2008 Viper Driving Impression


Mar 15, 2006
767
2008_delivery_1.jpg


Got our first 2008 Viper SRT at the shop tonight. Thanks to Mike Robbins of Ringgold Dodge for the excellent service and quick delivery.

Just got back from a short but spirited drive with Mike's trusted transport driver, Tony (in pic), riding along shotgun.

The new shift linkage is much improved and has a true sports car mechanical feel. Power is impressive and the car really pulls hard from 4000 rpm on up even thru the top of 4th gear. The car hooks well from a slow roll, likely due to the PS2 tires which are an improvement over the runflats. Dodge even included an air compressor in the trunk in case you need to put air in the tires. Car sounds a bit better but not as good as some have described to me. The car still wanders and is a bit darty driving at steady state down the road. The KW suspension is a must have for this car.

In stock form, you can use nearly all the power all of the time. And without the aid of traction control, etc.

The verdict - it hauls ass and is much more fun to drive than the gen 3 Viper. It would be a good race between a stock 2008 Viper and a stock FGT. All this car needs is a KW suspension and a set of headers/exhaust.

More testing to come tomorrow, including stock baseline testing on the chassis dyno and some driftbox acceleration recording. We will have the car out to the dragstrip this weekend.

I look forward to reporting more information about the 2008 Viper soon. Stay tuned.
 

dbk

The Favor Factory™
Staff member
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jul 30, 2005
15,187
Metro Detroit
Sounds good, and just about how I felt when I drove it. I'm really curious to see what people can do with it in the real world at the strip, as I think it's probably a bit fast than a stock FGT.
 

THamonGT

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
John, Great report on the new Viper. TGH