In what is a clearly a great marketing stunt, BF Goodrich is teaming up with Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White to teach him how to drive. And by driving, we mean the typical fashion we expect to see with BF Goodrich – tearing up tires all over the track.

White had the privilege of going to San Bernardino Airport where he met up with three of Team BFG’s members: Samuel Hubinette, Lars Wolfe and James Shearer. Each driver represented a different facet of motorsport, drifting, time attack and King of the Hammers, respectively.

Despite not even knowing how to drive a manual when the day began, White seemed to be a quick learner and was extremely fascinated with drifting – something expected from a persona like White.

Check out several videos after the break of Shaun White and BF Goodrich.

GALLERY: BF Goodrich and Shaun White

[Source: Autoblog]

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A rumor from AutoBild magazine suggests that the 2012 Dodge Viper may get a Ferrari-derived V8 engine rather than the traditional V10.

With the tie-up between Chrysler and Fiat, parent company of Maserati and Alfa Romeo, the Chrysler has access to the 4.7L V8 used in Maserati products and the Alfa Romeo 8C supercar, which is also shared with the Ferrari California. The Viper’s V10 has its roots in a truck engine, and despite its massive power, its roots are still evident to anyone who drives a Viper.

Chrysler needs to make a decision soon, and we suspect they’ll stick to the script with a V10, rather than opt for a pricier, not to mention un-American drivetrain. The Viper traditionally competes with other exotics like the Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari California, and its cut-rate price tag compared to the Italians might make a V8 powered Viper a little too competitive.

[Source: AutoBild]

Famed Italian coach builder Zagato has built yet another tribute to Alfa Romeo’s 100th anniversary, the TZ3 Stradale, and has upped the ante by eschewing Italian underpinnings for a Dodge Viper ACR chassis and powertrain.

Previous iterations of the Zagato TZ3 Stradale have featured Alfa-based running gear and been purpose built for things like track driving, but the TZ3 is intended to be a pure street car, and undoubtedly privileges form over function.

If you squint really hard, you may see a passing resemblance to the Viper, but the car’s aesthetics are clearly Italian, with the design paying tribute to Alfa Romeo. Only 9 vehicles will be produced, and 2 are already spoken for, so any attempt to buy one will likely require some quick action and knowing the right people – aside from having a fat bank balance, of course.

The Chevrolet Corvette’s dominance in the U.S. sports car segment has gone unchecked since Dodge dropped the V10-powered Viper last year. But that will all change in 2012 with the re-introduction of the, “icon of the Dodge brand’s performance car lineup.”

In addition to this news, Dodge has released a single teaser photo of the next-gen Viper. OK, so it’s actually a 2010 model year car. Except there’s one big difference – this car has stability control. Dodge SRT engineers used the old platform to create and test a stability control program that will be fitted to the fourth-generation machine, making the first time the Viper will have the driver aid.

Does this mean the 2013 Viper will be a watered-down versions of itself. Hardly. After all, it’s not like the Dodge engineers, accountants of lawyers had anything to say in the matter, as stability control is now required by the government.

If there were ever an automotive/firearms tie in that was appropriate, this is it. A Missouri Dodge dealer is offering customers a free Barret .50 sniper rifle upon purchase of a 2010 Dodge Viper ACR.

Both machines are capable of deadly force, and represent the last word in American excess. While the Viper ACR is one of the most potent road cars on the planet, the Barret is routinely used to disable armored vehicles in war zones. Looks like it’s a dead heat in the awesome sweepstakes.

[Source: Jalopnik]

A car, unlike a house, is not an investment. It’s a pit that your pour money into over time, especially when you take into account interest rates on loans and depreciation. That is, unless you just so happen to have bought, say, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO back in the era of flower power and decided to sell it now – with one such vehicle recently hitting a record $18 million dollars at auction.

But how can you know what cars will be worth purchasing as an investment? Ask an expert.

That’s what the folks at Yahoo Autos did, speaking with McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Insurance, the world’s largest insurer of pricey classic and antique vehicles. Hagerty broke down his list of the top five models of the last 20 years that are expected to become top collectors items – and the Veyron (above) isn’t one of them.

Hit the jump for the list and give us our feedback

[Source: Yahoo]

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Sorry, V10 fans. Turns out that the Chrysler 300 SRT10 that we all thought would be a SEMA debut is actually a one-off car created by a Dodge dealership near Salt Lake City.

With a new 300 around the corner, it seemed strange for Chrysler to release an “old” look car than a brand-spanking new design. Furthermore, the 300 in question looks more like a standard 300 than a real SRT-8, with the more aggressive fascia and integrated dual exhaust. It turns out that the car was originally a V6 powered “Touring” model before it got the big V10 swap.

