Gen3 Viper styling - here's your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

[GTS Dean]

Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Ever since the first official photos of the new R/T-10 were posted here, opinions on it's styling have been mixed. Some love it, others are less enthusiastic, and a few feel like Dodge got it wrong. Personally, I think the car's styling is merely OK. The major bust is the sharp, edgy, backslash air extractor behind the front wheel opening. It simply has no place on a car whose name elicits thoughts of smooth, flowing, compound curves.

I read with interest the latest Viper Magazine's article on the Gen3 styling development - and couldn't help but notice the bottom of pages 16 and 17. Here we see no less than 12 variations of the side of the car. We've heard that the styling is not 100% nailed down at this point.

Read the article, look at the photos, and post your comments here. I can't help but believe Dodge is giving US a chance to have a final say in the design of the first all-new Viper in 12 years.

My vote:

#5 or #11

 

[Matt M PA]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Wow..here goes. Interior looks just plain cheap. The reare needs to be patterned more after the GTSR concept car. The way it is now, it just looks like a Honda S2000.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

One shot looks a lot like a mustang convertable.

 

[singlemd4u]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I would prefer rounder smoother lines and a better interior. I am looking to buy something in 2002 or 2003.

 

[Frank 03SRT]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Looking at page 18, I especially like the second picture from the left. The side scoop flairs and follows the lines of the rear part of the car better than the current design. I also like the large picture on page 14, plus the center small picture on the same page --- again, the side scoop flairs and follows the side better. The current side scoop doesn't give the car the appearance of speed.

Also, the back end doesn't have the interest of the current GTS, with all its indents and holes. That's why I like something similar to the center picture on page 14 --- some eye candy there.

As far as pages 16/17, I totally agree with you, GTS Dean, both of those have the flair in the side scoop --- so 5/11 wins.

 

[garolittle]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

There are only two things I would change on the 2003 RT/10:

1. It's rear
2. The heigth of the car.

First, the rear should be re-done to look more like the current RT/10. Road and Track said it best when it proclaimed, "It's as if the Viper team did the front of the car, while the aft was handled by the same designers who penned the voluptuous Chrysler 300 Hemi C convertible concept".

Second, any exotic sports car should be as low as possible. The increase in heigth of more than 3 and 1/2 inches will take away from the car's low and mean look.

 

[RoyV101621]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I have no constructive comments on this subject, just observation.
I understand that the large squared corvette-style rear is todays application of aerodynamics and stability.
That being said, the lost of the current GEN1-GEN2 gill-vent is the loss of the Viper profile. The GEN1-GEN2 gill-vent clashes with the squared rear.
The GEN1 Viper was the test base for future Dodge products. Let's put the aerodynamsis to work on a stable round-tail design that will separate the Dodge brand from all other makes on the road.
no.11 looks like a Stealth, 3000GT

 

[MES]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

You know the sad part is I like just about EVERY concept picture BETTER than the actual Gen III RT/10 oh why did they have to pick that design. I think if anything the Gen III should be MORE radical in design/styling then the Gen II not the opposite. Sure many people will like the styling just as many like the styling of the Neon, but what's the point of that? Make something very aggressive looking IT'S A VIPER not a Neon or Corvette.

According to DC propaganda the new design was chosen for lower drag coefficient. I think most perspective owners would chose to have a bit more drag if they could get a better styled car. I also think DC has realized they made a big styling mistake and are now re-evaluating the Gen III so hopefully they will make us proud.

 

[Vip-RT10]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I really like the concept on page 14, the 3rd from the bottom left (the gold colored one). I also like the concept on page 18, the 1st from the left (the black one)

For the current RT-10, make the interior in carbon-fiber, make the rearend like the concept in page 18 (the one shot from the rear)to make it look more like the GTS-R concept. <FONT COLOR="Red">PRODUCE THE GTS-R CONCEPT!!!</FONT c>
I'll get one!!!

 

[jimandela]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

i agree with Vip-RT10
it should look just like the concept and I too would buy one!!!
don't stray from what people at the auto shows loved!!!

 

[Viperrick]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I doubt that you will see a major redesign of the car at this point. They are building pilot cars used for assembly synthesis, high speed testing, crash testing and wind tunnel testing. Any major change would require them to start from scratch and there are 10's of millions already spent to give you the shape that you will see in less than a year on the road.

I figure the reason for showing these studies/vignettes was to show us that the design studio did countless renderings and mock-ups before deciding on a final design. This was then shown to the heads of the studio and corporate brass for their blessing. I think we have to understand that they need to look into a crystal ball to see what the trends will be in the future. As much as 7,8,9, years down the line. Since we may see this car for another 10 years, they don't want to have a dated design after 2 or 3 years.

What would be the point in rehashing the same shape we were bitten by in 1990? Critics would say that the supposed all new car was just a mild facelift for an aging design.

