As you have probably already heard, the 17th new or completely refreshed vehicle coming from Chrysler was unveiled in dramatic fashion at the end of Sergio Marchionne’s presentation to Chrysler dealers at the recent gathering in Orlando:

“I have just one more thing on my agenda to share with you today.

I have often said publicly that the job of Chief Executive is the best and the worst job in the world. It is the greatest because of the embedded right one has to significantly impact people’s lives for the better. It is the worst because of the havoc it causes in your personal life, which in most cases is irreparable. But there are instances, there are times, in this tenure which somehow redeem and wipe out all the negatives associated with your role.

There are times when you are given the opportunity to give life to something which is so beautiful and unique, so just and equitable, that you pay a lot less attention to the numbers, to the financial reality that surrounds it.

They happen rarely. In my case, only three times in more than 15 years as Chief Executive.

The last time it happened at Chrysler, about a month ago.

It happened at the conclusion of a long series of dialogues that Ralph Gilles and I regularly have about design, about particular nameplates.

We had been debating this particular nameplate for a long time, and every time I just could not get there.

And then, one morning the product committee went into the dome and saw it, and we all knew we were in front of something magic, unique. It took less than five minutes for the committee to fund the initiative. Not a negative comment, not a remark, not a single question.

And so I leave you with this. The 17th car in the lineup, in select dealers in 2012.”

Said to be all new and very aggressive, witnesses stated that the design was similar to that of an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with trademark Viper styling enhancements, short overhangs and a general move that takes the Viper more upscale than it has ever been.

The 8.4L V10 is expected to live on with at least 600 HP but a bump to 700 HP is not out of the question with help from direct injection and the possible adaption of Fiats MultiAir system.  An entry level V8 Viper may also be offered which would most likely use a version of the new 6.4L Hemi engine.  Chrysler is also said to be in talks with their Italian brothers at Ferrari about stability control systems to make the Viper more livable.

2012 Dodge Viper

Considering the slew of recent Z28 spy pics that have been popping up, Autoguide and artist Jon Sibal have made the most convincing rendering yet.

Coming out to battle the 550 HP Mustang Shelby GT500, the Z28 is expected to use the Cadillac CTS-V’s 556 HP supercharged 6.2L LSA engine but reports indicate it could even use the Corvette ZR1’s 620 HP supercharged LS9, however it is unlikely.

Recent spy photos have also revealed that the Z28 is likely to get 20-inch wheels and a brake setup similar to that found on the CTS-V, which boasts 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.

We at OSC dont think GM is going to leave the door open to Ford with only a 6HP lead over the Mustang, which itself will most likely be increased by the time the Z28 debuts at what we think will be the Detroit auto show in January 2011.  That means the car will most likely use a cranked up LSA from the Caddy or a slightly de-tuned LS9 from the ZR1 with either hitting at least 570 HP.

Starting out as a regular GT500, Shelby adds a Ford Racing handling pack, which includes dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, unique stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace.  Then its up to you which of the three offered supercharger kits you want, 660 HP, 750 HP or 800 HP.

Pricing has not been set for the Kenne Bell 800 HP package but the 750 HP set-up will run you $30,245 (on top of a new Shelby GT500).

All models also receive a Borla exhaust, 20-inch Alcoa/Shelby wheels in a choice of two shades, a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, Baer forged brakes with six-piston calipers and cross-drilled and vented rotors, custom styling touches including brake cooling ducts and Shelby badging throughout. All Super Snakes will be listed in the Shelby registry and they’re assigned a unique Shelby serial number.

Just 1,000 will be made available.

Chrysler 6.4L 392 HEMI

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure

Freshly leaked documents from the recent Chrysler dealer event that showed off the new 2011 products seems to put the heated 6.4L Hemi horsepower numbers to rest.

Sortive.

Apparently during the presentation for the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8’s and limited 392 editions, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles was quoted as saying the cars would hit 0-60 MPH in the 3-second zone, indicating an actual horsepower number much higher than 475 (considering the car will indeed soldier on with the same gearing as the 2010).

For comparison sake, the mighty 556HP Cadillac CTS-V runs 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.  Further, the Cadillac was being tested by Chrysler workers along with the 6.4L 2012 Charger SRT8 and the 555HP BMW X5M with the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8.

This wouldn’t be the first time a car company has down rated HP so the buyers end up with cheaper insurance premiums.  Also let loose was the numbers for the 3.6L V6 Challenger SE, which is 305 HP and 268 TQ which should have the V6 Challenger running a touch quicker than the V6 Camaro, which is heavier.

Does the actual HP number for the 6.4L lay behind the math on what kind of power it takes to hurl a 4100 lb car to 60 MPH in the high 3-second range?  Let us know what you think.

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure