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

[Frank 03SRT]

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

You know guys, the purpose of this thread was how to improve on the new model, not how you all hate it. Try to make some positive comments on improving looks based on the latest Viper mag. OK? If what the chief designer says in the article is true, they haven't totally finished the design yet. Maybe there is a chance for some changes.

 

[Joseph Houss]

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

Just curious,

Would anyone buy a 2003 original body styled coupe if our friends at Dodge put the 500/500/500 motor in front?

(this is a loaded question...watch the results!)

 

[BigsViper]

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

On page 18, Ralph Gilles is quoted as saying "...We're still working on the car and I can't comment specifically on what might be changed. Let me just say that the final version will look different to what's been on display so far at the auto shows."

But on page 7 Jim Julow is outed as saying "...bot for all practical purposes, the car, its design and content have largely been decided upon."

So which is it? I've learned in marketing and advertising that any buzz is good buzz. I think this debate is great and will continue on even after the GVX has established itself as a classic. My opinion: I like the Schuttera version - first pic on the left on page 14 - which is pretty close to what we ended up with!

 

[GTS Dean]

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

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Frank 01GTS:
You know guys, the purpose of this thread was how to improve on the new model, not how you all hate it. Try to make some positive comments on improving looks based on the latest Viper mag. OK?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you Frank! C'mon folks, let's be objective about our likes & dislikes on the '03. I think it's safe to say that 70% of the car's bodywork is not subject to change. As for the remaining 30% - I believe we have more influence than some would give us credit for. Let's do some influence peddling.

 

[Steve Ferguson]

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

I would change:

1) get rid of the DEAD PEDAL (Does not belong in a Viper)
2) The color red (Julow is going to hate this one)
3) Add the stripes (on this model it looks right, I did not like them on the original)


Since I already own the first version, I have no desire to purchase the same vehicle. Because of that I am happy that I have a faster sleeker version to now buy. When I saw the new one next to the original there was no way I could resist the next edition. It is more imposing, while the original almost looked cartoonish next to it.

As for the drawings, I loved the middle one on the bottom of the page in yellow.

 

[Venom Lover]

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

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Joseph Houss:
Just curious,

Would anyone buy a 2003 original body styled coupe if our friends at Dodge put the 500/500/500 motor in front?

(this is a loaded question...watch the results!)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmmmm....Since my '97 already puts out 500/500+ dyno numbers (at the flywheel), I'm not sure I would pay the money just for the Gen III motor. Would I get the brakes, interior, etc. as well or just the motor?

P.S., watch what results???

 

[Venom Lover]

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

I hate to say it, but I agree with the majority here; the 2003 RT/10 styling is nowhere near as interesting as the GenI/II styling. Specific areas for improvement include the downright ugly side scoops and the hood scoop. I suspect it is too late to suggest a wholesale change to another concept version (though I agree with those who say that Dodge made a mistake by straying too far from the concepts that got the most interest from the public at shows, etc.), but some refinements to the current design would be very welcome.

I have a deposit on a 2003 purely for the (expected) performance. The styling is something I think I can live with, though the higher the price tag turns out to be, the more of an issue the bland styling will be for me.

 

[Casey]

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

What would I change??

Make the back end look more like the GTS-R! That will make the car look alot meaner and get away from the Ferrari look!

Make sure to include a removeable hardtop that looks like the GTS-R!

Option of a Wing like the GTS-R!

Since we won't get the GTS-R for the road, let's give this one a chance to look as mean, or at least close to it!!

 

[Paul Hawker]

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

A current style Coupe 03 with new motor and other goodies from new car would seem to be the answer to all those concerned about new styling.
It would be like the 96 RT/10 that had the 2nd generation engine and some of the suspension goodies of the new (at that time) 96 coupe.
This way CAAP could use up all their old body parts, and provide the best Coupe up to that date. It would also go a long way to address the needs of us Coupe guys. (If Dodge could add the scoop to the roof to designate it as something special buyers would be lined up out the door.)

As a side note many of the concerns about the new design can be due to it only being shown in plain red. Adding stripes, spoiler, etc will dramatically add to it's drama.
Any issues with the side pipes or vent will be quickly addressed by Autoform!...Let the new Vipers Roll!!

 

[BWoodbury]

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

Luc,

You hit it exactly! Just like the movies, the sequels rarely stands up to the original. This pattern follows in music a lot too. Many band's best album was their first album. I have always figured this was due to the fact that they worked on the first for their entire life, while the second and third got just 6 months or a year's worth of effort.

I product design you have two issue that limit the appeal of the next generation. First of all the first design is often something that burns within the designers for years before it makes it way onto paper. The first guys also get to start with a clean sheet of paper. Did you notice in the article that the Gen 3 designers talked about having to keep a number of features so that it would still be a Viper? This limits the thought process and limits the passion.

Lastly, in my field at least, the better people always get to work on the new stuff. The folks that do the maintenance work are just not as sharp. When the Viper first came out every one at Dodge wanted to work on it, but only the best were allowed to participate. By now the fun and flash are gone, and so, I suspect, are the best people.

I hope I have not offended anyone. But despite awsome numbers on paper then Gen 3 just doesn't do it for me. And when 505 HP doesn't get me excited, something is very wrong!

 

[VIPORXXX]

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

Just finished reading all the posts....and I don't have the latest Viper magazine in front of me to comment on which design I like best. So I'll do that in another posting.

For me, the reason I bought my 2000 GTS was purely EMOTIONAL!!!
I bought it for its 'looks' as much as its awesome power. When I look (or should I say stare) at my Viper I still have this big,
sh$t A$$ grin on my face! No other car on the market does it to me as my GTS. I have grown to appreciate and respect it power and now can't wait to take it up to Pocono Raceway or as I am next week to Watkins Glen. What I'm trying to say is the original styling of the Viper instills 'great passion' within me!

The 2003, from only the pictures I have seen, does not stir my passion. <u>It seems like something is missing!</u>

I hope its not too late for DC to make some exterior design change/modification.

Fast Eddie