2004 Viper SRT-10 up close & personal (pics)

[Y2K5SRT]

So, our favorite local dealership called me up yesterday as they were backing their first SRT out of the truck. Invited me to come down today and check it out on the showroom floor. Shot a few pics (nothing major) and had a great chat with the dealer himself - who also happens to be a Viper owner and VCA member. I was interested to see the changes for 2004 as compared to the 2003. They had asked my opinion on which color to order first and I suggested black. Man, what a GORGEOUS car!

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Of course, the sales folks (and manager) didn't know anything about the car so I got to educate them on some of the tricks to it (putting the top down, etc.). Also funny to watch the sales manager try to start it and finally giving up (while I chuckled off to the side, which didn't win his friendship unfortunately). Needless to say, he hadn't discovered the "engine start" button. Of course one of my main goals was to check out the changes. And they are:

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1. "Trunk Dress Up" - Standard truck carpeting that is IDENTICAL to the DC "kits" most of us bought for our 2003's. Obviously the same kit with a factory install.

2. "Convertible Top Cover" - Well, this one had ALL of us scratching our heads. We assumed it was some sort of cover that would tastefully cover the open sides when the top was down. Guess what? No such thing! It came with nothing besides the manual and the front license plate bracket. This was the main thing I wanted to see and it just didn't exist in this case. I looked to see if there were any addtional fasteners in that area that would accomodate such a cover, and there were not: It is identical in every way to the 2003.

3. Those nifty red brake calipers:

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Thought they were nice, but prefer the black on a black car. Couldn't help but think "Corvette" when I was looking at these. I also like the black for showing less dirt. Or maybe I was just jealous.

4. AHA! A change that nobody has noted to date and one that is clearly worth the big bucks: A different "WARNING" sticker for the side exhaust in the door jambs!

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Okay, not that incredible but still kinda cool. Also kind of funny to think that the illustration is a misrepresentation - the pipes do NOT exit off the sides - the tip actually comes from the other side of the car (they cross each other behind the passenger area) and then come forward a bit. Guess that drawing would have been too complex...

And then the final change for 2004 is this:

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So for $1,000 more you get the trunk kit installed, red brake calipers, different stickers, and (so far) a fictional top cover. You know what? It is STILL an incredible car for the money. If I thought I could stay whole and trade up my 2003 for it I just might do it. Naaaaaah...

If anybody is interested in this very car, Bud Brown Dodge in Overland Park has it sitting on the showroom floor with 29 miles on the clock. The factory finish is FLAWLESS and they did a heck of a job with the prep, although I would have left a little of that gloss off the tires myself. We discussed the price on the car and I suggested that they start out at sticker (no premiums) and see what happens. They said they would treat any of our local VCA members well on the car, and I suspect that would extend to other VCA folks as well if anybody is interested. John Sorenson is the sales manager and can be reached at (913) 636-9533 (cell). If anybody decides to buy this beauty I will drive it to your house for free!

Chris

 

[fluffy]

You didn't happen to get any pics of the calipers from a distance, did you? I'd like to see how they look overall.

When I get my '04 I think they will be going back to black.

 

[J DAWG]

Always enjoy your post.

Gas guzzler tax *****!

 

[ARMORGOD]

Thanks for the skinny on an actual '04! Wonder what the deal is on the cover? Maybe it's like the Scotchguarding and undercoating that some dealers manage to tag on; you get to pay extra for it but never see it and hope it's really there.

 

[Wayne Finch]

Chris, is the Power Trunklid Release" the same - operated by key fob or is there a push button inside?

 

[Wayne Finch]

I'm also not convinced on the red calipers

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Chris, is the Power Trunklid Release" the same - operated by key fob or is there a push button inside?

Still the same key fob release. Indeed, I compared the window sticker on my '03 to the '04. They are identical other than the "trunk dress-up" and the "convertible top cover". The '03 sticker shows the same "power trunk release" on it - neither has an inside release.

If anybody has any picture requests (such as the calipers from further back), let me know and I can go back and get them. Always happy to help!

Chris

 

[King GTS]

Always enjoy your post.

Gas guzzler tax *****!

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[FranciscoR.]

Here in Ohio, I don't think we have any of that. Could you explain it please?

 

[OutThere]

Chris - I'll be headed over there this afternoon. Keep an eye out for ya.

My first black Gen3 up close.... wish I could see a red one parked next to it!

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

No top cover it appears on any of the cars , so far. Our first car was also sans boot cover, and the Reliable Driver told me he had never seen one when I quizzed him. It will be interesting to see what the issue is, as we made a claim to DC that the cover was missing from the shipment. Good chance it was a supplier delay, and they will be mailed seperately, and will try and find out for all involved.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Here in Ohio, I don't think we have any of that. Could you explain it please?

Unfortunately, yes you do: The gas guzzler tax is a federally mandated tax on cars that are rated below acceptable fuel economy ratings. From the Department of Energy site:

"The Energy Tax Act of 1978 established a Gas Guzzler Tax on the sale of new model year vehicles whose fuel economy fails to meet certain statutory levels. The gas guzzler tax applies only to cars (not trucks) and is collected by the IRS. The fuel economy figures used to determine the Gas Guzzler Tax are different from the fuel economy values provided on this web site and the Fuel Economy Guide. The tax does not depend on your actual on-the-road mpg, which may be more or less than the EPA published value. The purpose of the Gas Guzzler Tax is to discourage the production and purchase of fuel inefficient vehicles. The amount of any applicable Gas Guzzler Tax paid by the manufacturer will be disclosed on the automobile's fuel economy label (the window sticker on new cars).

