Can SRT learn from Alfa Romeo?

[Boxer12]

Consider if anything can be learned from this company (another Fiat family company). Alfa Romeo has been 'reinvented' with values that even the cynics will have to admit are similar to SRT in some respects. Try to look past the obvious philosophical difference...Alfa/Europe believes 'less is more' and SRT/America believes 'more is more'... Passion for styling & performance, exclusivity, reasonable price....these are the things I see that are common.

I know there are 'interests' in Detroit that want to continue to build steel products, but have a look at the Alfa 4C, being built to the tune of 7 cars per day with a CF tub for less than the price of a C7. Look at the marketing of the 4C while you are at it...

http://4c.alfaromeo.com/
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130925/carreviews/130929884
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RG7oCUekM0

 

[ACRucrazy]

I still wish Dodge made the Razor concept they had back in the day. I was dreaming that it would have made production. This kind of reminds me of that.

 

[Cobraken]

Looks like it was made to beat the Lotus Evora

 

[The_Greg]

Looks like it was made to beat the Lotus Evora

Evora is bigger and heavier, a 2+2 with a V6 and luxurious interior (for a sports car) - The 4c an Elise fighter (though, Elise is not available in US anymore...)

 

[jsd512]

That's assuming if SRT can learn anything.

 

[ViperSmith]

I contacted SRT and Beth about my flag and book.

According to her, the flags were a "Q1" deal. While a $5 item, I am a bit bummed seeing others here get them (ESP since I was a damned preorder...)

Book I need to call SRT. I wouldn't doubt if that is hosed too at this point.

It is the little things that matter SRT.

 

[Viper808]

Call SRT like I did # 800-423-6343

follow the prompts for Viper and you will be connected with a real person ( normal business hours)

I did this and got my book... a couple weeks later.

I got my Gen V in Aprill and didnt get my book till a few weeks ago ..because I called

The Flag was part of a " Thank you " letter or package I did get a couple few months ago..
im sure if you ask for that also you will get

For some reason they actually document the call and follow up to make sure your issue was resolved

Good luck

 

[ViperSmith]

Call SRT like I did # 800-423-6343

follow the prompts for Viper and you will be connected with a real person ( normal business hours)

I did this and got my book... a couple weeks later.

I got my Gen V in Aprill and didnt get my book till a few weeks ago ..because I called

The Flag was part of a " Thank you " letter or package I did get a couple few months ago..
im sure if you ask for that also you will get

For some reason they actually document the call and follow up to make sure your issue was resolved

Good luck

Interesting, will do.

But, it is just the small things, they help make happy customers.

 

[Boxer12]

My point is, they can do better both with the car and with the marketing. I don't know if the 4C will outsell anything, but they can build it for under $60K with a CF tub!!! Imagine a Viper with a CF tub for a minute...how much weight would that save and how 'modern' a concept? Is it really cost prohibitive to do? Corvette will never do it, due to volume, right, so they went with alum which is still years ahead of Viper 90's tech...Viper is low volume so take advantage!!! And the marketing is so much better...just check out the Alfa website. Can you build a Viper online like that? Why not?? Is it really that complicated? If so, why not make it simpler? Just sayin.

 

[SnakeBitten]

My point is, they can do better both with the car and with the marketing. I don't know if the 4C will outsell anything, but they can build it for under $60K with a CF tub!!! Imagine a Viper with a CF tub for a minute...how much weight would that save and how 'modern' a concept? Is it really cost prohibitive to do? Corvette will never do it, due to volume, right, so they went with alum which is still years ahead of Viper 90's tech...Viper is low volume so take advantage!!! And the marketing is so much better...just check out the Alfa website. Can you build a Viper online like that? Why not?? Is it really that complicated? If so, why not make it simpler? Just sayin.

I agree with your point. Problem is that its the same company that thinks CCB's and MRS are a gimmicks, that you are asking to give a Viper a CF tub. I think its more realistic to continue asking for CCB's, maybe a DCT and some better shocks, more power etc. Who knows maybe by Gen 7 we may get CCB's etc.

 

[mnc2886]

My point is, they can do better both with the car and with the marketing. I don't know if the 4C will outsell anything, but they can build it for under $60K with a CF tub!!! Imagine a Viper with a CF tub for a minute...how much weight would that save and how 'modern' a concept? Is it really cost prohibitive to do? Corvette will never do it, due to volume, right, so they went with alum which is still years ahead of Viper 90's tech...Viper is low volume so take advantage!!! And the marketing is so much better...just check out the Alfa website. Can you build a Viper online like that? Why not?? Is it really that complicated? If so, why not make it simpler? Just sayin.

For what they charge for the carbon bits already available, I'd be afraid to see a CF tub from SRT. It would put the Viper over $200k.

 

[hammerofgods]

This Alfa should be sold as a junior model along with Viper to attract sports car buyers. Alfa and Viper coupes and matching convertibles should be the entire SRT line up. Neat little car, hopefully will not end up at Fiat dealerships as originally planned.

 

[Boxer12]

Ralph would certainly recognize the value of a CF tub, and they wouldn't have to get the drivetrain re-certified either. Fiat must have a vendor for the Alfa, so maybe that same vendor can produce tubs for SRT and keep the price within reason (if they bought say 200 of them for the ACR production)?