85,512.



Press Release

Mopar® Introduces 2011 Challenger Drag Pak for Sportsman Racers
This One Has a V-10 and is Race-ready

Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak built for sanctioned NHRA Stock and Super Stock configurations
Priced at $85,512, Mopar to build 70 serialized units
Production starts 1Q 2011, applications available now at local Dodge dealerships or at www.mopar.com
Past Mopar Challenger Drag Pak model-year programs sold out (2009 and 2010)

October 1, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Racers rejoice. Mopar® is dropping a V-10 into the iconic Dodge Challenger.
The new race-only V-10 powered rear-wheel drive 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak features an 8.4-liter 512 cubic-inch engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission. Mopar will showcase its new drag car this evening at the Dodge Viper Owner's Invitational in Salt Lake City. The vehicle will then make its way to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas from Nov. 2-5, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando from Dec. 9-11.

"With the introduction of our new 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, Mopar will be the only place to get a factory-built V-10-powered race-ready drag car," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Mopar's new Challenger Drag Pak is a race rocket that will appeal to racers, collectors, dealers, and Dodge Viper owners."

Based on the 2011 Dodge Challenger and finished in a Stock Eliminator and Super Stock configuration, the 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak is the first and only 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car. The car features competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gear ratio, a 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with gauge package.

The Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak features a Bright White paint scheme with color options. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $85,512 and production begins early next year.

Mopar offers three options with this vehicle. First, the Competition Package includes an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net (MSRP: $7,950, part number P5155820). Second, a Mopar logo body wrap (MSRP: $950, part number P5155892) and a range of body colors (MSRP: $6,800, part number P5155893). With the Competition Package, the car is ready to go down the drag strip.

Orders must be submitted using the Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Application, which is available now at www.Mopar.com, the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4364), or a local Dodge dealer. Customers should work with their local Dodge dealer to submit their application.

2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Highlights

Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
Primed and painted body, color options available
512 cid V-10 engine
Unique engine calibration
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
No windshield wiper assembly
No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
No rear seats
No power-steering system
No underbody heat shields
Complete fuel cell assembly
Race headers with collectors
Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
Polycarbonate door windows
Smart-glass door window system
Solid engine mounts
Mopar solid rear axle
Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Front chin spoiler
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Lightweight instrument panel assembly
Special cable-operated decklid release
Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
Race-style wheels and tires

Viper ACR Roadsters built for Woodhouse Dodge

Being the number one sales volume leader in Dodge Viper sales for 11 years has its perks. And when Dodge decided to end production of the Viper in its current form, Woodhouse Dodge put in a request for a convertible Viper ACR. And surprisingly, Dodge obliged.

Since the ACR is a car known for its downforce producing aerodynamics, the aero bits and pieces had to be massaged to work on a roadster - namely the rear wing and the front spoiler. Dodge built 20 examples of the car for Woodhouse, so interested parties should contact them in Blair, Nebraska. Price is a hefty $107,310, but how often do you get such a rare opportunity?

Video: Ralph Gilles discusses the future of the Dodge Viper

While everyone anxiously awaits some news regarding the future of the Dodge Viper, there has been much speculation about what the brand will become. Will it be reborn as a purpose built sports car or race car? Will it retain much of its current traits and stay similar to the current car?

While Dodge CEO Ralph Giles takes the time in this video to discuss the current Viper and its pending retirement, he does not clue us in to any future Viper news. He does, however, acknowledge that demand for the outgoing 2010 Viper is very strong, and Dodge is considering building more ACR-X models to meet demand. Gilles also tells us that consumer demand is shaping decisions for the future of the brand.

Dodge rolls out 2010 Viper Final Edition lineup

The Dodge Viper may be going away, at least temporarily, but you know that Dodge wasn't going to let it die quietly. To commemorate the car that defines the term "American sports car," Dodge has created these Final Edition Vipers.

Chrysler will build a total of 50 of the Final Editions. 20 will be coupes, 18 roadsters, and 12 ACR's, each painted Graphite clear coat with a black center stripe outlined in red. Anthracite six spoke wheels will be placed on the coupe and roadster, and the ACR will feature black Sidewinder wheels.

