Let's be real, what would it take? Only short answers please

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

PeerBlock,

I was about to say the same thing, and I couldn't agree more. The styling of the GEN II and GEN V is timeless...it will stand the test of time. I believe the GEN II still looks **** after all these years, and I will have the same sentiment regarding the GEN V.

Unfortunately, I don't have the same opinion about the C7. I don't believe it will age well. Especially after we see legions of them roaming the streets. What's bold and edgy today will become passe quickly. I've already seen several on the streets, and there's a black-on-black Z51 in my development.

I like the GEN V as is. However, as far as possible changes are concerned, either unlock the ECU, or release the Mopar unit for those who want it. 640 hp is plenty for the street, but I realize bragging rights are important to many. I don't believe SRT had drag racing in mind when they designed the GEN V. Perhaps develop a "package" to satisfy that niche.

Finally, I've never been a fan of FI, but perhaps SRT & Mopar should develop a Paxton-style supercharger. Also, if SRT/Chrysler/FIAT green-light an GEN V ACR the supercharger should be an option along with aero and carbon ceramic brakes (optional). GTS-R styling would be ideal, but a stretch.

However, most importantly, Pirelli needs to complete the development of GEN V Trofeo tires. I believe the development mules, on similar tires, would have either equaled or surpassed the performance of the ZR1 at Laguna Seca, and I believe the production cars would have crushed the ZR1. The TA on Trofeo or Cup tire will be a monster, and I bet it would have erased tenths of a second off the Laguna Seca production car record. Heck! Even the SRT with worn-out/miss-matched tires outran some of the finest performance cars money can buy. Even the Ferrari F12.

Sorry! I forgot about the short answers part. I'm not known for my brevity. I like the GEN V as is.

OK then thanks,

BTW the centrifugal blowers are not engineered from a OEM standpoint because there is no way to insure consistent intake temperatures. The EPA wants full control over systems and without the coolant being integral to the tuning of the system they don't feel it is regulated enough.

 

[PAvenomRT/10]

ACR preferrably with paddle shifters

 

[SnakeBitten]

I have to agree with those that like the looks of the car. I once didn't like the front end at all but it has grown on me. I still wish it was more aggressive and with those GTSR fogs as well but it is not an ugly front at all as it is. I also love the Gen II connection as the Gen II was the one they called "A legend in its own time" and the one that conquered the Euro cars for years.

As for the one thing that would have improved the hand to wallet reaction of potential buyers? Better marketing, DCT, unlocked ECU, nastier performance. my2C even though its more than one thing lol.

 

[05Commemorative]

These threads always turn into an collection what people individually want. I thought the question from Mark was more about what is the key change needed to increase sales. So, to put this in a method where the answer is truly meaningful in regards to sales, I think of the following two options:

1) would you actually buy it if it had the one item you mention?

2) would a non-viper owner you know purchase it if it had ***?


So, based upon the common answers so far:
1) HP that starts with a 7 - truly how many would then go lay down 100-140k for one? (or how many are blocking on a purchase for this single reason?)
2) modible ECU - again, how many would truly go lay down the $$$ for it
3) conv - same question
4) acr - same question
5) automatic - same question

For me, it not being a conv is the single blocker. I just can't overcome that and talk myself into a coupe. For my friends, it is the lack of paddles. I don't know a single person (that could buy one) that says I would buy it if it had more power so I could brag about it. Those set of friends are all purchasing Camaros and Mustangs in the price range where that discussion is still important.

Again, all of this is based upon Mark's request to have a price change NOT be an option so we must assume the buyer is in the 100-140k price range. To me, the bottom three that I list all make sense as they all change the car significantly enough to make a difference for different sets of customers.

 

[InjectTheVenom]

Build a ACR convertible

That would be bad ass

The easiest way to make the Gen 5 would be better tires, meaning Michelin Super Sports in Gen 5 sizes and a specific Gen 5 specification. Everybody keeps saying that if there were no Pirelli's on the MotorTrend car it would have done a good deal better.

Power, while we all would love to see more it is going to cost more and does not look like a viable option for SRT. As an option, maybe. If the better tires are followed up by the release of a new ACR (and ACR convertable) to bring the GTS-R experience to the streets.... BAM! They have a winning combination! Add a special GTS-R option package with both the GTS-R paint schemes and an assorted set of options as an extra on top of the base ACR options (like a fully stripped interior) they will be going for the kill.

 

[InjectTheVenom]

And I'm going to say it again... bring back the sportsbar'd RT/10 roadster. Ev1E9 sums it up well.

 

[Baked]

Higher factory HP. The Viper was always at the top and this is no longer the case.

 

[jsd512]

Too much to list for me. But one thing: DCT Needs to get it's ass going much quicker than it does.

 

[Yellow32]

You must be registered for see images attach

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/srt-viper-gt3-r-is-race-ready-for-459000-231357.html#axzz2j9N6jtlP

street legal version, basically a kick*** ACR

 

[Nine Ball]

It is clear that some people haven't read the question properly. Mark wasn't asking what could be done to make the car "better". He is asking what single change (barring price) could SRT do, that would make YOU purchase a Gen V (assuming you could afford it). Changing tires or brake rotors alone wouldn't make more people buy this car. It needs to be more substantial than that, because they aren't selling.

