Fourth Generation Dodge Viper and Chrysler Firepower Rumors

From a source who would probably prefer to remain nameless: “The 2008 Dodge Viper is solid - much faster and sleeker, while still keeping the twin hump in top (on coupe models) but with a whole new front end that’s sharper and more menacing.”

From “oh20:” “Late next summer the last 2006 Viper will roll off the lines. When the employees return to work the following January, a little over 14 months from now, they will be building the new generation "ZC" 2008 models. The 2007 model year is going to be skipped.”

Given the recent showing of a McLaren Viper, and rumors about the current V10 being “made over” by an external firm, it seems almost certain that the 2008 Dodge Viper will use a McLaren-massaged V10 engine, probably the one shown at SEMA in the ASC Diamondback Viper. That engine was rated at 615 hp, a fat 110 hp more than the current version; that Viper could do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, a few tenths better than the current model in a genre where a few tenths are a big difference. The ASC model did have substantial weight reduction with expensive carbon fiber, but then, McLaren might not have been showing all their engine could do; we’ve been told to expect 700 hp but we suspect 650 is more realistic.

Other rumors were not particularly credible - using the Mercedes V12 (character reducing and not appreciated by the hard core), a V10 Hemi (too much development expense and potentially poor emissions), a turbocharged V10 (not desired by current owners), and an even bigger Hemi V8 (V10 seen as core to Viper’s brand). The current Viper engine, based on the LA V8 family introduced decades ago, most likely has quite a bit of untapped potential which could come to life at the hands of expert builders such as McLaren - and that’s without even thinking about technologies such as variable valve timing.

A Chrysler version of the Viper is almost certainly in the works. The Firepower may be a look at what's to come - it's a Hemi-powered, Viper-chassis Chrysler that would be cheaper to make, and would add to the volume of the Viper chassis, helping to spur profitability. By using a standard-production drivetrain, it's no doubt much cheaper to make - and performance is still respectable with a Corvette-like 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. (Keep in mind it's an automatic.) The Firepower is said to have definitely been approved.