Drivers Log.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

HART: Few other cars I've driven give you the kind of rush you get from stepping down hard on the Viper's throttle. The thrust is impressive as is the rush of sound, from the exhaust and the wind. Steering is quick, and if there are any imperfections in the road they are immediately relayed to you through the steering wheel. The tight bucket seat leaves little room for movement, and when you add all those sensations together you're left with a uniquely American experience.

I'm glad Auburn Hills still feels it is worth it to build a car like the Viper. It may not be quicker than a Z06, and it doesn't have the DNA the Ford GT does, but drive the Viper, push it a little bit, and it's an experience unlike anything else you can find today.

GRITZINGER: They're crazy machines, these Vipers-race cars for the street with demeanor to match. This car, in contrast, is one I could live with on a daily basis. It's not quite the full-on race car in road trim the first-generation was, which is exactly why it is a much more driver-friendly, fun-to-drive place to be. It will still make nerves tingle with a mash of the right pedal, the exhaust note is supreme, and the driving experience otherworldly. But this new Viper adds a livable interior, reasonable 360-degree visibility, and a near race-car ...