Where is the magazine spread and test drive of the 2008?

CarDude · Jul 17, 2007

If the car is to be release for sale in a few months...where are real specs for how it accelerates and handles? Is the 2008 a real car or what? What is the hold up? Usually the press gets to kick around a new car before anyone else what gives? And what about price...

Really what is going on?

Janni · Jul 17, 2007

There was a HUGE driveaway event this past week at Virginia International Raceway..... 2008's were there and tested on track then handed over to the media for the rest of the week.

I saw the snakeskin green convertible leaving the track (thanks for hanging out so we could see it at Viper Days, Herb..... ha ha), and then the dark red with silver stripes coupe (GORGEOUS!) Traveling in opposite direction didn't allow time to get camera. Hauling 48' trailer made u-turn and chase a nonviable option.

Expect to see articles SOON.

Blue Pilot · Jul 17, 2007

There will be 10 page articles on the new Z06 (or blue Devil) with nothing but praise and glory.

Then there will be a few paragraphs about the new Viper in all the car rags, telling how the car is fast but too hard to drive, too hot, etc. I have given up hope on a non-bias review for our cars.

CarDude · Jul 17, 2007

Janni said:
There was a HUGE driveaway event this past week at Virginia International Raceway..... 2008's were there and tested on track then handed over to the media for the rest of the week.

I saw the snakeskin green convertible leaving the track (thanks for hanging out so we could see it at Viper Days, Herb..... ha ha), and then the dark red with silver stripes coupe (GORGEOUS!) Traveling in opposite direction didn't allow time to get camera. Hauling 48' trailer made u-turn and chase a nonviable option.

Expect to see articles SOON.

Thanks..I am just looking for the real 0-60 number instead of the Dodge "least than 4 seconds" crap. Also I want to know how the different bits and pieces all work together to create a different experience or one that is the same or similar to the current Viper.

Scratch · Jul 17, 2007

Blue Pilot said:
There will be 10 page articles on the new Z06 (or blue Devil) with nothing but praise and glory.

Then there will be a few paragraphs about the new Viper in all the car rags, telling how the car is fast but too hard to drive, too hot, etc. I have given up hope on a non-bias review for our cars.

It will read how both these cars surpass the Porsche 911 and for thousands less...but our opinion is the Porsche hands down...again, winner!

VENOMAHOLIC · Jul 17, 2007

CarDude said:
Thanks..I am just looking for the real 0-60 number instead of the Dodge "least than 4 seconds" crap. Also I want to know how the different bits and pieces all work together to create a different experience or one that is the same or similar to the current Viper.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0-60 is getting to be a poor test since the 1990's. The hp is getting so high on cars that there is traction issues with all the wheelspin. The 1/4 mile and even the standing mile are more of a true test of supercar performance nowadays. I also concur that the 1st comparison issue will show how refined the Porsche is and how overall better the Z06 is even though the Viper left them behind. I just hope they use good drivers in the tests to get the best out of all the cars.

BTW, I am also looking foward to tests of the 2008 Viper because the runflats are gone and performance should improve dramatically.

Racer Robbie · Jul 18, 2007

I am also starting to wonder if the 2008 will really be built in view of the upcoming sale of Chrysler. Talk is cheap and seeing is believing! If you want to put the viper to the test against the vette then you need to pit them against each other with professional race car drivers, who race each of the respective cars on a regular basis, on a road course where they can be raced against each other as they were meant to be. Vipers were never built to be drag cars. They are road racing cars. When the smoke has cleared I believe we will be the clear winner against the vette.
JMHO

Robbie

viperbilliam · Jul 18, 2007

Vipers seem to do pretty well in drag races but a road race is of far more interest to me to show real world balanced performance. Yes, tires are more of an issue now so rolling starts are becoming a better way to do haul ass testing.

FE 065 · Jul 18, 2007

Just put drag radials on both of them for the test and eliminate the traction factor..

Alexarz · Jul 18, 2007

FE 065 said:
Just put drag radials on both of them for the test and eliminate the traction factor..

Damn good point.

