new toys

"New" Viper
Since its introduction, the Dodge Viper has sold 23,000 copies. The car has gone through some minor facelifts throughout the years and now a “new” Viper may be reality.
Called the Diamondback, it may go into limited production. According to sources, the regular Viper, as if it isn’t fast enough, will go into hibernation for 2007, but the source would not elaborate on why the car may or may not be built.

But to meet demand, Dodge will build a backlog of 2006 Vipers. The Holden GTO suffered the same fate, reportedly due to new airbag standards, but this is not the case with the Viper. With no regular 2007 Vipers to maintain enthusiasts’ interest, a special-limited edition model could help bridge the gap. The Diamondback will reportedly wear ASC’s OmniCarbon technology lightweight body work that removes 85 pounds of mass from the current car.

A special clearcoat process leaves the bare carbon-fiber fabric visible in places, without suffering from the yellowing that normally occurs with sunlight exposure. Recent spy photos show the Viper sporting a hood with two rows of holes. The new V-10 may produce 615hp, and with the car’s new diet, that could translate into 3.5 second 0-60 times.
- By George Mattar

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Speaking of the GTO, rumors have it that we'll be seeing them again in 2009. There has been an air-bag compliance problem that is being worked out by GM's Holden Division down under. Another rumor is that the Camaro will have a convertible option option.