The 2008 Dodge Viper: Now In Extra Spicy, With 600 BHP

[YSSMAN]

^ You know, you explained that a lot better than I ever could of, especially without getting myself upset, and beginning to throw things...

 

[Keef]

Yes, that was a good explanation LK. I rarely give thought to the reliablity of pushrod engines; I usually concentrate on the refinement and such. And I guess nobody should forget that the original HEMI design is still going strong--with over 8000 horsepower.

So what did you guys think of Motor Trend's drive of the new Viper?

 

[harrytuttle]

Your "more power, no more traction" sentence conveys the idea that the car's tires can't handle the torque. With the old 510 horses the rear tires were actually quite reluctant to spin in first gear, at least while going straight. If the power was rolled on smoothly that tires would grip with little drama. If the car was much lighter that wouldn't be true anymore though, because there would be less weight to hold the tires in place.

And the Viper's reputation for spinning comes from....?

There's much more to traction than just tires. "Mechanical traction" is a nickname given to the way the suspension design allows the contact patch to maintain maximum area. Given that Dodge hasn't done much to the suspension, I doubt the Viper will perform much better on the road despite stickier rubber. Straight line burnouts may be lessened, but I'd still be careful with the throttle going around turns.