Smog Dog · Jul 18, 2007

Racer Robbie said:
I am also starting to wonder if the 2008 will really be built in view of the upcoming sale of Chrysler. Talk is cheap and seeing is believing! If you want to put the viper to the test against the vette then you need to pit them against each other with professional race car drivers, who race each of the respective cars on a regular basis, on a road course where they can be raced against each other as they were meant to be. Vipers were never built to be drag cars. They are road racing cars. When the smoke has cleared I believe we will be the clear winner against the vette.
JMHO

Robbie

I can understand wondering if the next generation will be built, but how can you doubt the 2008? Lots of people already have VINs.

Yellow32 · Jul 19, 2007

Smog Dog said:
I can understand wondering if the next generation will be built, but how can you doubt the 2008? Lots of people already have VINs.

How about this:

from:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/FREE/70718001/1024/LATESTNEWS

Chrysler kills Imperial sedan
Automaker cites expected hikes in fuel economy standards

You must be registered for see images

By BRADFORD WERLE | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

You must be registered for see images

AutoWeek | Published 07/18/07, 10:19 am et
DETROIT — The Chrysler Imperial is dead. Chrysler officials told the Canadian Auto Workers this month that the big sedan, which would have been based on the Imperial concept show in Detroit in 2006, will not be manufactured.

High gas prices and new federal fuel economy legislation now making its way through Congress helped “doom a car that would have been substantially bigger than our largest sedan, the Chrysler 300C,” said Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff. “We felt it would have been irresponsible to bring a vehicle like that to the market at this time.”

By 2020, the new standards would require automakers to average 35 mpg in the vehicles they produce.

The Imperial was to have been based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum, which consume well below 35 mpg. The Imperial drew mixed reviews when it appeared at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Some thought it pointed to a possible future for Chrysler as a quasi-luxury brand. Others thought it looked too heavy and bloated.

“We were unable to build a business case for the Imperial concept,” Elshoff said.

Chrysler is studying other products for production in its Brampton, Ontario, plant and should make an announcement soon, he said. Elshoff said Chrysler had informed representatives of the Canadian Auto Workers of the decision earlier this month.

In March, CAW members agreed to salary concessions in exchange for Chrysler’s guarantee in an estimated $700 million investment in a new product would come to Brampton. The workers first rejected the concessions and then reversed themselves after Chrysler threatened to move the product elsewhere. Chrysler officials never stated what that product was.

Smog Dog · Jul 19, 2007

Yellow32 said:
How about this:

from:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/FREE/70718001/1024/LATESTNEWS

Chrysler kills Imperial sedan
Automaker cites expected hikes in fuel economy standards
You must be registered for see images

By BRADFORD WERLE | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

You must be registered for see images

AutoWeek | Published 07/18/07, 10:19 am et
DETROIT — The Chrysler Imperial is dead. Chrysler officials told the Canadian Auto Workers this month that the big sedan, which would have been based on the Imperial concept show in Detroit in 2006, will not be manufactured.

High gas prices and new federal fuel economy legislation now making its way through Congress helped “doom a car that would have been substantially bigger than our largest sedan, the Chrysler 300C,” said Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff. “We felt it would have been irresponsible to bring a vehicle like that to the market at this time.”

By 2020, the new standards would require automakers to average 35 mpg in the vehicles they produce.

The Imperial was to have been based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum, which consume well below 35 mpg. The Imperial drew mixed reviews when it appeared at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Some thought it pointed to a possible future for Chrysler as a quasi-luxury brand. Others thought it looked too heavy and bloated.

“We were unable to build a business case for the Imperial concept,” Elshoff said.

Chrysler is studying other products for production in its Brampton, Ontario, plant and should make an announcement soon, he said. Elshoff said Chrysler had informed representatives of the Canadian Auto Workers of the decision earlier this month.

In March, CAW members agreed to salary concessions in exchange for Chrysler’s guarantee in an estimated $700 million investment in a new product would come to Brampton. The workers first rejected the concessions and then reversed themselves after Chrysler threatened to move the product elsewhere. Chrysler officials never stated what that product was.

