You have to be realistic. The car doesn't have enough horsepower, and it is overpriced. When you do see a Gen 5, it doesn't really give that wow factor. We have been to several car meets and the kids run right past the Gen 5's to go see a Gen 2. Not that I am basing all of my scientific data on a 5 year old kid. But...kids don't read MT and Road and Track, they just see what looks cool. Add to that VCA's getting pretty crazy around here, dealers don't have hardly any to look at, the Vette has been getting rave reviews, and Viper has been getting destroyed in the mags. I don't think it will sell even in the spring. Don't they still have some "new" 2010's? At least they did 12 months ago. Pretty sad when you can buy a new 2010 from a dealer in 2013.
You can also buy some really nice used exotics cheaper than a Gen5. I was able to pick up my Twin turbo Gallardo Spyder for less than a Gen 5. I promise you it is faster and attracts way more attention if that is what you want.
Could not be said better. The true problem is that Chrysler got greedy and priced themselves out of the market. How can you charge almost double for the new model just because you have "Ferrari leather" and traction control?!? For a $130K + sticker on a GTS you have other options whether it be used or new. The true fact is, the consumer Chrysler is trying to get, (Porsche, Mercedes AMG, BMW M, etc.) do not want a Viper because it is still a Chrysler. Who besides loyalists, are going to pay well over $100K for a Chrysler, when the next most expensive car in their line is more than half the price?!? A company that builds $30K cars for a living, can not expect to sell $130K+ cars like hotcakes unless it has something so special; that everyone must have it. Ford GT has the race history, Porsche Carrera GT, had $100 - $250K Porsches, etc. I can go into a Porsche dealer and get a Porsche Turbo for the same price that has the same performance and gets great gas mileage and I can drive everyday.
Another factor also not consider is the fact that the Porsche, Mercedes, BMW customer, for the most part, lease these cars. Chrysler does not have an excellent leasing program in effect, which will only hinder their goals. Bottom line is that the launch of this car was one of the biggest financial flops for the company in years and they have to re-tool their methods and pricing, if they want to stay mainstream. Just because you go out on a nationwide promotion tour; you are not going to miraculously sell a thousand cars!