I feel that #5 and #11 on page 17 and 18 scream C-5 Corvette. I am not a Corvette enthusiast and am not really that aware of it's body line but when I first saw the pictures I said Vette and looking at it while I write this, I have not changed my mind. Regarding the color sketches I too like the center sketch at the top of page #18 and even like some of the ques seen in the yellow roadster on page 14/15.

I deal with design in my every day job so I think I have an idea of what they are up against.

Just my 2 cents

Graduate of
Illinois Institute of Technology
School of Architecture and Design
1984

 

[SRT10]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

You must be registered for see images

 

[Newport Viper]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Side pipes don't look cool at all. Gen 1 pipe cover is bad a$$ looking.

 

[GTSREDDOG]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Well if thats what they will be looking like they can keep it...Looks like a lot of Mercedes influence a tad bit of the corvette look and a stupid a@@ Camero SS hood... I will stick with mine or upgrade to a 2001 or 2002
My 2 cents

 

[BigsViper]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I guess the HUGE pic posted by 01-rt/10 has caused this thread to go extra-wide. Maybe it's the time of night but I am delirious from scrolling back and forth, back and forth to read all the comments. Great pic but I wish we could avoid the scrolling.

My comments: I agree with Viperrick that the design is a done deal as I'm sure tooling has begun for manufacturing and testing. Anyway, I like what they have settled on in general, and as I've said before if you look at the GTSR concept and the VGX side by side they are very similar, except for the rear diffusers on the GTSR which I don't really like. I think they went with this design hoping to appeal to a larger market, thus the obvious cues from camaro, corvette, s2000 and miata.

I would probably buy a late model RT/10 to go with my GTS before I bought this, and I'm sure many of us who love the current design would do the same which will maintain a strong market for the GenI and II's. But I'll bet a lot of F-body and corvette lovers would rather have the VGX, thus expanding the market. I might buy one of these in '05 or '06 after they are debugged and if they fail to deliver a coupe by then.

 

[luc]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Since I prefer the GTS over the RT,I will have to wait few more years anyways.

i really like the fact that the car have oil temp gauge and i think the the biggest design mistake is to have changed the "trademark" clamshell hood to a regular one.

I love to see people face when you open the hood of a Viper,now it will be like any other car.

Luc.

 

[Gerald]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Perhaps Dodge is onto something. Look at the ** hum design of the corvette and the massive sales.....

Perhaps it takes a step backwards in design for the masses. I mean, really, even the general public bought Aztecs and some people even have purple and green houses...
And who cares about "more areodynamics".. When are we going to go 200mph? Just give us the HP to overcome it..


oh well..


I'll stick with the bada$$ Gen I and Gen II cars..

and what's with sidepipes and no sidepipe covers? Err?? The car screams ordinary louder than an 18 wheeler can blow it's horn.

Gerald

p.s.
Bigsviper, perhaps you should set your resolution at 1024 x 768 and you won't have to scroll and knock someone that posted that picture....

 

[SapphireGTS]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Make a GTS

 

[BigsViper]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Gerald, It was not my intention to knock anyone, sorry if it came across that way. Geez, it was 3:30 AM!! I'm now at my laptop at work and all is well. I have a 21" monitor at home and never considered changing the resolution: Sorry! BTW, I agree with Richard's post, If you like it buy it, if you don't maybe that will increase the value of our Gen I and II's!

 

[ruckdr]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Page 14 center picture (the big one,same as far right little picture,page 15, I think), but use the page 18 far upper left rear end.
Also, isn't the proposed ons about 1 1/2 inches taller ??
NO TO THIS, KEEP IT LOW.

 

[ruckdr]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Oh, forgot; NO SIDE PIPES, use rear center exhaust !!

 

[MES]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Just reading through these posts I seen just one person that want's to buy the car the rest are critical or state they will not buy it. This is not too good. Many Viper owners are repeat Viper owners and if just 1 out of about 20 posts are positive for the Gen III it don't look good for car sales. The 2003 sales will most likely be sold out but going forward from then who knows. If sales drop too low, say less than 1,000 per year I predict DC will kill the Viper for sure.

 

[YellowSnake]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

"Creating a New Classic" Viper Magazine Page 14 (#2)"stoddard" and I like the a$$ on page 18 (#1) top left.

Am I one of the only ones who likes (#2) "stoddard?"

My taste may be different. I am 24 years old and want to see something really flashy. Thats why I got a yellow viper.

I agree with viperrick, dodge wont listen to us. But, if there bottom line hurts, I think they will.

 

[Scott M]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Personally, I felt the same way when I first saw it at the auto show last year...disappointed. Many people on the board saind you'll like when you see it in person, but I didn't. Maybe because it was up high on that turn table, but wasn't impressed.

To me, I thought the Viper was always best described as being cartoonish. And that trend should continue, but it has seemed to go in the direction of less radical. Oh, well.

I'm torn on all of the designs in the VIPER Magazine, all look pretty cool. But one thing that I WAS hoping that would leap into the next generation Viper, were some interior designs of the GTS-R concept with the flip switches and red one for start. Looked like a fighter jet inside. Not to mention the carberator looking flaps for the vents. WAY COOL.

