New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival

[Antoine]

New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival

-AutozBlog
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/x07ch_cr005.jpg (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070112/BUSINESS01/701120361&imw=Y)

When word of a 600-hp Dodge Viper (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/detroit-auto-show-2008-dodge-viper-with-extra-bite/) first crossed our desks, we immediately figured that the on-again, off-again super Corvette "Blue Devil" project would immediately get a green light for production. The current Z06 produces a stout 505 hp, about 5 hp shy of the current Viper's 8.3-liter V10. We knew, however, that General Motors would never let a 95-hp deficit stand.

Thus, it's not much of a surprise that the Detroit Free Press is reporting none other than Bob Lutz has indicated that Blue Devil/SS/Stingray/whatever is definitely a go. Lutz's exact words were, "the Corvette vehicle line executive will not take that lying down." His comments were made at a meeting yesterday with analysts, at which he also stated, "It is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States." Them sounds like fightin' words to us. Rumors about the Blue Devil peg its power at well above the 600-hp mark, which means not long after the 2008 Viper's steam-rolling rear tires hit the street, a new top-dog will arrive sometime in 2009.

[Donas64]

The horsepower wars have gone insane!

[bradicus18]

I'm interested to see it but I think it will be a mistake. I wish they would just up the Z06 HP to 550 or 575. It doesn't need a supercharger or 650 HP to compete with the Viper....and it definitely doesn't need a $100k price tag.

[JoseProte83]

i don't know how when there's no factory stock 600+hp Viper. The Blue Devil was a race car not street legal. It should stay like that....

[Rally Ninja]

"It is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States."

This is probably whats wrong with the US auto industry. Too narrow minded.

[jred321]

those horsepower numbers are silly. look back 10 years at what cars were making for power. 200-300hp was a lot and would cost you a good chunk of change. now you get those power levels in an SUV and the real power cars are pushing towards 600hp. insane. but oh so awesome :)

[jred321]

i don't know how when there's no factory stock 600+hp Viper.

the 2008 viper is 600hp. http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/detroit-auto-show-2008-dodge-viper-with-extra-bite/

[vcinsanity1523]

I'm interested to see it but I think it will be a mistake. I wish they would just up the Z06 HP to 550 or 575. It doesn't need a supercharger or 650 HP to compete with the Viper....and it definitely doesn't need a $100k price tag.

I agree the corvette is always supposed to be the best overall performance car FOR THE MONEY I hope that chevy doesn't get to drawn up in numbers and forget about what makes the corvette the corvette, overall complete driving experience and a great balance of power and handling at a reasonable price.

[Kooldino]

"It is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States."

This is probably whats wrong with the US auto industry. Too narrow minded.

How is that statement narrow minded? They have a good goal, and they're setting out to beat it.

[FrigginGLI]

How in the world do you drive these cars on the street? Should come with a optional lawyer program for tickets.

[Donas64]

How in the world do you drive these cars on the street? Should come with a optional lawyer program for tickets.

Simple, you put your right foot down veeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrryyyy sloooowwwwllllyyy!

[JoseProte83]

the 2008 viper is 600hp. http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/detroit-auto-show-2008-dodge-viper-with-extra-bite/


it isn't out yet so im correct...

[Rally Ninja]

How is that statement narrow minded? They have a good goal, and they're setting out to beat it.

Theres more to the world than just the US. It should be the best sports car for the money in the WORLD. A goal of trying to outhandle a not so great handling car like the viper isn't that high of a standard.

[JoseProte83]

the new Viper handles really good. believe me my friend. it does.......

[Knox Joe]

Yeah, I don't know what Viper you rode/drove in, but all Vipers have glue tires.

[redrims]

How in the world do you drive these cars on the street? Should come with a optional lawyer program for tickets.

80% of the Z06/Viper owners that I see, always drive in the slow lane. Maybe because most of them are 50+yrs with an AARP card in their back pocket.

[altspace]

The horsepower wars have gone insane!

Ya think!?

[Donas64]

Ya think!?

I'm telling you. 400 hp Toyota Camrys will be here by 2009!

[Shane5425]

2010 the Mazda5 will have the 2.3l Turbo DSI motor from the speed line.. but it will be twin turbo... not single..

[bradicus18]

2010 the Mazda5 will have the 2.3l Turbo DSI motor from the speed line.. but it will be twin turbo... not single..

And that's just the base model...

[Donas64]

The all new 2010 Toyota Yaris: Powered by a lightweight Aluminum V-8 pumping out 600 hp to the front wheels. TORQUE STEER IS WHAT SEPARATES THE MEN FROM THE BOYS! CAN YOU HANDLE IT???

[sanblaster]

80% of the Z06/Viper owners that I see, always drive in the slow lane. Maybe because most of them are 50+yrs with an AARP card in their back pocket.


They do it on purpose so eveyone sees what they are driving. Eveytime I see one out in the road they are always driving slow.

I drive slow as well. Not because to show off but because my engine says, 'lol, this is all I can give you.'

[Donas64]

They do it on purpose so eveyone sees what they are driving. Eveytime I see one out in the road they are always driving slow.

I drive slow as well. Not because to show off but because my engine says, 'lol, this is all I can give you.'

Ain't that the truth. I drive slow because I don't have a choice.