The interior features a host of badges and special touches, including a numbered plaque on the shifter bezel. Power is unchanged from the stock Viper, and pricing at this time is unconfirmed. Check out all the details in the press release below.

Press Release

Dodge Pulls Skin Off 2010 Viper SRT10 Final Edition Models

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 6, 2010 - To celebrate the final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper, Dodge is building a limited production run of just 50 2010 Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models.

Available in Coupe, Roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations, each Final Edition Viper exterior features a Graphite Clear Coat body with a painted black center stripe traced in red. Viper Coupe and ACR Final Edition models include a black windshield surround. All Final Edition models carry unique side sill badges.

The black interior features custom red accent stitching, red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered dash plaque (1-50) is located on the shifter bezel just above the unique Viper Final Edition floor mats.

All Viper Final Edition Coupe and Roadster models will wear six-spoke wheels painted in Anthracite, while ACR models will come with five-spoke Sidewinder wheels in black.

The venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine remains the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10. With 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque, benchmark performance numbers, (including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range, 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat and a top speed of 202 mph) continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

This build of 50 Final Edition 2010 Dodge Vipers includes all three model configurations for the first time - 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs. In 2002, a total of 360 Viper Final Edition Coupes (326) and ACRs (34) were built with Viper Red Clear Coat exterior and white stripes.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition models is scheduled to begin in early summer.

Video: Dodge Viper ACR-X on the dyno

There's something undeniably pulse quickening about race cars, and the brutal power that their engines produce. Perhaps it is the raw and purpose built nature that draws us to them, maybe it is just the fact that they are fast.

The Dodge Viper ACR-X is both purpose built and fast. It forgoes the stock Viper's catalytic converters, adds forged pistons, modified calibration, and long tube headers. All that is good for 640 horsepower and 605 pound feet of torque.

The video above shows the 8.4L V10 going through it's paces courtesy of Dodge engineers. As you will see, there's nothing more mesmerizing than the sound of the engine coupled with the ominous red glow of those long tube headers.

Video: LMC Super Cuda breaks 200mph mark racing Ferrari Enzo

Back at this year's SEMA, one of the coolest cars in attendance was the Legendary Motor Company built Super 'Cuda. A twin turbo Viper V-10 thumps to the tune of around 1,000 horsepower underhood and a nicely done restomod look add up to one serious ride.

And all of that is not just for show. LMC recently brought out the Super 'Cuda and a Ferrari Enzo (for good measure) to Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds for some fun.

In a straight line, the Super Cuda rules as expected. It is so fast, as a matter of fact, that on one pass the the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it comes to ultimate top speed, however, the Enzo wins with a top speed of 218 mph to the Cuda's 208. But seriously, 200+ mph in a Barracuda? Insane.

Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012?

At a recent Chrysler business plan meeting, CEO of the Dodge car brand Ralph Gilles dropped some big news. After going back and forth on what to do with the Viper brand, Chrysler has decided to end production of the car in July 2010. 500 final cars will be built, that according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers built to date. The explanation given was that Chyrsler wants to preserve the value of current Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely.

It's not time to mourn the loss of the American supercar just yet, however, as Gilles also announced that an all new car is in development with a target release date of 2012. And this new Viper will be getting a little input from Chrysler's Italian colleagues (see: Fiat, Ferrari). All we can hope is that they retain the Viper's distinct American personality.

Video: Just another Viper V-10 powered motorcycle

What is it with people and their fascination when it comes to mating V10 engines and motorcycles? I'm not really sure if they have a death wish or they just crave attention. Either way, Allen Millyard from the UK has devised another machine that marries insane power to two wheels. This one actually looks more like a traditional motorcycle than the Dodge Tomahawk, albeit with a very long wheelbase.

Video: Nissan GT-R plays nice with other supercars

This video features a nice in car trailing shot in a Nissan GT-R following some pretty gaudy company. A little stroll through SoCal with some of it's friends, including a Viper, M6, and a couple of Ferrari's. The GT-R more than holds it's own through the course of the video.

