It looks like I am going to be "that guy" and start this topic......
Ever since the beginning, when the Viper had 400 horsepower, it has been a car that very few could handle. Fast forward to the Gen II and Gen III, there were still numerous stories about mechanics and dealership salesmen that wrecked Vipers, as well as owners that have gotten "snake bitten" or succumbed to the fate of "when things go wrong with run-craps". Even though these stories were happening and being heard all around us, they were still somewhat rare instances.
When I heard about the release of an 08 model having 600 horsepower and 560 lb/ft of torque from the factory, it seemed almost certain that there would eventually be more stories of people not respecting the power and putting some Vipers to a premature death.
Even though I expected it, I am completely shocked by HOW OFTEN this is happening with the new cars. On ebay alone, there are two salvaged cars for sale with less than 50 miles on them! I can think of about 10 cars that have already been destroyed! (And those are all cars that I have heard about though the VCA and this site. I can only imagine how many more are out there that we don't know of). When the Gen III came out, I don't recall hearing about so many cars being destroyed so quickly.......so what is the deal now? Is 600 horsepower crossing the line for what people can handle from a factory car? Are people just getting dumber and dumber as time goes on? What is the deal here? I just don't understand how people don't think before pushing a car to the limit when they don't even know what that limit is. In my opinion, there is NO CAR that should EVER be sitting in a junkyard with only 7 MILES on it.
Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me? As a young guy, I would like to own a Gen IV one day in the next few years. Now, instead of thinking "how can I afford one" I have to start thinking "will there be any left".
This is a good post, but if you look back in the 90's 400 HP was the pinnacle of sportscars for high performance vehicles. If you look at the cars today, 400 HP is the norm look at all the SRT products with the 6.1 litre engine. They can nearly keep up with the old Vipers(debate) of the 90's and they are not truly specialty cars like a Viper. So the Viper of today needs to stay WAY ahead of the game again to keep the competition at bay. A Viper is not for everyone. I am brand new to the Viper experience and have grown to respect the awesome power of this modern day gladiator.
As far as the wrecks go, it is limited to inexperienced drivers that may have something to prove or would otherwise never given a chance to drive this machine. I am aware so far of 5 wrecked 08 vehicles 2 Venom Reds and 3 SSG's.
Bruce
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2008 Viper SRT-10 coupe Blue with Black stripe
Last edited by Hemi killer : May 26th, 2008 at 03:15 PM.
Certain cars like the Viper need some type of driving test or something passed before ownership. I remember a guy here with an SRT-10 totalled few blocks after leaving dealership. Certain cars are just animals and not for the person who just wants to look cool. Case in point, some years ago when the 996 GT2 came out there was a whole hoopla down here after a father and son went to a Porsche dealership and basically said they want the most expensive Porsche available, GT2 it was. They didn't even know what it was capable of, just wanted it b/c it was an expensive Porsche. What happens, about a week later kid almost kills himself and gf (16 1st car), car was mangled.
Ever since the beginning, when the Viper had 400 horsepower, it has been a car that very few could handle. Fast forward to the Gen II and Gen III, there were still numerous stories about mechanics and dealership salesmen that wrecked Vipers, as well as owners that have gotten "snake bitten" or succumbed to the fate of "when things go wrong with run-craps". Even though these stories were happening and being heard all around us, they were still somewhat rare instances.
When I heard about the release of an 08 model having 600 horsepower and 560 lb/ft of torque from the factory, it seemed almost certain that there would eventually be more stories of people not respecting the power and putting some Vipers to a premature death.
Even though I expected it, I am completely shocked by HOW OFTEN this is happening with the new cars. On ebay alone, there are two salvaged cars for sale with less than 50 miles on them! I can think of about 10 cars that have already been destroyed! (And those are all cars that I have heard about though the VCA and this site. I can only imagine how many more are out there that we don't know of). When the Gen III came out, I don't recall hearing about so many cars being destroyed so quickly.......so what is the deal now? Is 600 horsepower crossing the line for what people can handle from a factory car? Are people just getting dumber and dumber as time goes on? What is the deal here? I just don't understand how people don't think before pushing a car to the limit when they don't even know what that limit is. In my opinion, there is NO CAR that should EVER be sitting in a junkyard with only 7 MILES on it.
Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me? As a young guy, I would like to own a Gen IV one day in the next few years. Now, instead of thinking "how can I afford one" I have to start thinking "will there be any left".
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People have the ability to afford the car and don't have ability to drive the car.
Their ego clouds their judgement. Happens alot and not just w/Vipers. It's a shame.
People have the ability to afford the car and don't have ability to drive the car.
Their ego clouds their judgement. Happens alot and not just w/Vipers. It's a shame.
It's the adreniline rush once stepping into the cockpit of the viper. 600hp is raceing through there head and they want to see what it will do. For the lot lizard or salesman it's there once in a lifetime opportunity to drive a viper.
People should have to do a performance driving school before they are aloud to have a car with so much hp. It is to dangerous to just let any body that has the money to get a high hp car.
People should have to do a performance driving school before they are aloud to have a car with so much hp. It is to dangerous to just let any body that has the money to get a high hp car.
Interesting to note that the supplemental owners manual for the 2008 ACR now states that it is highly recommended for the owner to attend a high performance driving school.
People should have to do a performance driving school before they are aloud to have a car with so much hp. It is to dangerous to just let any body that has the money to get a high hp car.
Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me? As a young guy, I would like to own a Gen IV one day in the next few years. Now, instead of thinking "how can I afford one" I have to start thinking "will there be any left". [/quote]
Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me? As a young guy, I would like to own a Gen IV one day in the next few years. Now, instead of thinking "how can I afford one" I have to start thinking "will there be any left".
Stupidity, its not a phenomenon.[/quote]
There will always be some left. The question is "at what price?" Your original concern is still valid.
Its just people who arent used to power, my old car was pushing about 100+whp more than my current srt10. I dont see how many people could wreck this car, it handles and hugs the road so perfectly. After a week of owning it the power already bores me.
This may be off topic a bit, but I think the Viper should be around 750 hp stock. It was the Viper that led in looks and HP back in the day and now with Corvette nipping at the heels it needs to step it up a couple of notches. Then there will be a lot more salvaged Vipers for sale on ebay!
The car should come with traction control for 90k! Maybe not the earlier ones but it's 2008 now! I've read soo many times how viper owners brag that it doesn't have it and how manly they are for owning this beast that needs to be wrestled to be kept it in control. If you dont want it turn it off. Most sports cars are either 4wd, or have traction control. You can pull out of a parking lot in a porsche, skyline, vette etc and floor it from a stop and not worry about spinning out. With the viper if you took off from a red light full throttle without being able to peddle and steer your way out of a situation you're probably going to wreck. While this doesn't bother me, it has caused alot of deaths over the years that most likely could have been prevented by t/c.
Most of my previous toys were '69-71 musclecars. It took my about two weeks of driving and familiarizing myself with the Viper. It is to say at the very least, a different animal. I'm no expert driver by any stretch of the imagination, so I still respect my car for what it is. In the end, it's the responsibility of the person behind the wheel.
