It seems that even in a down economy, people like to go racing. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR it is sold out.
The hand-built Vipers seem to become a target of an increasing number of investors: "Those customers are in a high-income group, and [a Viper] is a safe haven," Chrysler Vice Chairman Jim Press said. "Look at what’s happened in their stock portfolios: The resale value of Vipers shows they’re still in great demand. Smart investors figure out it’s a safe place to put their money — and also have a lot of fun."
If the Chrysler’s overall sales were down 32%, the amount of sold Viper remained the same: the maximum 100 units. The Viper is priced at $85,000, while the club racer ready ACR version is priced at $105,000.
Chrysler seems to be gaining some interest in the Viper brand. Last month Chrysler reported that it was looking to sell off the Viper supercar as its own brand. Although Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press would not give specific names, he did say today, "We have been approached by outside individuals who want to work with us to buy the asset and sustain Viper going forward."
If this is true, it would seem that Chrysler is having a much easier time of getting rid of niche car lines than General Motors. Hummer has been on the sales block for most of this year. The difference must lie in the price of the company and the undying appeal of a sports car, because the H2 and the Viper get similar gas mileage.
Like romance gone sour, Chrysler may soon part ways with its Dodge Viper nameplate in what analysts say a move geared for profitability. Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli already hinted of “exploratory talks” from interested third-party buyers.
Viper rolled out into production into 1992 and made headlines with its tough pose and impressive V-10 engine. It had its heyday. And for a while, car enthusiasts swarmed around it like ants do in bowl of sugar. But in these times of economic uncertainties, soaring gas prices, buyers shifted from gas churning sports utility vehicles to more fuel efficient cars. The shift showed in Dodge Vipers’ plunging sales, not to mention it takes 14 workers to make one Viper a day.
As the third largest US-based automaker in the world, Chrysler is not the only one caught in the financial maelstroms. General Motors said it was reassessing its Hummer brand when it chalked up $15.5 billion loss in the second quarter. Ford Motors followed suit. It sold its Jaguar and Land Rover brands to Tata Motors Ltd. And from all indications, automakers seem poised for more cost-cutting measures to conserve assets.
But Chrysler planned sell-out of its non-core asset, like Dodge Viper, should not scare its investors away. Top company officials are scheduled to visit Nissan Motor Corps to discuss on a possible deal for a small car design which Nissan would build for Chrysler. When this deal pushes through, Chrysler officials hope the small car models will bring the company back on track.
But a stroke of luck could still change Viper’s fate. For those who owned this hunk of squealing tires, keep your head high. Your Dodge Viper could still prove to be a good buy after al
Well if the Viper is for sale, the price may have just gone up. On August 18, Dodge Viper ACR established a new Nurburgring record (unofficial) with a time of 7:22, coming in front of the Corvette ZR1 and Nissan GT-R.
The man who established this result is FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel, who pilots a Leon TFSi for SEAT Team Holland. On his fourth attempt, he established an amazing 7:22.1 (first two laps-a 7:42 and a 7:35 and third 7:24).
Until someone else will have something to day about it, the Viper ACR is the most lethal "ringer" around.
The Dodge Viper was put on the chopping block as Chrysler restructures. It’s hard to blame Chrysler for killing its spartan supercar. American car companies are in the fight for their lives. A hand-built low-volume sports car may look good in the window, but it won’t pay the electric bill.
But the Viper’s story may not be over. Chrysler announced today the possibility of selling the Viper as its own brand to a new company. “We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler LLC. “Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage… our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle.”
This would not be the first time an American car would live on without its parent company. When Studebaker closed its doors in 1966, its Corvette fighting Avanti proved the to be the car that wouldn’t die. Although Studebaker’s initial troubles producing the fiberglass boded Avanti may have actually killed the company, the last incarnation of the independent Avanti was produced in 2007.
It seems that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has now a well trained rival: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR. Based on the Dodge Viper SRT-10 the vehicle received an additional $12,000 power package from ACR making the 8.4 liter V10 engine develop 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft. of torque. The manufacturer claims that its vehicle can easily hit 200+ km/h...the only problem is where to drive with this speed. Well, the boys from InsideLine took the car to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to hit more than 200 mph. Check out the video!
Pamela Anderson decided to sell her Viper and offer the money to the PETA association where the superstars works for 15 years.
Pamela plans to personally oversee the sale of her 2000 Viper, which she customized herself with white racing stripes. The car plays a prominent role in Anderson’s forthcoming E! series, "Pam: Girl on the Loose," but she admitted it was dangerous for her to own such a high-performance vehicle: "I’m a terrible driver," she said. "It’s just not a good idea for me to have a Viper."
The car will be among the offerings at Julien’s Auctions’ Summer Entertainment Sale of Hollywood memorabilia, to be held June 21 and 22 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
This Venom 1000 twin turbo viper was racing a Porsche 911 and coming out of the corner hits the boost and losses control and goes sideways at 150mph. He misses hitting a Hennessey Ford GT by less than 30 feet!
Neiman Marcus Direct announced that it is partnering with Hennessey Performance Engineering to introduce the 2008 Neiman Marcus Special Edition Hennessey Venom 700NM. The 2008 Special Edition Hennessey Venom will be featured in the spring Neiman Marcus Men’s Catalog and will retail for $179.500.
The 2008 Special Edition Hennessey Venom 700NM features jet black paint with a 200-mph tested rear wing and Venom 700NM badges. Inside, custom details include black and red leather appointments, a numbered limited-edition dash plaque, embroidered floor mats and matching luggage. Underhood, there’s a custom engine featuring 700 horsepower with 645 lb-ft torque, that can attain 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
"The Venom 700NM offers world-class power, performance and looks in typical Hennessey style. We are very excited about our new partnership with Neiman Marcus.” said John Hennessey, President, Hennessey Performance Engineering. Only seven Venom 700NM Vipers will be made and the price includes one day of high-performance driving school at Lonestar Motorsports Park.
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