Not even in the same zipcode. One is an existing model; the other is a concept requiring a 700 million investment.

mike & juli · Jul 19, 2007

Like many of you, we are awaiting FINAL-REAL test specs on the '08...on it ALONE, no need to compare it to anything else out there...just DRIVE THE CAR AND LET US KNOW!!!
Anxiously a-waiting here. ~juli~

Warfang · Jul 19, 2007

Yellow32 said:
Some thought it pointed to a possible future for Chrysler as a quasi-luxury brand. Others thought it looked too heavy and bloated.

That would describe every Rolls and Bently ever made.

Vypr Phil · Jul 19, 2007

Yellow32 said:
How about this:

from:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/FREE/70718001/1024/LATESTNEWS

Chrysler kills Imperial sedan
Automaker cites expected hikes in fuel economy standards
You must be registered for see images

By BRADFORD WERLE | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

You must be registered for see images

AutoWeek | Published 07/18/07, 10:19 am et
DETROIT — The Chrysler Imperial is dead. Chrysler officials told the Canadian Auto Workers this month that the big sedan, which would have been based on the Imperial concept show in Detroit in 2006, will not be manufactured.

High gas prices and new federal fuel economy legislation now making its way through Congress helped “doom a car that would have been substantially bigger than our largest sedan, the Chrysler 300C,” said Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff. “We felt it would have been irresponsible to bring a vehicle like that to the market at this time.”

By 2020, the new standards would require automakers to average 35 mpg in the vehicles they produce.

The Imperial was to have been based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum, which consume well below 35 mpg. The Imperial drew mixed reviews when it appeared at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Some thought it pointed to a possible future for Chrysler as a quasi-luxury brand. Others thought it looked too heavy and bloated.

“We were unable to build a business case for the Imperial concept,” Elshoff said.

Chrysler is studying other products for production in its Brampton, Ontario, plant and should make an announcement soon, he said. Elshoff said Chrysler had informed representatives of the Canadian Auto Workers of the decision earlier this month.

In March, CAW members agreed to salary concessions in exchange for Chrysler’s guarantee in an estimated $700 million investment in a new product would come to Brampton. The workers first rejected the concessions and then reversed themselves after Chrysler threatened to move the product elsewhere. Chrysler officials never stated what that product was.

From Peter M. DeLorenzo at http://www.autoextremist.com/index.shtml, about the Chrysler Imperial:

