I am a Viper Purist but I can see that the new Viper has to change.

[sssikvipe]

i can see them offering a COPO style, that is, just power and very little on the creature comforts. Basically, a lighter race car.

 

[BLUEVIPER]

First, we should be very thankful that the Viper is still alive and well. All of us remember and cringed when we read about the end of the line for the Viper. But the bottom line is that the Viper must meet just two citeria; be able to be built (meet all of the goverment regulations) and be appealing to buyers (sell alot of cars). I have been very fortunate in being able to have owned a Gen 2,3,4 and can say that although I am also a "purist", each generation has only gotten better. I have to say that I like poer windows, then oh ya... anti-lock brakes, then...you get the picture....advancements are not always bad. However, I would never like an automatic (well atleast at this point...like Bill P. explains), but I believe that more cars could be sold if offered with this option. So to me, the more options available the better.....appeal to more people...sell more cars...a win...win. What not to do, is (what some have already said) is to follow the lead of the Vette. Unless you are a true car enthusiast, most cannot tell the difference between the $30K entry level and the $100K ZR1. Plus, there is no exclusivity with the vette....there are just too many of them. Bottom line, keep the styling unique but fresh (create a stunning looking car with super style1), offer many options, sell lots of cars and the Viper will live on for many years to come.

 

[FrgMstr]

I hope for the "purist" sake, there will always be cars for the true driving enthusiasts.

Yes there will be, those are called, "Used."

 

[Stealth]

No problem here with a dual-clutch tranny with auto-mode as well, more air bags (not just gfs!), switchable traction control and nicer interior. However, if performance is not higher than Gen IV (on every single model)and price is no more than very slightly higher than a Gen IV, there will be big problems in the marketplace. $100k--$105k for a US Muscle Car is really the limit. The $155k--$165k Ford GT is an exception to the rule that the Gen V Viper should not expect to fall under.

 

[N2 Vipers]

I can't understand all of the mania against paddle shifters. Make it an option, you don't have to have it if you don't want it! Most of us live in the cities and not on the racetrack. Do you enjoy holding the clutch in while you are stuck in traffic waiting for a light to change? A paddle shifter is faster around the track as well as the drag strip. Why do you think all of the fastest hi tech cars have it ( Ferrari, Lambo, etc) ? Remember you don't have to have it, make it an option! If it helps to sell more cars, what's wrong with that???

 

[AFL in NJ]

I believe the writing has been on the wall for a few years now as gov't regulations were no longer options, but being forced down on the new Gen5 Viper. Traction and Stability control plus more air bags are just a sign of the gov't pushing useless, costly things that take away from the purity of our car....however somehoe we elected a democrat, so this is what we get.....brilliant!

That being said, the ********* option for the last few years I believe signifies the direction of the Viper. You can order infinite color combinations resulting in more than a few 1 of 1 cars, but I think you'll also see the same in the performance aspect....the ********* versions will likley have fully defeatable traction and stability controls, where as the other versions will contain things we've asked Dodge not to include on our cars. (seat warmers/coolers, cup holders, blue tooth integration, lit vanity mirrors, a tissue dispenser, etc)

Ralph loves the Viper, that's why I have confidence in him and the SRT team in understanding how to keep the Viper as we want it, but still complying with gov't regulations which will make the Viper more appealing to other exotic car owners. I've heard rumors of the twin turbo version from the factory as well, I hope they are true!

Regards,
Aaron

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Do you enjoy holding the clutch in while you are stuck in traffic waiting for a light to change?

Um...no. I slide it into neutral like any experienced clutch driver would do. You really stand on the clutch pedal waiting for the light? Buy a Vette...with paddles.

 

[REDBLACK]

Um...no. I slide it into neutral like any experienced clutch driver would do. You really stand on the clutch pedal waiting for the light? Buy a Vette...with paddles.

 

[Paul Hawker]

I do not understand the resistance to paddle shifters in a Viper.

I used to think that sports cars had to have a manual shifter. I love the clang of gears meshing together under my right hand, and that direct connection between the engine and rear end that manual shifters provide.

