Paul Hawker
Enthusiast
Thought this price thing was settled.
Do not think Vipers were not selling due to price, but because they were getting a bit long in the tooth, and the interiors did not have the wow factor.
New Viper has many improvements that many people were willing to pay much more for in the aftermarket.
Lots of people upgraded leather interiors, stereos, GPS, engine mods for more hp, changed differentials to 3:55, added spoilers, bought higher quality aftermarket wheels, installed short shifters, changed out hoods, upgraded exhausts, added styling kits, added brake cooling, etc.
Most of these upgrades are now available from OEM, with many to be included in the base price models.
So for the most part, concentrating on the sticker price is comparing apples to oranges. Think the new car has much more content to justify a price increase.
Factory pricing on the new car provides a fresh look at providing consumer value, and consumer choice.
Dodge experimented with consumer demand with previous years offering specialized upgrades from Prefix and still covered these upgrades with the Chrysler warranty.
The new car will most likely be faster, better handling, lighter, better equipped, safer, and better constructed than previous generations.
Every generation gains its own enthusiastic owners, and others that prefer something else. That is the way. Probably going to be the same with the new car. Some will embrace it, and make it their own, while others will choose previous generations. Each will wish to justify their decision, some will loudly deride anybody elses choice as being unworthy (in their own mind).
The new car has much improved structure, taking lessions learned with their competition models. The new Viper frame is produced from computer engineered high strength steel, making it stronger and ligher (and a bit more expensive). The engine compartment cross brace (from ACR-X) makes for better suspension precision. The cross brace ties into the titanium bulkhead, which in turn ties into the transmission mounts, and body frame. These improvements make the new Viper 50% stiffer. In previous generations you needed to weld in an expensive, and obtrusive safety cage. This Generation provides this level of precision in even the base car.
For the first time, external air will be provided to the rear brakes, and possibly differential from cooling vents behind the windows.
Believe Viper buyers should be able to order the Viper they wish, at the price point of their choice. You want a base car, at a base price...you got it. You want the high dollar hand stitched leather interior with the WOW factor, just write the check. You want the expensive, hand rubbed metallic paint, you can now get it without the $10,000 aftermarket price. Lots of wheel choices, interior choices, suspension choices, stereo choices...you are the one in charge.
If you have a psychological price limit, Dodge will do it's best to fit you in a Viper. If you wish the extras, they are yours for checking off the order boxes. Nobody going to twist your arm to pay more than you order.
Think this new Viper is going to be a huge hit. Word from the dealerships is that they have more people interested than in previous years.
I have not met with current Viper owners that would not be willing to trade straight across, their VIper for the Gen V. While most love their current Vipers, they see the additional value provided in this new Generation.
Reminded me of the Arrogant Bastard Ale slogan. Their beer is not too expensive, you are too cheap : >)
Do not think Vipers were not selling due to price, but because they were getting a bit long in the tooth, and the interiors did not have the wow factor.
New Viper has many improvements that many people were willing to pay much more for in the aftermarket.
Lots of people upgraded leather interiors, stereos, GPS, engine mods for more hp, changed differentials to 3:55, added spoilers, bought higher quality aftermarket wheels, installed short shifters, changed out hoods, upgraded exhausts, added styling kits, added brake cooling, etc.
Most of these upgrades are now available from OEM, with many to be included in the base price models.
So for the most part, concentrating on the sticker price is comparing apples to oranges. Think the new car has much more content to justify a price increase.
Factory pricing on the new car provides a fresh look at providing consumer value, and consumer choice.
Dodge experimented with consumer demand with previous years offering specialized upgrades from Prefix and still covered these upgrades with the Chrysler warranty.
The new car will most likely be faster, better handling, lighter, better equipped, safer, and better constructed than previous generations.
Every generation gains its own enthusiastic owners, and others that prefer something else. That is the way. Probably going to be the same with the new car. Some will embrace it, and make it their own, while others will choose previous generations. Each will wish to justify their decision, some will loudly deride anybody elses choice as being unworthy (in their own mind).
The new car has much improved structure, taking lessions learned with their competition models. The new Viper frame is produced from computer engineered high strength steel, making it stronger and ligher (and a bit more expensive). The engine compartment cross brace (from ACR-X) makes for better suspension precision. The cross brace ties into the titanium bulkhead, which in turn ties into the transmission mounts, and body frame. These improvements make the new Viper 50% stiffer. In previous generations you needed to weld in an expensive, and obtrusive safety cage. This Generation provides this level of precision in even the base car.
For the first time, external air will be provided to the rear brakes, and possibly differential from cooling vents behind the windows.
Believe Viper buyers should be able to order the Viper they wish, at the price point of their choice. You want a base car, at a base price...you got it. You want the high dollar hand stitched leather interior with the WOW factor, just write the check. You want the expensive, hand rubbed metallic paint, you can now get it without the $10,000 aftermarket price. Lots of wheel choices, interior choices, suspension choices, stereo choices...you are the one in charge.
If you have a psychological price limit, Dodge will do it's best to fit you in a Viper. If you wish the extras, they are yours for checking off the order boxes. Nobody going to twist your arm to pay more than you order.
Think this new Viper is going to be a huge hit. Word from the dealerships is that they have more people interested than in previous years.
I have not met with current Viper owners that would not be willing to trade straight across, their VIper for the Gen V. While most love their current Vipers, they see the additional value provided in this new Generation.
Reminded me of the Arrogant Bastard Ale slogan. Their beer is not too expensive, you are too cheap : >)
