1996 Dodge Viper Gts Coupe 2-door 8.0l on 2040-cars

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Top torque-to-weight ratios under $100k, $50k and $25k

Horsepower may steal a lot of headlines, but the always-more-complex torque figure is often a critical one for both the workingman and the motoring playboy. The measure of rotational force represents the twist that can liquefy one's tires or haul one's horse trailer. Good stuff.
It follows then, that as with the horsepower-to-weight list that we assembled for you a few months ago, a list of cars that offer the most pound-feet with the fewest pounds to carry, is an interesting one to break down. Sure, there's a big difference in how the torque is applied from a turbocharged six-cylinder in a Swedish luxury sedan and a massive heavy-duty truck's turbo-diesel. But being the car/stat geeks that we are, we think it's kinda neat that those two vehicles rank near each other where torque and weight intersect.
As with the horsepower list, we've given you figures as pounds per every one pound-foot. Again broken down into broad price categories, we've got a mixed bag of 2014 and 2015 models here, too. Every effort has been made to select the most up-to-date prices and specs, and we've also to omitted some '14 cars that won't be re-upped after the ongoing yearly changeover.

It ain't easy keeping a Hellcat steady at 170 mph on ice

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat you see hit the ice at Arsunda Speed Weekend in Sweden, over two hours north of Stockholm. It's said to be bone stock, save for the studded tires that help it grip on ice. But it apparently takes more than some steel studs and a lead foot to keep it pointed the right way. Just look at how much driver Alx Danielsson has to saw at the wheel to keep the Hellcat from veering off course. Fortunately he seems to have the chops to do so, being not only a native of Sweden (and therefor imbued from birth with otherworldly abilities to drive on ice) but also having won the highly competitive Formula Renault 3.5 Series championship back in 2006. In the end Danielsson hit a top speed in excess of 170 miles per hour, touted as some sort of record, however unofficial (and specific to Dodge Challengers). That's a fair bit shy of the 205 mph that Bentley achieved in the Continental Supersports, but while that model had slightly less power than the Hellcat, it did have the benefit of all-wheel drive – something that could make all the difference in these kinds of slippery conditions. Related Video:

Mopar '15 performance kit now available for Dodge Charger R/T

Dodge is releasing a new Mopar performance kit for the 2015 Charger R/T sedan, offering up just 50 examples of the dealer-installed upgrade package. Only a select few dealers will sell the kit, and they'll do so at a price of $3,550. As per usual, the Mopar kit makes both performance and aesthetic changes. For the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, upgrades include the Stage 1 Scat Pack kit, which adds a cat-back exhaust and cold-air intake, good for 18 additional horsepower and 18 more pound-feet of torque. There's also a new strut tower brace and a "premium fuel powertrain control module." Aesthetic changes are remarkably simple, with matte black body-side decals being the only notable addition to the exterior. In the cabin, there's a serialized dash plaque and new door sill plates. This is the sixth Mopar special edition since 2009. If you wish to join this fairly exclusive fraternity of Dodge owners, dealers are currently accepting orders, with deliveries slated to start later this month. Scroll down for the official press release from Dodge. PERFORMANCE IN A BOX: MOPAR '15 PERFORMANCE KIT LAUNCHES FOR 2015 DODGE CHARGER R/T Owners of 2015 Dodge Charger R/T can enhance their ride with a Mopar '15 performance kit 50 limited-edition Mopar '15 performance kits now available through authorized dealerships for an MSRP of $3,550 Mopar '15 follows the success of five special-edition vehicle packages offered by the FCA brand since 2009 Delivery of Mopar '15 performance kits to begin in early June June 8, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Mopar enthusiasts that feel the need to enhance the look and performance of their new 2015 Dodge Charger R/T can now do exactly that with a new Mopar '15 performance kit. With just 50 units available, authorized dealerships are now accepting orders for the limited-edition Mopar '15 kits for an MSRP of $3,550 with delivery to begin in early June. "Mopar has a long history of delivering to enthusiasts performance and customization in unique and convenient packages," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO — Mopar Brand Service, Parts and Customer Care, FCA. "We are now shifting into another gear and offering a limited-edition kit that will allow customers to really enhance the performance and look of their Dodge Charger R/T." The Mopar '15 kit is a street-legal performance package that includes the Scat Pack Performance Stage Kit 1, as well as a front strut tower brace with caps and bright pedal kit.