2008 Dodge Viper: More Power, Less Gas-Guzzler Tax

It’s hard to believe, but 2008 is the 18th model year for the Dodge Viper. Rather than showing liver spots as it ages, the Viper boasts some new-found energy for 2008: a healthy 90-hp boost thanks to an upgrade in the V-10 engine. It goes from a 510-hp 8.3-liter to a 600-hp 8.4 liter. Perhaps Dodge is feeding the Viper Viagra?

More startling than the power boost is the fact that despite adding more horses to feed, the Viper's $3,000 gas-guzzler tax has been whittled down to a mere $1,700.

Why? Because despite a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of less than 4 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph, the car's mileage rating rose to 13/22 mpg (city/highway) with the 8.4 liter V-10, up from 12/20 with the 8.3 liter. And those new numbers are the more stringent 2008 variety too.

Peter Gladysz, senior manager for powertrains for Dodge's SRT performance program, said improved engine breathing, reduced engine friction and a switch to variable valve timing "all fooled the engine into thinking it is really smaller than it is" so it burns less gas.

However it works, you can use the $1,300 savings to help defray the coupe’s $84,745 base price or the roadster’s $83,995 base price.

Or use it to buy a few gallons of gas.

Comments

[MSS]

Whoa, that's awesome. If Chrysler can just get that type of fuel technology into it's smaller (regular) vehicles now.

[Infosaur]

I recall hearing one engineer mention an unexpected fringe benefit of the V-10 was that the smaller chambers were more efficent than a V-8 with larget cylinders. And it's about time the motor got VVT technology.

But criminy! 2 generations in 18 years?!? (And no sign of a 3rd gen on the horizon) That's just nuts.

[DodgeFan]

Actually its now ahead of the Corvette for abit at 600hp. Once the blue devil comes out it be even again. I think the Corvette has a price advantage though but they make fewer dodges so there is a waiting list.

It is pretty hard to believe that 2008 is the 18th model year when you consider 1992 was the first model year, and there was no Viper for 2007. That's only 16 model years.

[lopez]

id rather have a corvette...doesn't look like 1995...

[Lil'Tom]

"id rather have a corvette...doesn't look like 1995..."

True, Corvettes have more of a 1986 look to them.

I would prefer a Z06 over a Viper however. No contest.

[J]

The only thing new to hear about this Viper is the tax reduction.

All my subcribed car magazines has made a coverage on the new viper at least 3 months ago.

[MikeW]

Just wait for variable intake valve timing, even more torque/power.
http://www.mechadyne-int.com/vva-products/concentric-camshafts