GAS GUZZLER TAX
Unadjusted MPG(combined)* Tax
at least 22.5 No tax
at least 21.5, but less than 22.5 $1000
at least 20.5, but less than 21.5 $1300
at least 19.5, but less than 20.5 $1700
at least 18.5, but less than 19.5 $2100
at least 17.5, but less than 18.5 $2600
at least 16.5, but less than 17.5 $3000
at least 15.5, but less than 16.5 $3700
at least 14.5, but less than 15.5 $4500
at least 13.5, but less than 14.5 $5400
at least 12.5, but less than 13.5 $6400
less than 12.5 $7700

* The combined fuel economy MPG value (55 % city, 45 % highway) is used to determine tax liability. The MPG value is also adjusted slightly to account for differences in test procedures made since the base year. The MPG value is not adjusted for in-use short fall. The unadjusted combined MPG of a vehicle can be approximated from the city and highway values provided in the Fuel Economy Guide and on this website by the following equation:

(1/(.495/city MPG + .351/highway MPG))+.15


Since this is an approximate calculation, the actual gas guzzler tax may be off by one tax bracket."

Bottom line: If you buy a Viper you pay the tax.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

No top cover it appears on any of the cars , so far. Our first car was also sans boot cover, and the Reliable Driver told me he had never seen one when I quizzed him. It will be interesting to see what the issue is, as we made a claim to DC that the cover was missing from the shipment. Good chance it was a supplier delay, and they will be mailed seperately, and will try and find out for all involved.

Whew! And I thought I had just picked a bad time to quit sniffing glue!* Good to know that our top dealer is all over this issue and remains the "go to" guys when it comes to Viper issues of every shape and size. Danke!

Chris

* As said by Lloyd Bridges in Airplane!, the movie.

 

[FranciscoR.]

WOW!!! Is ti ok I'm PISSED to? I have a truck but still, for my Ohio brotheren it ***** bigtime.

 

[Dawg2Snake]

I peronally like the red calipers - I think they would look great on my silver 03. I wonder if I could upgrade if I liked them well enough? Probably not worth the cost though...

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Okay, went back and shot a few more pics for those that requested it and also noted two other changes. First, the pics. While I couldn't get far enough away to get a full perspective on the brake calipers, here is what they look like from more of a distance:

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Here is a picture of one of the most ANNOYING things on the 2003 SRT-10 and something that I was surprised to see they did not correct for 2004 - that stupid gas cap tether:

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Note that there is no "hook" for the tether on the gas cap door as are found on many of the cheapest GM products. Sigh... And for those that wondered about the trunk mat kit, yep - same kit as 2003, only factory installed:

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Now one of the changes I noted when I went back is that they DECREASED the gas mileage estimates for 2004, from 21 MPG on the highway to 20 MPG:

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I note two other interesting things in that photo: 1. The "estimated annual fuel cost" DROPPED from $1651 in 2003 to $1601 in 2004, despite the decreased gas mileage estimates on the 2004 (had a small war in an oil-producing country in between). 2. They say that other "two seaters" have mileage estimates of 9-13 MPG city and 13-66 MPG highway. No way is there a car with a 66 MPG highway rating and a 13 MPG city rating. Figure that Honda hybrid is probably 31 or better for city ratings, so this is obviously a typo.

The other change I noted, albeit a small one, is one that my camera didn't capture as the batteries chose to die at that moment. The change? The foam "seal" on the hood that molds to the airbox when shut is now a different material. Still the same shape and location, but seems to be a lighter material and more resilient. Minor change, but there you go.

I leave you with two other pictures from today. First, a 2003 (mine) looking in on the 2004:

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And we had a couple other Viper owners come to check out the new SRT while I was there (three actually). Two RT/10's and Frank who has a silver SRT - that is his Harley in the background of this picture:

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All agreed that this 2004 SRT-10 is one of the cleanest Vipers ever to leave the factory that we have seen. Wow indeed!

Chris

 

[fluffy]

Thanks!! The overall look with the red calipers is better than I thought. Damn I just can't get over how good that car looks!

 

[Janni]

According to a conversation I had with an Dan Knott, head of PVO, this past wekeend, the convertible top cover was not released because of QC issues that it did not look as smooth as it should. Expect to see that solved soon and starting to ship with cars.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Questions:

Will it work with 2003's?
How much does it cost?
How does it compare to Part Rack (plastic or cloth) and Venzano (leather) versions?

 

[Janni]

Not sure the cost. According to PVO - it is 2 hard ends attached by some top material for a very smooth fit.

It will be available for 2003's soon, as far as I know, too.

 

[Forged Horsemen]

And if you need to transport it enclosed and non stack service, call me at Calssic Car Transport. www.transportcars.com

 

[ARMORGOD]

Thanks for the additional pics. Those calipers looks great on the black!!!

 

[Viperfreak2]

I bought a can of red brake caliper paint today! Who can sell me some silver "Viper" stickers to complete the look?

 

[VOI9 ASP]

I had a small remote switch for my trunk release installed in the center storage compartment my SRT-10 along with a new Navigation / DVD system in my dash.

 

[ARMORGOD]

Could you please post a picture of the navigation system you had installed?

 

[Y2KACR]

Chris (or anyone),
Are there still production "nicks" on the bottom on the side-view mirrors or has CAAP fixed that issue?
Thanks,
Gary

 

[OutThere]

Yep. nicks are still there. did not appear to be as bad as the pictures I remember from the 03s though. it's like an ident in the mold or something.

they need to address it because it screams "DODGE" and it shouldn't be there on a $80,000 car.

 

[cruelintentions23]

I Might and try to look for it at the auto show next year?

 

[TacDoc]

Hmm, as I pick up my SRT monday I wonder if they will provide the covers to those of us who get our 04 sans cover?