The good news is that the car is privately owned, and it’s conceivable that the car may one day be for sale.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Held this year in Salt Lake City, Utah the bi-annual Dodge Viper Owner invitational brought together fans of the American exotic from all over the world. Hosted by the Viper Club of America, over 350 Vipers were in attendance, with owners traveling from as far away as Switzerland, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Along with the usual activities like a show ‘n shine and auto-x, attendees were treated to the road of racing Vipers in both the Viper Cup and World Challenge series. Better yet, Kuno Wittmer piloted his Viper to first in the World Challenge GT Class race in front of the enthusiastic Viper crowd, finishing second overall for the season.

Dodge was kind enough to photograph the entire event and also took plenty of shots from both races. Check out our selection below and hit the link to Dodge’s Flickr photostream for all the shots.

GALLERY: Viper Owner Invitational

[Source: Dodge's Flickr Photostream]

Official release after the jump:

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the 2012 Dodge Viper will be produced, and will move towards a more “upscale” position, abandoning its “racecar” heritage. The vehicle was previewed at Chrysler‘s dealer meeting in Orlando.

Autoblog reported that the design is angular, and a departure from the previous car. No mechanical details were announced but a variant of the 8.4L V10 may return, with a V8 filling an entry level role.

Among other products debuted were an all new Dodge Grand Caravan, which will differentiate itself from the Chrysler Town & Country by appealing to a sportier customer, including a limited edition “Man Van”, the all new Chrysler 300, which will be sold as a Lancia in Europe and a replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot crossovers.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Far from confirmed, the folks at Road & Track are speculating heavily on the return of the Dodge Viper in 2012 for sale the following year. The report suggests the next-gen Viper will be built using a frame that had been scrapped when the economy turned sour. That very platform made headlines in automotive circles earlier this year when it was revealed that Mercedes engineers at then-parent company Daimler used this chassis to build the SLS. A new transaxle was also in development, which will also be resurrected, while rumors suggest Dodge engineers have been speaking with their counterparts at Ferrari on issues such as driving dynamics and steering feel.

While a new direct-injection 8.4-liter V10 (making as much as 700-hp) is a strong possibility for the new Viper, R&T suggests an entry-level V8 model could be offered.

If all goes well, we’re likely to see a concept version of the next Dodge Viper in 2012, with production set to begin the next year.

[Source: Road & Track]

Read AutoGuide’s Dodge Viper ACR Review by Clicking Here

Dodge head honcho Ralph Gilles took a brand new Viper ACR-X around Virginia International Raceway not long ago, and decided to film his exploits.

With Powertrain Communications Manager Nick Cappa as his passenger/videographer, Gilles managed to hit a peak speed of 165 mph and turn a 1 minute, 35 second lap time. The ACR-X sheds 160 pounds and gains 40 horsepower over the “normal” ACR (for a total of 640 horsepower), making it one seriously quick machine.

[Source: TopSpeed]

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Looking like a life-size Special Edition Hot Wheels toy, the last Dodge Viper rolled off the line slathered in a bronze hue with copper colored stripes, a special paint job at the request of its new owner, D’Ann Rauh.

Rauh and her husband Wayne own the largest collection of Vipers on the planet, and their newest toy, a coupe, is likely the most historically significant. While no mechanical upgrades have been fitted, the interior leather has been custom made by Tony Spampinito, a highly regarded Viper leather installer.

Dodge executives have hinted at the return of the Viper, but no concrete plans have been announced. Considering that the current Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was supposed to be the next Viper, expect a slight delay as the Viper team re-groups to design an all new car from scratch.

[Source: Chrysler]

Hit the jump to read the official press release

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With a notable absence of anything new in the product line, Dodge is hard at work in the marketing department creating limited edition models. And while that might normally mean some rather dull custom models, there’s never anything dull about a Viper.

To help celebrate the last year of the Viper, Dodge invited its three top Viper dealers to help design their own models, which will go on sale through the three dealers (and a select group of other dealers) this year. Up first is a Race Yellow Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster designed by Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Neb. The team at Tomball Dodge in Tomball, Texas tailored the Reverse SRT10 ACR using black and Snakeskin Green paint. Finally, there’s the SRT10 Coupe with Plum Crazy racing stripes, designed Roanoke Dodge in Roanoke, Ill.

In total just 50 of these special edition Vipers will be offered. To find a dealer near you hit the link below:

http://www.viperheadquarters.com/viper_nation/dealer_locator

Official release after the jump:

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In the world of luxury you just can’t put a price tag on exclusivity – or can you? The original Maybach Exelero was a high-speed test mule conjured up by the minds at Daimler by Fulda tires. And exclusive it was, with only one ever built, selling for nearly $8,000,000. That’s right, six zeroes.

