Hemmings eWeekly News (8 June 06)

[mockingbird812]

Muscle Cars
Sharper fangs for the Viper?

The Dodge Viper will go down in history as one of the fastest and best-handling cars ever. Since its introduction, it has received more power, more creature comforts and it’s still the horsepower king.
Well, for 2008, it will get even more power. Sources tell Hemmings that the new Viper will have 650 horsepower. You ask, why 2008? What happened to model year 2007? We've been told not to expect a 2007 model and that the year will be skipped, kind of like what happened to the 1983 Corvette. On the outside, the car looks pretty much the same from spy photos we’ve seen. The hood has some vents behind the air intake at the front.
A rumor is that McLaren in involved and will push the horsepower up to 650. This is likely in response to the new Corvette “Blue Devil,” which is stirring things up at the GM camp. Stay tuned.
- By George Mattar

Horsepower battles. No end in sight.

Now that's a contest where EVERYONE wins!!!

[Les Quam]

It's my understanding the Viper that McClaren is working on is the one that was seen at the Detroit auto show and also the same one in the spy photo's which is a bolt on package for 2006 Vipers to be sold during the 2007 year as the 650 HP 2008 Viper is being prepared. Reports differ on whether MClarens version will be 615 HP or more? Dodge will have a 600 HP bolt on package available in September in Vegas at their latest invitational that can be installed at Vegas for customers ordering their new white with blue stripes 2006 coupe.

But the HP wars are in full swing both here and in Europe with Ferrari developing the new Enzo for 2009 with 800 HP a 7 speed transmission and a top speed of 230 MPH.

And here is a car Charley will like. Mercedes has had a 700 HP , 800 pounds of torque version of their AMG SL 65 motor ready for a couple of years but can't build an automatic trans that can withstand the torque during their reliablity tests. But they should have it sorted out soon.

The new 600 HP Z06 Vette due for 2007 sounds like it will now be called the "Stingray" instead of the blue devil.