Although the DaimlerChrysler merger was not the financial success story analysts expected, one cool thing did come out of it: Dodge's ability to join forces with McLaren on a one-off concept called the 2006 ASC Diamondback Viper. It debuted two years ago at the auto show in Detroit, cost $750,000 to develop, and had a 615 horsepower McLaren engine under the hood. ASC stands for American Specialty Cars, a company that had previously developed finely tuned and engineered body parts for many of the world's manufacturers, including Chrysler and McLaren. They built a customized hood for this Viper concept with a "trupeted air intake system with individual port throttles," and carbon fiber body panels. The lighter weight and more powerful engine means a faster 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 coupe. Suspension has been lowered by 1.25 inches, and three-piece forged aluminum 19-inch wheels are included. The odometer shows just 55 original miles. If you happen to have $295,000 lying around you can purchase the concept for $455,000 less than what it cost to build. The 2006 ASC Diamondback Viper could be a great investment for anyone looking to have a truly one-of-a-kind supercar.