Stock 2008 Dodge Viper runs 10 second quarter mile

Positive news from the Pentastar is hard to come by nowadays, what with the Chrysler bankruptcy mess and the not so secret fact that they've been trying to sell off the Viper brand. Now 800 or so dealers are getting the 'ol pink slip.

But the fact of the matter is, the Viper is and always has been one of the fastest cars you can roll off the factory floor. And it shows in a confirmed dragstrip pass made in a bone stock Viper SRT10 Convertible with 100 miles on the odometer, ripping off a 10.92 second quarter mile.

Most of your media outlets have tested the car in the 11.6-11.9 range, so with the right conditions and driver we can see how this is possible.

Saleen to buy Viper?

Saleen has been in an upheaval of sorts for a while now. Founder Steve Saleen left to do his own thing, then the company's assets were sold off to private investors. It's new owners plan to keep making superchargers and bolt on's, but the turnkey Racecraft series and S could face the axe. Meanwhile, the company's former owners retain possession of it's supercar manufacturing business while they figure out what to do with it.

In the meantime, Chrysler has been openly trying to pawn off it's Viper brand. They have three potential owners, and they're not naming names at this time. At the same time, Saleen is refusing to comment on the possibility that they might be one of the three mystery buyers. You know what they say about silence...

[Source: AutoWeek]

Dodge Viper ACR on the dyno

The true test for a car is on the dyno. No matter what the manufacturer says, there's some solace in seeing what kind of horsepower and torque it puts down. Not surprisingly, most muscle cars tend to put out more power than advertised.

The Dodge Viper ASC and the Corvette ZR1 are actually quite similar, according to Drag Times, with the Viper posting an impressive 546 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque compared to the supercharged ZR1's 549.9 horsepower and 500 lb-ft.

Considering that both vehicles use a six-speed stick and power the rear wheels, drivetrain losses should be similar, so these figures are relatively comparable. For what it's worth, Dodge officially (under) rates the ACR at 600 horsepower, and an estimated 15% loss through the drivetrain would put this beast at an actual 642 horses.

Dodge Mopar Challenger Targa and Blacktop

If a V-10 powered Challenger or a 900hp Challenger are too unbalanced for your tastes, we present something that can carve some corners just as well as melt your tires. The Challenger Targa will debut alongside these other variations at SEMA, and will campaign in the Targa Newfoundland enduro.

Affectionately known as "Samantha," the Challenger began its existence as a Mopar Challenger drag race car, complete with a 392 HEMI V8 crate motor putting 540 hp and 490 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels via a Tremec six-speed manual and a modified rear diff. The green hue of the Challenger Targa is pulled from the Viper, but the snake's influence doesn't stop at aesthetics. A KW race-ready suspension, six-piston calipers with 380mm Stop-Tech rotors (front) and 355mm, rear discs with four-pot calipers are all culled from the V10 'Ring-slayer.

In addition to the Targa model, Dodge and Mopar will debut the Challenger Blacktop at SEMA, retaining the 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed manual gearbox. Most of the modifications focus on style, including the black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme, custom spoilers and front brow. A Mopar coilover kit drops the Blacktop over 22-inch Viper wheels created by Factory Reproductions and wrapped in 265/35/R22 (front) and 305/30/R22 (rear) Dunlop rubber. A Mopar cat-back exhaust and cold air intake remain the only modifications to the engine, and if the V8's sound isn't intoxicating enough, a Kicker audio system will keep the Blacktop's driver entertained while bombing along Highway 15 on their way to the SEMA festivities in Sin City.

C&D performs first instrumented tests of Corvette ZR1

Car and Driver recently strapped it's test gear to the new Corvette ZR1, and not surprisingly, recorded some impressive numbers. All eyes have been on the new super Vette as it prepares to duke it out with the likes of the Dodge Viper ASC, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche GT2. And the ZR1 appears to be equipped to more than hold it's own against the competition.

According to C&D's trusty electronic gear, the supercharged 638-hp beast knocked off a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds as it continued towards a blistering 7.6 second 0-100 mph run. The quarter mile was cracked in 11.5 seconds @ 128 mph (Chevrolet claims 11.3 seconds, but the guys at C&D didn't believe in "...that sort of drivetrain abuse" to get lower numbers).

