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I'm curious why you did not opt for one of the Benz's or Jags's in that price range, but I must confess I have been tempted by this car too. It has all the virtues of a C6 Corvette (a good thing) but with a lot more class and a better upscale ride but lot's more bucks too. Anyway, tell us what you shopped and how you picked it over the competition.
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Do you remember the guy behind the original Viper program? (Bob Lutz) When he left Dodge and went over to GM he helped raise the performance bar and now GM has a 500hp Corvette and V-Series Cadillacs. Remember the guy Lutz brought in to consult on the Viper project? (Carroll Shelby) Cars with his thumbprint were off the charts at Barrett-Jackson recently (Shelby Cobra/GT350/GT500). VIN#1 of the new 2007 GT500 sold at B-J auction for $600k. I have nothing against the imports but I’m a bigger fan of American car culture, and guys like Lutz & Shelby are icons in this area. I bought the car for these reasons, and because I fell in love with it the first time I saw it at the LA Auto Show. There will be another Viper in my future.
XLR-V vs. standard XLR:
more aggressive hood (raised), and front facia
mesh grill
19", 10 spoke wheels vs 18", 7 spoke
Pirelli run-flats vs Michelin
V-badging with "supercharged" lettering
wider tires, 255 rears vs. 235
new 6 speed automatic tranny vs. 5 speed
DOHC Northstar supercharged engine, 443hp vs 320hp
brembo brake package
beefed suspension, heavier control arms, anti-roll (front & rear)
recalibrated shocks
interior elements, hand-stitched leather dash
etc...
