Thread of the Day: SRT Viper, Nissan GT-R, Chevy Corvette ZR1, or Ford Shelby GT500?

Earlier today we reported 2013 SRT Viper pricing, and while weight reduction, more power, and an upgraded interior may make the new Viper the best performing model yet, other track-ready options in the same general price range exist, including the Nissan GT-R, Chevy Corvette ZR1, and even the Shelby GT500.

The $99,390 2013 SRT Viper is motivated by a 640-hp 8.4-liter V-10 engine that makes 600 lb-ft of torque. The seats are made by Sabelt, the company used by Ferrari, and the car retains a six-speed manual transmission, though it’s been tweaked to deliver more preciseness.

The Nissan GT-R is known for being a beast on the track. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6, the GT-R danced around our figure eight in 23 seconds flat, the third-best time we’ve recorded. Cranking out 545 hp, the GT-R hits 60 in 2.8 seconds. Bragging rights won’t come cheap though, because the 2013 Nissan GT-R starts at $97,820.

Let’s not forget the Shelby GT500, which Ford claims will break the 200-mph barrier. Though we only got it to hit 196 mph, it’s hard to argue with the GT500′s 662-hp supercharged V-8. Though the GT500 puts out more horses than the GT-R, it rings it at a comparatively cheap $54,995.

Looking for a little something more raw? How about a used 2010 Viper ACR, which posted a 7:12 lap time around the Nurburgring? Don’t forget about the Chevy Corvette ZR1, which costs $113,575 – more than the 2013 SRT Viper but less than the Viper GTS, which carries a $122,390 base price.

Which track-ready car would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments below in today’s Thread of the Day.

According to Motortrend (this magazine)

Here are the lap times from laguna Seca

2010 Dodge Viper ACR – 1:33.92
2012 Corvette Z07 Package Laguna Motor trend time 1:34.43,
2012 Mclaren MP4-12C time 1:34.50;
2012 Lamborghini Aventador – time 1:35.4

At the 2012 best drivers car, the Z07 was soo fast they did not bother to test the ZR1 (new and improved 2012 version; the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ran 1:35.83.

There is no doubt in my mind that a Z06 can more than hold its own against the new viper, even today.

In my humble opinion, Laguna Seca is the Meca of racetracks in north america, the vatican, the Taj Mahal…

Is this new viper faster than the ACR viper?

Corvette is still king.. Long Live the King

But, If I had $100,000 to blow, I’d buy a couple 96 Accords, and old Landcruiser, a 93 Corolla, a new Tacoma, an 01 Tacoma, an 01 Dakota, an FRS, an older STi, an 05 Forester XT, and maybe an early 2000′s Porsche.

First, axe the Shelby. Why? It’s based on a rental car that can be picked up for $20K.
Next, axe the GT-R. It would probably be my pick. but Nissan will never see a dime of my money until they get their LGBT friendliness in order. Plus, I’m not into all the tech it has.
Next, the Corvette goes. I like it, but the interior isn’t great and it just doesn’t look as good as the new Viper.

It’s one of Chrysler’s only products I like from the last ten years.

Between those choices, I’d go for the SRT Viper, no doubt about it. With 100+ K I’d opt for a Porsche 911 (the 997 GT3 or the 991)

Source : wot[dot]motortrend[dot]com