The top speed also remains unverified as the team "ran out of room" before they could hit the claimed 205 mph. Under braking, the ZR1 set a new C&D record as it hauled itself down from 70 mph in just 142 feet. Of course, we must mention the obligatory claimed Nürburgring lap time of 7:26 (at the hands of Chevrolet). So you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.

Hennessey HPE600 Challenger with up to 725 horsepower!

Like most people, you most likely haven't even seen a Challenger yet. It's a very new model after all. Not only has John Hennessey seen one, he's already offering a tuner model with substantially more power than the stock version.

For years Hennessey has offered insanely tuned Dodge Vipers that defy all normal human logic with their ridiculous horsepower and earth moving torque. Now, thanks to the generous boost used on the Challenger HPE600, Hennessey Performance Engineering is offering kits that can take your 6.1 liter Hemi equipped Challenger up to 725 horsepower.

Hennessey will offer kits that boost power to 500, 530, and 575 hp while remaining naturally aspirated. Between 600 and 725 hp is availiable with the boost, using either a supercharger or turbocharger.

"The Challenger does a lot of things very well and the factory SRT8 is a great car to start with," said company founder John Hennessey. "Unfortunately, it's a big car weighing over 4,000 lbs. So, while we can't remove 800 lbs from the car, we can add another 195 hp."

Hennessey took the HPE600 turbo model with 620 hp and 650 lbft of torque to the track and ripped off an 11.9 second quarter mile at 121 mph. Also offered is a suspension kit, which features unique bushings, larger anti-roll bars and coil-over shocks and springs. Also available is a brake kit with StopTech pads and lightweight rotors, a shift kit for the transmission, polished aluminum Hennessey five-spoke wheels and either Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires or Nitto drag radials.

And of course, none of this comes cheap. The HPE600 turbo kit will lighten your pockets by $29,500, or $74,950 for a complete turnkey car.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

638 horsepower and 604 lbft of torque, astounding numbers indeed. "Shock and awe" was the initiative from Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, and it appears that it has been achieved. Juechter's goal was more performance with a higher level of refinement, added in with a series of technological advancements. What they ended up with was the most powerful car in General Motors 100 year history.

Anything more than a 2500 rpm launch will simply melt the Michelins. The MSRC system detects a dragstrip launch and programs for zero jounce and 100-percent rebound stiffness to encourage maximum squat (and rear weight transfer) with no wheelhop. Acceleration to 60mph comes in a GM estimated 3.4 seconds.

Close-ratio spacing puts the engine at about 4500 rpm, keeping the exhaust backpressure low (the muffler valves open above 3000) and the backpressure on the driver relentless through 90 mph. A shorter jump to third brings 4900 rpm, and if you keep shifting up at the 6500-rpm redline, the quarter will flash by in a conservatively estimated 11.3 seconds at 131 mph en route to a 205-mph top speed (established in a two-way average at Papenburg, Germany). If you're heading downhill or with the wind, you may hit a limiter at 210 mph.

The huge four-wheel carbon-ceramic brakes scrub speed tremendously. The run-flat Pilot Sport PS2 ZPs exhibit tremendous grip and instill confidence that more speed can be achieved than most are willing to use. But fear not, for Chevrolet will pay for it's ZR1 buyers to attend racing school, probably at Bob Bondurant in Phoenix or Spring Mountain in Pahrump, Nevada.

Here's some more numbers to digest: 1.01 g steady-state lateral acceleration, more than 1.2 g braking grip, and a 0-to-100-to-0 mph time of under 11.0 seconds, besting the Dodge Viper and Shelby Cobra benchmarks by at least a second or two. Oh, and let's not forget Mero's production-car Nurburgring lap record time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds.

All of this visceral performance comes at a price of course, and that price is fairly high for a Vette. Starting off at $105,000, you can add up to $10K to the price by opting for hand-stitched leather, full-power/memory seating, and a Bose Nav/audio system.

Which is all and good for the Lambophiles and Ferrari fans. But for those of us who don't need wild boulevard head turning styling, the ZR1 will do just fine.

Check out CorvetteGuys.com selection of 2009 Corvette Parts.