Drive one and you will buy one!

[fuelman]

I am the proud owner of #56 of 93 SRT Viper TAs (ORANGE!) I picked her up last night and drove 130 miles home. My Journey started at Luke Air Force Base on March 16th, where I had the opportunity of a life time. Drag racing an F16 with a 2014 SRT Viper. The VCA put together this incredible event with the brave men and women of the USAF from Luke AFB. SRT was awesome, they sent us a press car from Las Vegas to compete in this ultimate show down. On the 14th we were allowed 2 test passes and I knew we had enough fire power to win this race. We were trapping 163-165 mph in the 0-3000 foot mark. Through out this weekend I got to spend some time with the new Viper, the shear beauty of this beast is intoxicating. After winning the Sunday race, I knew I would have to get one, this car is just too good. For those of you that are on the fence, I can say you will not be disappointed. I was grinning al the way home last night, the car's lines across that **** hood, the sound of the V10 (this factory exhaust is the best so far) the shifter and clutch, the seats (massive improvement,) and yes even the technology make this a World class car, but most importantly it is ALL VIPER....... Go out and get one, before you get passed by one!!

 

[Bobpantax]

Congrats! Welcome to the Time Attack pack.

 

[Bruce H.]

That's awesome, and it will fit nicely into your impressive collection! Do you plan to track it?

 

[fuelman]

It would be a crime not to track this car.....

 

[VENOM V]

Awesome, congrats! Yes it would be a crime.

I just returned from 2 days of heaven - a private lesson at Spring Mountain in my Viper with the chief instructor of Ron Fellow School. My god this thing is just awesome on the track. Their chief instructor drove it and declared they "fixed" the Viper. He had driven previous gens and was not a fan. He is now! So am I. He remarked many times how well it drives. This car is so well balanced, so awesome at the limits, I am going to retract my statement that I made earlier that it's harder to drive hard than a Vette or Camaro (both of which I have plenty of track time in). There are two keys to understand about tracking a Gen V, in my opinion:

1. Put the car in Track Mode which defeats traction control, when tracking. Otherwise, it intervenes and prevents a skilled driver from using throttle to bring the car under control if the rear end steps out. In Track Mode, stability control remains but in reduced mode, and is very unobtrusive. My first few track events, I tracked in Sport Mode. While good for a beginner, it makes the car harder to track for an intermediate to advanced driver.

2. Understand that the car rotates quicker when the rear end becomes loose, due to the short wheelbase and low polar moment of inertia. Once you get used to this, the car is very controllable. I really learned how to tame the snake on the skid pad, because you can drive it hard and sideways without fear of hitting anything. We spent a full hour non-stop, first in the wet, then in the dry racing around a painted oval with all of the nannies off. Wow, what a machine. Confidence is way up, as was the laughter. I then applied those lessons to the track with great success.

I'll write up my full impressions when I get a chance, but suffice to say that I have never loved this Viper more than after that lesson.

 

[bluesrt]

yep, this new car is awesome, everytime I get in this car im amazed as how better this car drives and feels, and interior comfort is miles ahead of the other vipers- period

 

[FinalEd357]

GREAT review, congrats on your new T/A! I agree 100% and love my new Gen 5!

 

[05Commemorative]

Completely agree with the title of this thread. Was waiting for the conv, then saw one, drove one, and now purchased a Gen5. Talk about leaps ahead which is pretty amazing when you consider built on "essentially" the same Gen3/4 frame, suspension and Gen4 motor. Drives, handles and looks (opinion) so much better.

 

[fuelman]

Drove the TA all day today, 85F here today, interior super cold and side sills warm, but never hot. I am not sure what they did to keep tHem cool, but it works. I have a new adjective for the Gen V: "DAILY DRIVER!". Way to go SRT, home run.......

 

[goldcup]

Black #13 I agree simply amazing!

 

[640bhpV10]

I completely agree, the more I drive this car, the more I love it. It has so much personality, but is so capable. I just need things to dry up a bit more here so I can use the engine more.

Understand that the car rotates quicker when the rear end becomes loose, due to the short wheelbase and low polar moment of inertia.

I had a shot across the bow today. Was feeding in throttle in 2nd with the tach around 3500-4000 rpms with a slightly damp road, had very abrupt and rapid rear rotation (tanks slapper). The car recovered well and stability control was on. Good reminder that this car requires proper guidance, even out of the powerband. Still, it is so much fun to drive and a revelation on the tight/winding road. This car is so entertaining, even when you are not really using the engine.

Best money I ever spent!

-Nick

PS - I agree about the drive one and you will buy one. I was originally planning to buy one around late 2014/early 2015, but I rented one for a day and there was no turning back. Bought the car a few months later. Naysayers have been warned - if you want to save your money and stay a naysayer, do not drive this car!

 

[pathoguy]

have a new adjective for the Gen V: "DAILY DRIVER!".

It's an almost daily driver for me. A forecast of thunderstorms or heavy rains keeps it parked, otherwise a most enjoyable commute vehicle. I bought mine without a test drive. Its looks alone completely seduced me.

 

[Bobpantax]

SRT Television Commercial "Driven" - YouTube

 

[FLAT OUT]

Currently we own a Gen 2 and a Gen 4.I've driven the Gen V a couple of times and was very impressed. Thanks to John's enthusiasm for the new car I am thinking that I may have to get one before VOI ! I agree-- if you drive one, you'll buy one!

 

[Bruce H.]

Completely agree with the title of this thread. Was waiting for the conv, then saw one, drove one, and now purchased a Gen5. Talk about leaps ahead which is pretty amazing when you consider built on "essentially" the same Gen3/4 frame, suspension and Gen4 motor. Drives, handles and looks (opinion) so much better.

Great to hear you tried and bought one...congratulations! Looking forward to hearing your perspectives and feedback .

 

[05Commemorative]

Simply put, the car is amazing and a joy to look at and drive. Still in the break-in process, so real feedback with be a month away, but every aspect of the car is even better than expected so far and I had high expectations. I love my Gen3 and clearly positioning of things and suspension are very similar, but unless you had up on a lift, I don't think you would know. just a different world.

 

[LadyCruzer]

Have you guys seen the You Tube video of the Viper F16 vs the Gen V Viper? http://youtu.be/-1RYhNW2FEA

Yep, Luke AFB on March 15th is where it all started for Fuelman --- he was hooked immediately!

Don't you want to make the hour drive to our house to show us your new baby,John? We're anxious to see it !

 

[fuelman]

LadyCruzer, is that a diner invitation? I may take it to Old Town in Celebration Saturday, for the All Mopar Show, maybe you kids can get out and meet me there??

280 miles in 2 days, I took Larry Macedo out in it today, a guy who knows a little something about Vipers, and he was seriously impressed..

 

[3whitevipers]

John--
You have to update your toy list--Dave