But with everything that’s so exclusive, somewhere in the world there are individuals motivated enough to make a replica. Over on JamesList is a listing for just that: a Maybach Exelero replica that is apparently based on 2010 Dodge Viper. It sports the 8.3-liter V10 motor pushing out over 800-hp with 23-inch wheels.

Details pretty much stop there but apparently the Swiss company offers any style and colored interior along with any color exterior for whatever buyer may be interested. So if you’ve got $680,000 lying around, place an order and wait four months for it to come. That price tag may seem high, but it’s quite the savings over the $8,000,000 that the original one sold for. And hey, they even toss in free shipping.

[Source: JamesList]

GALLERY: Maybach Exelero

Clash Productions just posted this highly entertaining in-car video on YouTube, featuring world-class Touring and GT racing driver Tom Coronel in the Lammertink Racing Toyo Tires Porsche GT3 Cup car at the start of this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour endurance race. We particularly enjoyed the start, where Coronel mixes it up with one of the Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA’s as well as a few other Porsches.

Coronel then shows some amazing pace through the higher speed sections of the Ring before being passed by a Ferrari on the impossibly long main straight. But like the crafty veteran he is, Coronel (whose name you may recognize as the driver from the record-setting lap he did around the Ring last year in a Dodge Viper ACR) ducks in behind the Ferrari and slipsteams it down the straight, slingshotting past just before the insanely quick lefthander that leads down the hill towards the GP portion of the circuit.

Back on the GP track near the end of the lap, the Ferrari and the LFA make another appearance as they pass Coronel’s Porsche. The fact that the SP8 class Lexus was able to hang with the quicker SP7 class Porsche GT3 Cup and Ferrari F430 GTC machines says a lot about just how good the LFA really is.

Enjoy the video after the jump.

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Consumer watchdog, Consumer Reports has released its list of 2010 cars, which includes the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Aveo, that do not come with the electronic stability control (ESC) safety feature.

A computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle’s stability by detecting and minimizing skids in a turn, electronic stability control will become a standard feature in all light-passenger vehicles come 2012. This category includes cars, pickup trucks and SUVs. According to Consumer Reports, the majority of manufacturers have already equipped their vehicles ahead of the mandate.

The list was a short one – only nine other cars managed to make the cut. Others on the list include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Viper, Kia Rio, Lotus Elise, Tesla Roadster and Scion tC.

But don’t worry if you’re in the market for a Hyundai Accent – it will have electronic stability control upgrade shortly. According to Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore, “The Accent is our only non-ESC vehicle. It is also the oldest in our lineup. We continue to roll out new technologies as vehicles are freshened and replaced.” At this time, the Accent is the only current vehicle made by Hyundai that does not come with ESC.

[Source: Inside Line]

Are Viper loyalists perhaps mourning the death of the venomous snake too soon? Maybe, as Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced that as a part of Fiat’s 5-year plan he intends to position Dodge internationally as an “American performance brand,” anchored by the Charger, Challenger, and Viper.

Marchionne mentioned that the Charger and Challenger’s platforms will not be touched, but may be recycled for future Alfa’s, Lancia’s, and Maserati’s. Interesting, since the Charger and Challenger platform is already recycled from the, now 2-generations old, Mercedes E-Class. We can’t imagine Fiat is really planning on tarting up this platform again with a Maserati badge, because if they did, it would make the use of the jarring F1 gearbox in the first-gen Quattroporte seem like a minor quibble by comparison. The most frightening statement though, is that the “Viper will end up as a quasi-Ferrari.”

So, first Ferrari eliminates manual transmissions, then they plan to position the Viper as a “quasi-Ferrari?” We’re not holding our breaths for this one.

GALLERY: Dodge Viper Final Edition

[Source: TopSpeed]

We broke the news last month that Samuel Hübinette would be campaigning his own two-car drift team for 2010. His new 865-hp Dodge Challenger would be campaigned with his previous championship-winning Dodge Viper, now driven by Canadian rally-star Andrew Comrie-Picard. With Formula Drift Long Beach competition starting today, the new team was out testing at Riverside, California this past week.

We spotted this video on YouTube and figured we’d share. It’s the best we can do to whet our appetite for this weekend’s competition. Things look extremely exciting with all the major teams finally making their official announcements, debuts and testing videos. We’ll be sure to report on all the results from the first event of the 2010 Formula DRIFT season. Check out the video of the Challenger swinging sideways, burning BFG rubber after the break.

