I'm not that surprised, given that the ZR1 is way faster off the line than any previous generation Viper...and that the ZR1 puts down all that torque starting at just above idle, whereas the Viper really has nothing at the wheels much under 3k RPM.
So now, SRT puts a (long awaited and sorely needed) 355 rear end on the new snake, but doesn't dramatically change the power curve on on that antiquated seriously bloated and "grossly-underpowered-for-its-size" engine...so the ZR1 should still smoke the Viper in a straight line.
Unless you're a pro (or way above the norm amateur) driver with a lot of seat time in a Viper, even a Z06 will take it in a roll, leave alone a ZR1. I know there are those (very) few Viper owners who can ZR1's and Z06's, but the Viper is almost impossible to launch and get great times with on a drag strip. Bone stock, there is the odd (very rare) driver who can beat a Z06, but never a ZR1. Unless I've seen proof with my own eyes, I will say ZR1's are always faster than Vipers, given the same driver in each car. (Drag strip) I've yet to see proof to the contrary.
True that the Viper is a beast on the track...and should easily out handle almost anything in it's class, but the ZR1 still has better power delivery and can handle almost (if not) as well as the Viper.
For a few thousand dollars, you can take a 638 HP ZR1 and add another 100-150 HP...and make it go even faster without even coming close to stretching limits...sounds like our GT's! Yes, I know you can add a gazillion HP to a Viper and still have a very solid and reliable engine, (for a huge cost)...but, that ZR1 will still sail right by it...(even though the Viper owner will say he beat the ZR1).
So besides a lot of mandated traction controls and a new interior that can accommodate taller drivers in more comfort, what we really know about the all new Viper?
1) It's uglier than previous generations of Vipers.
2) It has bizarre looking LED headlights that totally strip it of its character...now it looks like a pussy car that lost its identity!
3) It has a really nice looking ass!
4) Its maker is now owned by Fiat.
5) It has fatter tires.
6) Probably has a TPMS that actually tells you which tire is low, as opposed to the stupid idiot light on the Gen IV.
7) Costs quite a bit more than a ZR1 and any previous generation Viper
8) Still has the same fanboy crowd blabbing about it being the greatest / best and only sports car ever built. (some exceptions apply, like me and GT drummer - LOL)
9) Comes in a plethora of unattractive new colors
10) Will command a few who will pay over MSRP to own a 2013 All New Viper.
11) It's (apparently) slower than a 4 year old ZR1 on the track
12) They'll probably still only sell hundreds rather than thousands per year...Hmmmmm...(they couldn't even sell out the 500 2010's they built)
I read the article. I know it says that the Viper is as fast and feels faster in a straight line. I have my doubts. Jamie Furman ran well under 10 seconds in the 1/4 mile on a stock ZR1, as opposed to the test data that claims the two are dead even. He also ran a 10.92 in my Viper a few years back when it was new. But can the new Viper run a 10.75 like he did in the ZR1? I doubt it.