 

[ViperRon]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

One more opinion. I purchased the first RT/10,the first GTS, the first Prowler,the first Durango,and the first PT Cruiser here in my hometown of Cheyenne, plus many other mopars, for whatever that's worth. I was about to order the first Gen III until I saw it. Call me a traitor but I took my deposit and purchased a new Audi TT Quattro, my first foreign car. Dodge is not tuned into their buyers, they are simply not listening. It is not too late to change this model. Fools never change their minds, wise men often do. I have shown the new Vipeette to dozens of my fellow car buddies and it has been a 100% unanimous vote that Dodge blew this one. No one has been more loyal to Chrysler than me but when you are wrong, you are wrong. Sorry if I minced my words

 

[Tenney]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I agree with Dean that the new car is missing a curve or two. It would be nice if a few more of the original car's design equities were deemed as integral to the Viper's brand personality as the V-10.

That said, perhaps the Gen 3, with its more conservative design, will be the largest seller of all Vipers thus far. It may be that the average customer for a car at this level of performance and at this price point is more inclined to prefer a less conspicuous design. Perhaps this was learned through research. And testing proves that testing works.

Anyway, I like it but don't see it as a design classic that the Gen 1 & 2 are likely to become. Additionally, I'd also prefer a coupe (similar to the concept) and am somewhat surprised that one won't be launched simultaneously.

 

[GTzViper]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

Like I said before, the difference between the GenI and the Gen III is that there is nothing ordinary about the Gen I and nothing extraordinary about the GenIII. I just hope they bring the GTS/R into production. Now that's a Viper! I think the GenIII is going to need to see a psychologist, it's a Viper trapped in a Vett's body.

I guess we should all be thankful to DC for increasing the value of our Vipers in the future.

 

[JGK95]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

All,

I've burnt my lungs out about how I think so little of the 2003 Roadster; but then there is always a flipside. For those of us real racers AKA (Hardtop and Rollcage) racers there is the very promising 2003 GTS-R Track car. That thing is gorgeous and keeps the flame of Viper Dominance alive. VCA Member WingKing may disagree with me however, as I think he is slanted towards the RT 10 models but its all in good fun to offer constructive criticism(sp?).

Cheers,

 

[luc]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

In design/styling,newer is often time not better but worst.

Let's do a little poll here,what do you like the best (styling only).

63 Corvette or 2001 Z06
65 Shelby or 2001 new Shelby
69 Mustang Mach 1 or 2001 Mustang GT
60" Ferrari Daytona or 2001 360
65 Impala or 2001 Impala
58 T Bird or 2001 T Bird
65 Jaguar E Type or 2001 XK8
60" Mercedes GulfWing or 2001 SL
69 Firebird or 2001 Firebird

Luc.

 

[Wing King]

Re: Gen3 Viper styling - here\'s your chance to tell Dodge what you think!

I've said it before..... and I'll say it again...... how do you ever improve upon perfection? No, it doesn't have the same "drop dead" stunning look that tweaks every "car guy" in the world emotions. That said, the new 03 will develop its own ardent following, which already includes ME!

It sort of surprises me a little bit to see so many negative respones in this thread..... so intensely FOCUSED on how they dislike the "look" of our new Viper. The ENGINEERING and the mechanical aspects of VGX are so far off the scale BETTER, it's like a dream come true!!!!!! To quote a certain beer commercial... "whazz up" with you guys?????

Are you all trying to tell me you bought the dang thing only cuz it "looked purty"?? ME??? I bought it because Dodge made me the fastest, most bad assed ride that Detroit had EVER built for ANYBODY!!!! Yea, the fact it looks so beautiful is just icing on the cake, but heck..... just slip me a 525hp motor in an Intrepid...... and I'm lining up to buy it.

The real facts are that there WERE and still ARE, many mechanical and engineering sacrifices that had to be made to build the Gen I and II cars. But "Dr. Dodge" has now come back and "fantasy" engineered this new Viper. Bless you John, Herb, Charlie and all the others I could go on to name. Ok, so maybe I'm not exactly thrilled about the "too angular" front fender gill, and will probably change that myself as soon as I get MINE, but I'm MORE than willing to live with the rest of the car.... as IS!

So..... here is what I say in conclusion to my rant. This is still a free country, and I respect everyone's opinion. I think you and I all have the right to go out and get whatever LESS or MORE expensive 525 horsepower (stock), 200mph car like a Miata, S2000, Camaro, Corvette, etc., that supposedly LOOKS so much like a Viper..... instead of a Viper. Oh.... wait..... I hear they don't make those yet?

Personally, I'm going to snuggle my little ***** into that comfortable new interior, blend my heat and AC to a nice comfy temperature, flip down my nice and dry converible top, and take off down the street for a truly ******* cruise..... secure in my knowledge that I am, indeed, driving Detroit's new ULTIMATE bad boy ride! I can hardly wait!!!

Well..... I might tweak that horsepower just a bit too!

And, of course, there's this thing I have about wings, so, maybe....