The Design Gods Are Smiling.
With reports coming in late yesterday that the Chrysler Imperial was dead, a huge sigh of relief could be heard around here at AE headquarters. Chrysler blamed the decision on the upcoming higher fuel economy standards set to arrive by 2020, but we like to think that common sense somehow finally prevailed somewhere deep in the ****** of the Chrysler Group's headquarters in Auburn Hills.
You remember the Chrysler Imperial, don't you? Unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, it was, without question, the concept that set Chrysler Design back at least 25 years and sent the auto industry design community into shock.
In what will surely go down as a gross miscalculation at best and an unspeakable disaster at worst, the Chrysler Imperial was one "blue sky" design notion that should never have gotten past the initial concept meeting. Clumsily rendered and saddled with comical Toon Car proportions, the Imperial was simply the most embarrassing concept in my recent memory - and when it comes to design turkeys, I have a lengthy one. There was not one good angle, line, crease or fold on this relentlessly hideous "thing" - not one. Yes, indeed, the Imperial concept was truly a sight to behold.
Imagine if Wal*Mart decided to get in the car business overnight, and the market they were absolutely convinced they could succeed in was the $300,000+ Rolls-Royce Phantom/Mercedes-Benz Maybach niche - at a Wal*Mart price, of course. Being Wal*Mart, they would locate a junior college with a burgeoning wannabe automotive design program (a friend of a friend of a guy over in marketing who's their resident "car guy" said these guys were "good") and commence initial design work. After a month or so and a couple of design reviews, they call it perfect and then contract an unknown, unnamed manufacturer in China to build the car, so that they can bring it in to the U.S. market for $49,995.
That's what the Imperial felt like.
Looking back, the Imperial was the distress signal for the Chrysler Group that foreshadowed its implosion by the end of last year. That the media darlings formerly known as the "geniuses" at Chrysler Design imploded in such an embarrassingly overwrought performance that January should have been the tip-off that this bunch was careening off of a cliff.
Up until that point, it seemed that we in the media had been talking about Chrysler design excellence forever - and we had. From the glory days of the product renaissance led by Bob Lutz and Tom Gale to as recently as three years ago, Chrysler could always be counted on to deliver great stuff for the major auto shows - no matter how mediocre and uninspiring their street vehicles were. But as in all great runs, nothing lasts forever - and the wheels came off Chrysler's golden design era with a thud at the 2006 Detroit show.
How could this atrocity have been allowed to happen? After all, the men and women at Chrysler Design were and are (I think) plenty talented and capable, but the Imperial was a complete travesty, a design disaster of incalculable proportions. I could go on, but why bother? Suffice to say, Chrysler's grand design legacy was virtually destroyed literally overnight by one monumentally bad judgment call - and it will be years before they'll live this down. Not a couple of car show seasons, folks, but years.
The Chrysler Group has run away with our annual AE "Answer to the Question that Absolutely No One is Asking" award for a while now and for good reason. There was the Jeep Commander; the misguided, misbegotten "big" Jeep that existed for the simple reason that Chrysler could finally say that they had a Jeep with three rows of seats - even though no one could get back to that third row to actually sit in it - not to mention that it had nothing to with the Jeep image whatsoever. And sure enough, the Commander became the poster boy vehicle of Chrysler's inventory fiasco in 2005-2006. Even today, as of July 1, Chrysler was sitting on a 91 days supply of The Jeep That Shouldn't Exist.
And how about the full-size Chrysler Aspen SUV, which came out last fall? Now, there was a stellar example of the Chrysler Group's ability to spot market trends and make their impact in the market. Timed perfectly for the run-up in gas prices and the collapse of the big SUV segment - the Aspen was dead in the water before it even it hit the dealerships - and a classic example of how the management team that Dieter Zetsche left behind when he moved on to Daimler headquarters was a study in abject futility.
Thankfully for all of us, the Imperial, that gnarly leviathan - with all of the design presence of a 400 pound wrestler of stuffed in a three-sizes-too-small knockoff of an expensive Italian suit - will never see the light of day. It would have been the latest in a long line of unmitigated disasters from the Chrysler Group - and the wrong car, at the wrong time, from the wrong car company.
The Design Gods are smiling.

Warfang said:
That would describe every Rolls and Bently ever made.

For a long trip, I will take a Bentley Continental GT or an Arnage T over the Viper any day. Yes they are heavy, but this is the price of admission for exceptional comfort. You can have a Bentley and a Viper in your garage, nothing wrong with either one.....

For a short trip, for the race track or just to blow off some steam, the Viper has no equal!

Vypr Phil

FE 065 · Jul 19, 2007

Then there's always hope for the Chronos..

You must be registered for see images

TwinTurbo · Jul 19, 2007

Now Thats Class....

Vypr Phil · Jul 19, 2007

FE 065 said:
Then there's always hope for the Chronos..

You must be registered for see images

This was the 1998 Concept Car from Chrysler for the D-Troit Auto Show.

Too bad they did not build it!

It could have been the "4 Door Viper".....

Vypr Phil

Gary Lashinsky · Jul 23, 2007

I have had my VIN four two months.

Vypr Phil · Jul 24, 2007

Gary Lashinsky said:
I have had my VIN four two months.

Congratulations Gary! :2tu:

Did they give you an estimated delivery date?

Vypr Phil

Andrew/USPWR · Jul 24, 2007

Vypr Phil said:
Congratulations Gary!

Did they give you an estimated delivery date?

Vypr Phil

Did they give you a price? :smirk:

CarDude · Jul 24, 2007

I think it is a test in social engineering. Dodge wants to see how many people are true Viper fanatics (or subject to the influence of the masses), and will place an order without knowing the full details. I think it is crazy...no price on the car, and no real specs...kind of makes me mad.

Where is the magazine spread and test drive of the 2008?

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