[mountjonas]

the one Z06 that i see in my neighborhood is driven some younger (mid 30's) dude. that cockmaster can't keep his foot off the gas pedal, usually cruises the main street (35 mph limit) at a nice 50-60mph. douche.

[Donas64]

the one Z06 that i see in my neighborhood is driven some younger (mid 30's) dude. that cockmaster can't keep his foot off the gas pedal, usually cruises the main street (35 mph limit) at a nice 50-60mph. douche.

Now now! Don't let the jealousy monster creep in there. You know you'd be tempted too.

But for real though I don't think I could drive a Z06 everyday as I would get so frustrated. I mean in first gear, you've already broken just about every speed limit in the U.S.A. I don't think I could handle that. Thats why I love my P5. My autotragic rips through it's gears with cabin booming authority, I feel like I'm going 90 mph and I look at the speedo and I'm going 40! WOO HOO FS-DE POWA BABIEEEE!!!!!

P.S: I want a WRX. Do you wanna trade cars?

[mountjonas]

haha. no, thanks. i had the chance to drive the c5 z06 and i must say, it was more than i could handle with 405 hp, i couldn't imagine another 100hp on top of that.

[Donas64]

haha. no, thanks. i had the chance to drive the c5 z06 and i must say, it was more than i could handle with 405 hp, i couldn't imagine another 100hp on top of that.

Heck I had a chance to RIDE in a C5 Z06 and I still don't think till this day I've gotten those stains out of my undies. Burned rubber through 4th gear, some fishtailing going on. Belonged to a friend of mine I wored with Good grief. Funny think is, he ended up trading it in for a pickup truck (omg) If I had that much power day in and day out, I'd either

A: Drive it like a Grandma

B: Lose my License

C: Wreck it

It's just too tempting and addictive.

My next car must have over 230 horsepower but under 300. Thats the sweet spot for me, fast enough to be fun, but not fast enough to obliterate myself.

[Antoine]

Now now! Don't let the jealousy monster creep in there. You know you'd be tempted too.

But for real though I don't think I could drive a Z06 everyday as I would get so frustrated. I mean in first gear, you've already broken just about every speed limit in the U.S.A. I don't think I could handle that. Thats why I love my P5. My autotragic rips through it's gears with cabin booming authority, I feel like I'm going 90 mph and I look at the speedo and I'm going 40! WOO HOO FS-DE POWA BABIEEEE!!!!!

P.S: I want a WRX. Do you wanna trade cars?

(mswerd)...Hell yeah I would be tempted...If I plunked down 50-60g's on a Z06 I wouldn't waste my time driving it like a Camry!

Speaking of driving a torque monster on a daily basis...I was lucky to experience just that when I used to own a 64' Chevelle custom...The car was based on the most basic (and lightest) version of the Chevelle lineup...I had no power steering, no power accessories, no air or heat...It was a basic but very clean looking custom.

The "pièce de résistance" was a 427 BigBlock with all the goodies (headers, hi-flow heads, hi-flow mani etc etc etc)...I estimated the power at around 450-500hp at least and an ungodly amount of torque.

Now this was a weekend ride for me at the time but when my main ride was in the shop for a few weeks...I drove the torque monster on a daily basis and let me tell you...Even traffic was an adventure!

I'll never forget the sound and feeling of a BB Chevy under the hood...All I had to do to put a smile on my face was tap the gas...I had countless people motion me to race at street lights and all I had to do was hold the brake..."kiss" the gas a bit and watch them giveup without even trying (the entire car would twist up as if it were on hydros and the vibrations from the BB could be felt by nearby drivers)...I kid you not...it happened quite often...:D

Well anyway...I'm getting all nostalgic on you guys...Back on topic!

[Donas64]

(mswerd)...Hell yeah I would be tempted...If I plunked down 50-60g's on a Z06 I wouldn't waste my time driving it like a Camry!

Speaking of driving a torque monster on a daily basis...I was lucky to experience just that when I used to own a 64' Chevelle custom...The car was based on the most basic (and lightest) version of the Chevelle lineup...I had no power steering, no power accessories, no air or heat...It was a basic but very clean looking custom.

The "pièce de résistance" was a 427 BigBlock with all the goodies (headers, hi-flow heads, hi-flow mani etc etc etc)...I estimated the power at around 450-500hp at least and an ungodly amount of torque.

Now this was a weekend ride for me at the time but when my main ride was in the shop for a few weeks...I drove the torque monster on a daily basis and let me tell you...Even traffic was an adventure!

I'll never forget the sound and feeling of a BB Chevy under the hood...All I had to do to put a smile on my face was tap the gas...I had countless people motion me to race at street lights and all I had to do was hold the brake..."kiss" the gas a bit and watch them giveup without even trying (the entire car would twist up as if it were on hydros and the vibrations from the BB could be felt by nearby drivers)...I kid you not...it happened quite often...:D

Well anyway...I'm getting all nostalgic on you guys...Back on topic!

That sounds like fun! I bet you made some ricers wet their pants.

[dmitrik4]

i'm glad my dad kept me from buying a rusty '70 Olds 442 w/ a 455 when i was 17. $1500! i would definitely not be here today...not in a car that could run high 13s even on skinny 1970s tires.

but man, was i upset at the time.

without some sort of big technological leap, there has to be a usable power limit, esp in a front-engined car...from what i've read, even the C6 Z06 is almost undriveable w/ the traction/stability control turned off.