Dodge is doing a pretty good job keeping any and all secrets for the next generation Dodge Viper’s exterior look at bay and, quite frankly, we’ve grown tired of waiting. Yes, we got a sneak peek at the front of the car on a mule testing the engine components, but to see an idea of what the entire car will look like, we put our artists to work.
Ralph Gilles, head of Chrysler’s design, has said that "there won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched." They can say what they want about the entire car getting made over, but our sights are set on the long hood housing a yet-to-be-unveiled powerhouse engine. The recent spy shots taken of the new Viper had a big air intake in the front bumper and what looks to be three air intakes in the hood. A need for cool air can only translate into a fiery engine and we are twitching at the thought of what it could be.
The first rumors surrounded the engine choice suggested the Viper would get a new direct-injection 8.4-liter V10 engine that would deliver around 700HP. Then, European magazines were talking about a V8 engine with an output of 500 HP for an entry level version. The latest ripples in the rumor pond are flowing towards a variation of Chrysler’s new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with some form of forced induction. This new engine will also be available with stability control, a feature never before seen on their high-performance car.
To say we’re excited for the unveiling of the 2013 Dodge Viper would be an understatement. Unfortunately, Dodge has plans of its own and our impatience isn’t going to deter them from their path. We’ll just have to keeps our eyes and ears perked up for any and all information available.
Why it matters: C’mon—it’s a new Dodge Viper. Although actual Ferrari hardware is unlikely, the new Viper will have the benefit of Ferrari engineering and development.
Platform: Front-engine, rear-drive, extensive use of lightweight materials. Beyond that, who knows?
Powertrain: Speculation raises several possibilities, but the most frequent—and most likely—is a revised version of the 8.4-liter V-10 equipped with Fiat’s Multiair variable intake-valve timing system. Output could be as high as 700 horsepower if Chrysler/Fiat decides to challenge the ZR1 Corvette. If that’s the case, a more modestly priced version may be offered with Chrysler’s 6.4 Hemi V-8. The Viper likely will keep its six-speed manual gearbox.
Competition: Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR1, Porsche 911 Turbo.
What might go wrong: Although a styling prototype exists, Marchionne and his Fiat cohorts may yet decide that the Viper business case is untenable.
Estimated arrival and price: Late 2012, from $95,000.
0 comments:
Post a Comment