 

[ViperSmith]

I think SRT needs to also augment the track experience.

I am still bummed I couldn't get into one this year (and they don't even have Vipers at it...) near me because by the time I got my Viper (thanks to production delays...) the classes were booked.

Viper buyers should get dedicated seats and time in a Viper (HELLO HAVE A TA THERE AND UPSELL)

Use the Track Experience as a means to entice new buyers as well. Other brands do it.

 

[CHAP4034]

You must be registered for see images attach

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/srt-viper-gt3-r-is-race-ready-for-459000-231357.html#axzz2j9N6jtlP

street legal version, basically a kick*** ACR

That GTS-R convertable for me

 

[TrackAire]

It is clear that some people haven't read the question properly. Mark wasn't asking what could be done to make the car "better". He is asking what single change (barring price) could SRT do, that would make YOU purchase a Gen V (assuming you could afford it). Changing tires or brake rotors alone wouldn't make more people buy this car. It needs to be more substantial than that, because they aren't selling.

"If" the car was easy to modify and proven so (remember all the Viper covers on Road & Track, Motor Trend, etc with Hennenssey Vipers pumping out big numbers?), I'd venture that sales would be at least double of what they are today. That is the kind of free advertising that lasts a long time in peoples minds and even pumps up overseas sales. Add in a real advertising "halo" car campaign and we'd be in at least 3 to 4 times current sales.

Lots of lost opportunity with the Gen 5.......Such an epic looking car with probably the strongest chassis and drivetrain on the market, perfect for big horsepower mods.

George

 

[SRTviper]

This is a bad question there is no single thing that would make it worth the asking price to maker buy it. You would have to change many. It's a great car and good as is. Just drop the price 20k

 

[ohlarikd]

It is clear that some people haven't read the question properly. Mark wasn't asking what could be done to make the car "better". He is asking what single change (barring price) could SRT do, that would make YOU purchase a Gen V (assuming you could afford it).

"If you could have (1) thing done/changed to the GenV to make you more likely to purchase one what would it be"

Isn't this saying what could make the CAR better? I guess its interpretation. Anyway - I say HP because that is the best MARKETING tool. Very easy to convey to generate press and excitement.

 

[Nine Ball]

"If you could have (1) thing done/changed to the GenV to make you more likely to purchase one what would it be"

Isn't this saying what could make the CAR better? I guess its interpretation. Anyway - I say HP because that is the best MARKETING tool. Very easy to convey to generate press and excitement.

Notice I said "some" people. Adding HP has always proven to sell cars, no argument there. I said the same thing.

But, the example of which brand name tires are on a car? That doesn't make or break a sale, does it? Seems trivial. Would I prefer Michelin over Pirelli? Yes. Would Pirelli tires on a car keep me from buying it? Nope.

 

[ohlarikd]

Notice I said "some" people. Adding HP has always proven to sell cars, no argument there. I said the same thing.But, the example of which brand name tires are on a car? That doesn't make or break a sale, does it? Seems trivial. Would I prefer Michelin over Pirelli? Yes. Would Pirelli tires on a car keep me from buying it? Nope.

Got it, agreed. Tires, even brakes... nah - easily swapped. HP, Vert, DCT, ACR... things you can't 'easily' swap.

 

[Endeka]

As someone who could actually buy one, if I had to pick one thing, 700+ NA HP (and the ability to do something like manage it on the street). The old viper would have never settled for beating the Corvette by 2HP. It would have annihilated it. Viper isn't selling vs the ZR1 because nobody in the old days would have bothered comparing a Corvette to the Viper; it'd be like comparing a mustang to a Gallardo. Now it's like comparing a 911 Turbo to a Gallardo. the Gallardo is still cooler, but it doesn't really have anything else going for it, numbers-wise.

 

[Timnineside]

I guess I'm stupid.
I think the gen V is killer.

The only thing stopping me from buying one,... is me.

Sorry I'm no help in the complaint dept to fix what ***** about the new Viper.

Yup, my answer exactly. Well after ruling out price lol.

 

[FinalEd357]

Maybe longer financing terms... I paid cash for my first two Vipers and financed the past 2 just based on wanting my cash in other areas (buying opportunities from the downturn). IF price is the concern for some, financing for 120-150 months might permit the monthly payment some would/could stomach. Financing a $120k car over 84 months is about $1,600/mo compared to 120 months at $1,180 or 150 months at $1,000...

 

[PeerBlock]

PeerBlock,

I was about to say the same thing, and I couldn't agree more. The styling of the GEN II and GEN V is timeless...it will stand the test of time. I believe the GEN II still looks **** after all these years, and I will have the same sentiment regarding the GEN V.

Unfortunately, I don't have the same opinion about the C7. I don't believe it will age well. Especially after we see legions of them roaming the streets. What's bold and edgy today will become passe quickly. I've already seen several on the streets, and there's a black-on-black Z51 in my development.

Yes, and it looks like we agree about the C7. I do think it's design will look "old" after a year or two, plus it is inevitable that we'll be seeing them all over the place.