All that changed when I had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari California for a couple weeks equipped with a 7 speed dual clutch paddle shifted manual transmission.

That thing was magic. There was absolutely no break in the transmission of torque to the rear end. As one clutch let go, the next gear was simultaneously engaging. The flow of torque was seamless. No lurch, no bog, no shock to the drive nine, and no problem shifting, under full throttle in the middle of a high speed turn.

This dual clutch transmission easily shaved 1/10th off each shift. Would have made the Laguna Seca or Ring records many seconds faster. No more need to bounce off the rev limiter to make that dreaded shift into the dead zone of 5th gear.

I would gladly pay a couple thousands more to get the option of a smooth shifting paddle shifter.

The newer generations of dual clutch semi automatic paddle shifters would make faster drivers out of 90% the track guys, with smoother apexing, and much less upset suspensions.

Don't knock it untill you have tried it.

(I still love my 6 speed, but the handwriting is on the wall.)

 

[Twister]

Paddle shifters will be sweet

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

The newer generations of dual clutch semi automatic paddle shifters would make faster drivers out of 90% the track guys, with smoother apexing, and much less upset suspensions.

In other words it would even the playing field between the talented and less talented drivers. Like ABS, TC and all the other nannies. Gotcha.

 

[Zentenk]

Can we get an all-wheel drive option?

 

[GTS Bruce]

Possibly the car could be offered in streetable racer form?(no interior,ac,heater,radio,etc). Without a computer driving the car. Looks like I am keeping my Gen II forever. Yes it is an 01 with ABS only necessary due to lousy brake bias that could not be adjusted by the driver.Have stoptech big brakes and the aero of the Lemans car from Autoform. Next some more suspension tweeks and a NA engine build. GTS Bruce

 

[plumcrazy]

i dont like paddle shifters cause of the cost

 

[Alabaster Mamba]

Well, when it comes to different lines of a car, it looks as though it works pretty well for Porsche. If paddle shifters mean more cars are sold, then so be it. A more logical approach to the purist viewpoint and sales can kind of be determined by looking at the number of ******** ACRs that were bought. If that number were an extremely high number then I would say that indeed the care should remain more of a strict track car. But, I would venture to bet that the majority of ACRS sold are not *********. Besides, we do have a Purist track car for the Purist. It is called the ACR-X.

I bet Dodge would pick up a couple hundred sales with the availability of paddle shifters in the Viper. What does it hurt those who choose not to buy it with that option?

 

[eucharistos]

Can we get an all-wheel drive option?

 

[jerseydave]

I for one would like to see a 1000hp supercharged viper from the factory as a true halo car option. Really don't care at all about the purity of the viper other than keeping the V10. Lets face it the car could probably use TC and other nannies for most drivers. For those that don't want them I'm sure with enough money you could fix that as well.

 

[Kala]

Yes there will be, those are called, "Used."

 

[TrackAire]

Apparently Nissan can do a very high tech AWD GT-R for under $100K...to use over 600 hp on less than ideal surface conditions AWD is the only way to go.

It would be hard to imagine the thrust of a V10 AWD with launch control

George

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

i dont like paddle shifters cause of the cost

That's one.
Two is zero feedback.
Three is zero skill required.

 

[JHill9]

Next Viper is going to be a downgrade to compete with Porshe? Great, you know Porshe does well because it is a brand loyalty across the globe, the Dodge IS NOT! No matter what they do with paddle shifters and all that garbage it will not compete in sales. If anything it will increase cost and you def wont see them all over. I could care less if they bring it back or not, they wont be starting up production of a new GTS will they? haha

Maybe it will become the next Charger and get a lot of sales!!! =D *hurl*

Couldn't have said it better. Long live the GTS.

 

[eucharistos]

......to use over 600 hp on less than ideal surface conditions AWD is the only way to go.
.....

i agree george, i like the idea of an awd variant, my question is what are the engineering barriers to making that w/o changing the basic viper package / driving experience (other than the traction thing that awd resolves)

getting the power to the ground is our real issue now

It would be hard to imagine the thrust of a V10 AWD with launch control

George

true that

 

[shooter_t1]

Apparently Nissan can do a very high tech AWD GT-R for under $100K...to use over 600 hp on less than ideal surface conditions AWD is the only way to go.

