2008 Test Drive - Another Lucky Duck

[George Farris]

Button Line, like Chris M - I was absolutely stunned; blow away, etc., by this car. The improvements make it a GEN IV – no ifs, ands or buts.

Wish you could have seen Chris Marshall’s face when he was offered to drive the 2008 … priceless!!!! Boy needed Depends … After he said YES – he was speechless …. No kidding.

Mario D'Ovidio from Dodge Marketing offered to let me drive the 2008 car from our hotel in Troy to Belle Isle and then on the track for the parade laps ( I didn't handle then offer any better than Chris did - just ask Bob Carroll). These parade laps were a little better than yesterdays’ when I rode with Jim Belinda in that the track was more open for us.

The IMSA Official had warned us not to “rubber band” on the track. Never have heard that expression before. In other words, don’t lie back so you can floor it to catch up to the car in front of you.

I Be Guilty!!! – But just once or twice …

Like Chris said, the cars fires up right now. Really good feeling.
BUT, it is still a Viper.

The idle is smooth, but you know there is something unusual under the hood. Don’t know how they get the message conveyed, but it is unmistakably there.
But, it is still Viper.

The exhaust note on start-up and on good open throttle is excellent, very throaty – the best stock Viper sound yet. Some may need more sound – but for me – it is just about perfect. It wasn’t my car, so I never floored it.
But, it is still a Viper.

The cockpit was perfectly normal – no heat issues at all – event the side sills were not overly hot. Seats felt a little more comfortable – they do have a new supplier this year – may be some slight differences.
BUT, it is still a Viper.

Looking out over the new vented hood was very impressive. You get more of a feeling of the raw power that lurks beneath than ever before.
BUT, it is still a Viper.

All I can say about the throttle response is that it seems perfect – much better than my 2002 GTS. The power seems to flow from the front, through your body and out the rear. WOW!!
But, it is still a Viper.

As great as all the above is, the shifter is the most impressive improvement. I will compare it to the braking difference from a Gen II to a Gen III. Do not see how it could have been any better. The throws are short and precise. Like magic. Goes perfectly with the rest of the package.
BUT, it is still a Viper.

The drive from the hotel to the track was about 20 miles, mostly on I-75. The car reminded me more of my 300C more than my GTS. Hitting the tar strips just got you a gentle thud sound. The tracking was straight and true and the car did not wonder in ruts. You really feel like you can drive this car as far as you want to go.
But, it is still a Viper.

Just wrote a check and dated it: 9- 3-2008 ….

[Viper ACR]

Thanks for the info ..... another post that has my mouth watering ..... I need to start wearing a bib when i read these posts ..... LOL ... can't wait

[InjectTheVenom]

Lucky sumbitch ! Can't wait to try one out myself if my little plan works out and my local dealership gets one!

[Smog Dog]

Thanks for sharing your impressions, George. I am really glad you thought the shifter was greatly improved. I have never been a fan of the old one. I guess that's another example that SRT is listening. I have to agree the many improvments make this a Gen IV.

[mike & juli]

THANK you profusely, George for that great impression of the '08 Viper!!! We'd have loved a picture of Chris when he was offered to drive one!!! Can't wait to see and test one out!~~~juli

[DodgeViper01]

No heat issues? That is one heck of an improvement .