GALLERY: Samuel Hubinette Testing Drift Dodge Challenger

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Dodge has announced it will build just 50 “Final Edition” Vipers to celebrate the iconic super sports car during its last year in production. Of that 50, 20 will be Coupes, 18 Roadsters and just 12 wicked ACRs. Each car will feature a Graphite Clear Coat body with black center stripe outlined in red. Special six-spoke wheel will also be included, while ACR models will get five-spoke wheels. Both Coupe and ACR models will get a black windshield surround and all models will get unique badging. Inside, black leather interiors will get red stitching and red surrounds for the gauge cluster, as well as stainless steel screws in the center stack and Viper Final Edition floor mats. A numbered dash plaque will also come on every limited edition car, located on the shifter bezel.

All cars will come with Dodge’s 8.4-liter V10 engine with 600-hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque, enabling a sub- 4-second 0-60 mph time and a top seed of 202 mph.

Back in 2002, Dodge did produce a Final Edition Viper, so perhaps there’s still hope the Fiat/Chrysler alliance will result in an all-new Viper in the years to come.

GALLERY: Dodge Viper Final Edition Models

Official release after the jump:

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Earlier this month we reported about Samuel Hubinette’s plans for 2010. What some may not remember is that merely three years ago, celebrity and son of Hulk Hogan, Nick Hogan, was actually competitively drifting alongside Samuel in a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Clearly the fame that came with Nick Hogan and fast cars wasn’t from his short drifting career. Instead, it was from the tragic accident that proved that there is such thing as too much horsepower. Nonetheless, the kid’s back out on the prowl and has committed to the Xtreme Drift Circuit (XDC) campaigning a black turbocharged Nissan 350Z.

The good news out of all this is that Nick Hogan will be involved with a group called “Keep It On The Track”, promoting and educating Americans the consequences of participating in illegal street races and driving without a seat belt. Perhaps it’s a day late, especially for the unfortunate passenger during Hogan’s Supra accident, but hey whatever it takes to keep it off the streets.

We couldn’t help but to include one of Hogan’s highlights from his last drifting endeavor, taking a champion-caliber car and finding the wall at Irwindale Speedway. That’s after the jump.

[Source: Motorworldhype]

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In an effort to keep the Viper name alive after the iconic sports car is discontinued next year, Dodge has announced the introduction of the 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X track car, while simultaneously launching a new Dodge Viper Cup spec series.

The Viper ACR-X is a combination of the ACR street-legal but track capable machine, with the track-only Competition Coupe to come up with the ideal club racer. Unfortunately, it’s not street legal.

Under the long hood, the ACR-X retains the Viper’s 8.4-liter V10 engine, but power gets a 40-hp boost to 640-hp thanks to a less restrictive exhaust setup. Additional modifications incldue a track-tuned suspension, a curb weight that has been cut by 160 lbs and several aerodynamic enhancements. A roll cage, fuel cell and race seats complete the package for racing in the SCCA and NASA Viper Racing League. Pricing is set at $110,000.

Recently Dodge made headlines when it introduced an updated ACR model for 2010, which reclaimed the Laguna Seca track record at 1:33.915. The ACR-X was also out testing at Laguna Seca recently and bested the street car’s time by almost three seconds.

The car will be the spec model in the new Dodge Viper Spec series that will begin in July 9th at Virginia International Raceway.

For more on the ACR-X, the Dodge Viper Spec series and a video of the making of the ACR-X, see after the jump:

GALLERY: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

Official release after the jump:

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Last week Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne set out a long-winded plan for the future of the American automaker and how its future will be closely tied to its new Italian parent company. There was a lot to digest at the seven hour press conference and so we thought a model by model breakdown would be helpful and would shed some light on what appears to be the general plan to eliminate old Chrysler products and replace them with new Chrysler Group-branded Fiat models. So let’s start with Dodge…

DODGE BRAND

From the smallest to the largest vehicles, Dodge will see the introduction of a subcompact car in 2013 based on the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Currently Dodge does not offer a sub-compact with its smallest offering being the compact Caliber, which receives a mild update this year but will be eliminated in 2012 and then replaced the same year by a Fiat Group-based vehicle. Presumably it will be another Alfa Romeo platform, however, the car will be built in the U.S.

Moving to the mid-size segment, the Avenger will also be updated for 2010 and then replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

The future for the Journey, Grand Caravan and Charger is more positive, with the Journey and Grand Caravan getting updates for 2010 with a new Grand Caravan due in 2014. The Charger will be all-new for 2011 with a new interior and exterior, after originally launching in 2006. A new rear suspension will also be part of the package. As for its Challenger sibling, it will be updated for the 2012 model year.

