The next-generation Dodge Viper isn’t due for another year or two but that doesn’t mean Mopar can’t give you a taste of Viper power – if you have the cash.

Chrysler Group’s Mopar performance division has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine at the SEMA show. It’s an impressive lump – it’s a hand built 512 cubic-inch (8.4 litre), aluminum block V-10. In terms of power it pumps out 800 horses and 941Nm of torque.

Mopar claims that the engine is designed for drag racing which may mean it has emissions issues for on-road use. There are future versions planned for off-road racing and circuit racing but don’t expect these crate engines to come cheap. (more…)

The machine you see pictured above is one of the world’s most hardcore wagons, and is an example of what can happen when imagination meets opportunity and engineering ability.

This radical Saab estate comes from it’s homeland of Sweden where a mad crew of mechanics transformed a Dodge Viper into this menacing 9-3 SRT10 MegaPower.

It began with what was meant to be a much easier project when  a wrecked Dodge Viper SRT-10 was bought with the intention of rebuilding it. Unfortunately, the Viper was smashed up pretty bad and unsurprisingly there were few SRT-10 parts available in Sweden. So what can you do? These guys decided on stripping down the Viper’s body and using the mechanical hardware and parts on the chassis on a Saab 9-3 Sport Combi. (more…)

Dodge has just revealed the first teaser image of its next generation 2013 Viper (pictured above).

Looks just like the old Viper? Well, sadly it is, the car in the photo is actually a test mule for the 2013 Dodge Viper, built on a 2010 chassis. This teaser image was taken during a cold weather testing session for the Viper’s new stability control system. Along with the image came the announcement that Dodge will equip the next-gen Viper with stability control, which should be one of many advancements for the long-serving model.

Few other details have been released so far on the much anticipated Viper but word is that it will come out with between 600 and 700 horsepower but engine size and induction remains unknown.

The car manufacturer announced that the future Dodge Viper will come on the market towards the end of 2012, when it will compete in the “Super Car Olympics”. (more…)

While it’s not uncommon for a sleek European sedan to be called feminine, it’s never been a term you’d use for the Dodge Viper. But that may all change according to an odd recent announcement. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, the head of Chrysler design boss and head of the Dodge brand, Ralph Gilles, told the press that the next generation of the Dodge Viper is going to be “drop-dead beautiful” and have a look inspired by “a naked woman on the beach”.

A completely new design is a good idea considering sales of the previous generation model steadily declining over the years with only 392 sold in 2010, when production ceased.

Gilles also confirmed that the new model won’t be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and clarified that it’s not going to have Ferrari powerplants either. He also went on to state that the next Viper would try to steal buyers away from traditional foe the Chevrolet Corvette and also the Porsche brand. But neither Porsche or Chevrolet are probably too worried at this point. The Dodge boss was also confident regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Viper, stating that it will be profitable.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Viper is scheduled to be first show next year, without any tan lines.

It hasn’t been an easy road for the Dodge Viper supercar recently. When the last model rolled off the assembly line back in July, there were only loose rumors about the possibility of a new generation. It was a few months later that new information leaked about a possible successor, which was to share a platform with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, much to the dismay of hardcore Viper fans.

Now, according to The Detroit News, Chrysler has confirmed that next year the world will get it’s first look at the new 2013 Viper and it won’t be based on Alfa’s supercar.

“There won’t be a part of the car that remains untouched,”Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles said, and would apparently not rule out the potential for a brand-new V10 engine.

“Where the cabin is, relative to the wheels, is unique” said Gilles. “The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore” he added.

Late last year, Gilles confirmed that the new Viper would draw on the Alfa-owned Ferrari brand’s knowledge, but would not use any of its technology. “They really know sports cars. We just want some advice,” Gilles said at the time. “Ferrari is Ferrari, Viper is Viper. Please don’t go there.”

Mr. Gilles also added that the 2013 Viper will be “a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people”.

The previous generation Viper was an unforgiving machine, without any real electronic assistance it quickly scorned anyone who treated it with disrespect. While this has given the supercar a hardcore appeal a more drivable Viper is not such a bad idea.

How far Dodge plans to dilute the sports car’s aggro nature is not known for now. But Chrysler will be looking to keep a fine balance between the ingredients.

If you don’t love big smokey burnouts you need to have your pulse and your nuts checked over. Burnouts are a man’s god-given right and a big part of the reason why we have events like this weekend’s Powercruise. To celebrate, we have found a video that shows just how beautiful and classy a well executed burnout can actually be.

It’s the Rembrant of burnout videos, an absolute masterpiece of tyre on tarmac action. Playing the lead roll is a Snakeskin Green Dodge Viper in this ultra crisp HD video.

It’s been talked up enough, check out the video below. (more…)

Dodge teases Viper V10-powered Chrysler 300C

Earlier this week a Chrysler dealer conference went down over in the States where new or updated products from the American brand were revealed. It was business as usual until Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne had a concept of the 2012 Dodge Viper roll on to the stage.

While no photos or specs have been released, Chrysler has confirmed that the next-generation Viper is on its way in two years time, but showing a concept off this early is a clear indication that work is well underway.

There’s still much rumour and speculation over what powertrain will be fitted to the all-new Viper, but early reports indicate that the same 8.4-litre V10 may carry on, possibly with the inclusion of Fiat’s MultiAir technology to reduce emissions and boost output over 700 horses. An entry-level V8 option is also a possibility, and expect to see some input from Ferrari’s engineers on anything from handling to steering and stability control systems. Just one of the perks of partnership with the Fiat Group.