It would be hard to imagine the thrust of a V10 AWD with launch control

George

Why wait..you can take your Viper to the nearest Audi dealer and trade DOWN for your AWD V10. I mean wow, look at all the Viper track records the 3700lbs Audi has shattered

 

[Zentenk]

Why wait..you can take your Viper to the nearest Audi dealer and trade DOWN for your AWD V10. I mean wow, look at all the Viper track records the 3700lbs Audi has shattered

I'm also sure it has traction control, paddle shifters and all the other gizmos everyone needs to drive.

Can we replace the floor mat with some trays and an epsom salt dispensers? This will allow us to soak our feet while the car takes us out for a ride. Also, can you remove the steering wheel? It uncomfortably touches my belly. Thank you Dodge...

 

[Dom426h]

I would gladly pay a couple thousands more to get the option of a smooth shifting paddle shifter.

Couple Grand??? Try again

Q. How much does it cost to replace a Nissan GT-R's Transmission?
A. $20,000+

Q. How much does it currently cost to install a sequential trans in a Viper?
A. $26,000+

So Paul, If you want one go ahead and contact Woodhouse about the conversion then start attending trackdays with it. Take people for laps around the track and make believers of em

Again, I dont mind if it is offered as an option for the ballers that can afford it. But a negative would be that the R&D cost would possibly be spread across the entire Viper line.

 

[lagalaxy13]

Can we get an all-wheel drive option?

Sign me up for one

 

[TrackAire]

Why wait..you can take your Viper to the nearest Audi dealer and trade DOWN for your AWD V10. I mean wow, look at all the Viper track records the 3700lbs Audi has shattered

You need to re-read my post...if you think your Viper will beat an R8 V10 in a 40 degree rain storm during a drag race or road course....think again. Unfortanately the world is not a perfectly dry smooth race surface. We all know the ACR really kicks a$$ but take it off the dry race track and it can become undriveable or should I say uncompetitive in certain conditions.
I'm guessing the Gen V electronics will fix that. (once a car already has the added weight of ABS, most of the other nannies are programming issues with very little added weight to the car).

To me the Viper means top of the line performance, even if you have to compromise comfort. But, to not use technology that would only make the car faster (speed and handling) does not fall into the Viper reputation the name stands for. Viper purists can't even break the computer code on a Gen IV, so the days of "really" working and modifying the motor are pretty much done without spending super large bucks on a Motec type system.

I own a bunch of older cars and love to drive them. The way they feel and sound makes me smile everytime I start one. That cannot be argued since it is a personal choice. But, since we will not be allowed to have a non-nanny Viper anymore, I would only want a Gen V if it's the fastest, baddest car out there..and with over 600 hp it should have the best electronics the SRT team can design to make it faster and better in any driving condition. Hopefully they will have a system that can be turned completely off and have different levels of "nanny-ism" the driver can select.

The only problem with the traditional Viper Purist thought pattern here is you can only judge your driving skill if the other car you're racing against is also in the "purist" category. In the not too far future many Gen 1 & 2 Vipers will be able to do so, it's called vintage car racing.

Cheers,
George

 

[shooter_t1]

The only problem with the traditional Viper Purist thought pattern here is you can only judge your driving skill if the other car you're racing against is also in the "purist" category. In the not too far future many Gen 1 & 2 Vipers will be able to do so, it's called vintage car racing.

Cheers,
George

Actually, the last time I was at the track, I went with the local Porsche club and was up against all the nannie cars. My lap times were consistently 2-4 sec faster then the people running the Audi's. And I'm not that good compared to some of the hot shoe's on here as I only get to track my car 2-3 times a year.

And, with all the techno-crap you people are asking for plus AWD, the new Viper will be close to a 4000 lbs car. No thanks

 

[DaDood]

I just hope that the new Viper does not look like a Vette. I've only had the car for a few weeks and am already tired of people telling me "That's a weird looking Corvette".

 

[justingeer82]

Sign me up for one

aint the turning radius bad enough already?