Two vehicles that will be eliminated are the Nitro and Viper, with the Nitro slated to be scraped in 2011 (with a possible successor), while the Viper will cease production mid next year with a potential sports car replacing it in 2012.

One new model will be added to the Dodge lineup; a seven-seater crossover based on the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured above).

RAM BRAND

The new Ram brand still won’t have a lot going on, although Fiat is looking to expand its offerings. The Dakota is scheduled to cease production late in 2011 with a possible unibody pickup to replace it. As for the Ram 1500, it will get a mid-cycle refresh in 2012, as will the heavy duty Ram trucks. A chassis cab version of the Ram will also arrive in 2010.

Two additions to the lineup include a front-drive small work van and full-sized van in 2012. The small van will be similar in purpose to Ford’s Transit Connect and will be based on the next-generation Fiat Doblo. It will be imported from either Turkey or Brasil. As for Ram’s new full-sized van offering, it will be one of two vehicles: either the body-on frame Iveco Daily or the unibody Fiat Ducato. Unlike the small van, this full-sized unit will be assembled in the U.S.

CHRYSLER BRAND

Starting in the small scale, the Chrysler Brand will also get a subcompact, although (surprisingly) it will not be based on the same Alfa Romeo vehicle as the Dodge sub-compact. Instead, it will be underpinned by the next-generation Lancia Ypsilon five-door hatch and will go on sale in 2013.

A new compact sedan (based on a Fiat Group platform) will be launched in 2012. It is not clear if the Fiat Group platform is the same one that will underpin the Dodge compact sedan. The same can be said for the Sebring, which, like its current Dodge counterpart (the Avenger) will get styling updates next year and be replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

As for the PT Cruiser, it will be eliminated late next year – although we’ve heard that one before.

The Chrysler 300, like the Dodge Charger, will be all-new for 2011 with the new model arriving some time next year. Styling is expected to be evolutionary, so don’t expect much change – which is probably a good thing.

And as for Chrysler’s final product, the Town & Country minivan, it will get updates next year with a new model in 2014. Fiat hopes to differentiate the Chrysler minivan from its Dodge counterpart by taking it more up-market. (Have we learned nothing from the R-Class?)

JEEP BRAND

Finally, there’s the Jeep brand, where we’ve already learned the Patriot, Compass and Commander will be eliminated over the next few years. The first to meet the scrap heap is the Commander, with production ending late next year, while the Patriot and Compass will be get mild updates for 2010 before being retired in 2012. Interestingly, Fiat may build and sell the Commander overseas after 2010.

At the low end of the spectrum, a new subcompact SUV will arrive in 2013 based on the next generation Fiat Panda Cross, while a new compact crossover will arrive the same year based on an unnamed Fiat Group platform. A new Liberty will also arrive that year, again based on a Fiat.

As for Jeep’s core vehicles, the Wrangler will get a new interior next year, with a new engine offered in 2011. The Grand Cherokee will continue on as planned with the new model debuting next year as a 2011 model.

[Source: Automotive News]

Chrysler will stop production of the Dodge Viper in 2010 and replace it with its successor in 2012.

The announcement came on a day of extensive announcements about Chrysler’s plans for the next five years. The new Viper will be one of 11 all-new or redesigned Dodge vehicles that will debut by 2014.

Production on the Dodge Viper will halt in mid-2010,  and its replacement will utilize engineering from the Fiat Group which includes Ferrari and Maserati.

The question remains however whether the new car will even be called “Viper”. Also unclear is what this will mean for the approximately 100 employees at Chrysler’s Conner Avenue Assembly Pant in Detroit which produces the Dodge Viper.

[Source: CNN, Motortrend]

MJ Acquisitions, which recently purchased most of Saleen Inc., has made it clear that purchasing Viper from Dodge/Chrysler is of interest to the company.

Automotive News reports that MJ Acquisitions co-owner Mike Shields states that, “We’ve considered a purchase of Viper.” Shields and his bothers own several auto-industry related subsidiaries including Cyltec, LLC, Power-Tec Engineering, LLC, Arrow Racing Engines, LLC, and Control-Tec, LLC.

Chrysler has publicly stated its interest in selling off the successful Viper brand, and recently announced that it is currently looking over three proposals – although the company would not say if one of those proposals is from MJ Acquisitions.

In news relating back to Saleen, Shields stated that the continuation of the Racecraft brand and S-Line are not certain.

As for the continued uncertainty of the S7 and S5 Raptor supercars, former Saleen president Chris Theodore is still on the hunt for a buyer.

Read the AutoGuide review of the Viper ACR here:

Dodge Viper ACR

[Source: AutoNews]