BTW the centrifugal blowers are not engineered from a OEM standpoint because there is no way to insure consistent intake temperatures. The EPA wants full control over systems and without the coolant being integral to the tuning of the system they don't feel it is regulated enough.

**** the EPA. The auto industry needs to stop playing along with this baseless eco-**** garbage they keep trying to force upon us. At the end of the day it's just another power grab by the government. Case in point - 90% of the EPA is "non essential"...the department shouldn't exist.

Regarding centrifugal blowers, they're essentially like a belt-driven turbo. The IAT would compensate to ensure boost is not causing detonation...although I fail to see what the EPA thinks it has to "regulate" here...

Too much to list for me. But one thing: DCT Needs to get it's ass going much quicker than it does.

Really? Drive the car. The $300K Mercedes with DCT and a boatload of other tech stuff barely managed to beat a "******" Viper that was passed around from reviewer to reviewer. It was fractions of a second difference...not a compelling argument for DCT. The best argument for DCT is that it makes the car a bit more manageable for novice drivers.

Isn't this saying what could make the CAR better? I guess its interpretation. Anyway - I say HP because that is the best MARKETING tool. Very easy to convey to generate press and excitement.

I think there is a glass ceiling with HP that is being imposed by car manufacturers in an effort to avoid dealing with additional regulatory burdens imposed by the government. The Gen 5, as is, can probably pick up another 60-80 HP with a more aggressive tune, headers and high flow cats (or no cats at all). Actually, just removing the cats alone and replacing them with a piece of pipe would net ~20-30 HP at the wheels.

Maybe longer financing terms... I paid cash for my first two Vipers and financed the past 2 just based on wanting my cash in other areas (buying opportunities from the downturn). IF price is the concern for some, financing for 120-150 months might permit the monthly payment some would/could stomach. Financing a $120k car over 84 months is about $1,600/mo compared to 120 months at $1,180 or 150 months at $1,000...

Financing a fast-depreciating liability over 12 years is just bad money management. A good gauge for auto financing is if you can't afford to make payments on 60-month loan the car is too expensive for you. Plus, with interest, the longer durations inflate the total amount paid by a lot.

 

[KB Viper]

a kit like this from a reputable shop. 720HP kit on a base C7 6 weeks after hitting the streets
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-tech-performance/3363873-lpe-supercharges-the-new-gm-gen-v-direct-injection-lt1-6-2l-v8-engine.html

 

[Mister Viper]

I would like to ask a hypothetical question and request that there be (NO discussion) on this thread. If you could have (1) thing done/changed to the GenV to make you more likely to purchase one what would it be, and we are not discussing price here. Please make your answers short, the more answers I get the better it could be used so tell your freinds to chime in if they have an opinion to share.

Mark - thanks for putting this post out there, starting the discussion, stirring the ***!

We at SRT Engineering are, of course, very interested to know what Viper owners have to say on this (and we can recognize who the owners or intenders are, vs the Pretenders...). We take to heart all of the 'legitimate' feedback we see here. Please keep it coming, thank you.

But guys, come on, when I see people complaining 'that there are 2 models of Viper', or claiming that they won't buy a new Viper due to 'visible wheelhouse screws', I see bull****; those are people who didn't take the question seriously. I mean, really, you didn't buy a new Viper because we offered 2 models?! Wouldn't a reasonable buyer just pick the one they liked better and get on with it?....perhaps a more honest answer for them may have been that 'I'm not in the market now and won't be soon'. That's fine (and please just pass on answering this thread at all, if that is the case, honestly).

But if you are planning to buy a supercar soon, but aren't closing the deal on a Viper, take this opportunity to tell us 'why not'.

Please, be sincere. Did you really test-drive a Viper? Have you seen, or even sat in a new Viper? If so, what did you like, and what did you not like?

As we've well read, the Gen 5 owners on these forums REALLY like their cars. They log on here to debate "issues" here and there, but (little reminder here) they don't come to Viper forums because they hate their cars; in fact, they log on every night because they LOVE them, for reasons the intenders may too:

The Viper is a singularly passionate, and alive car, in many ways that the 'great' German cars of today are not. The car is freaking addictive to drive, so I understand the love these owners express. It is amazing to drive a 640hp rocket to work (or whereever) every day! Please forgive my brief infomercial, now I'll log off

thanks for listening, and sharing your honest feedback.

 

[Bobpantax]

Hmm. Thank you Mr. Viper. With the above said, I would say that a significant number are holding off on a purchase because it has not been determined when, if ever, a supercharger kit will be available from a reputable vendor. This despite the fact that Dick Winkles has already told us publicly that the engine was built to take boost. (I am assuming that Chrysler cannot produce it and sell it through Mopar.) This may be even more true for those who are older and have a modded/boosted Viper already. The time between purchase of a new Viper and being able to add the supercharger is an important factor. Giving up an older generation monster that is, in essence, a performance car child of its owner/creator, is a somewhat emotionally difficult thing to do. Giving it up without knowing when, if ever, it will be possible to turn the new one into a monster is not acceptable. So if there is something going on regarding a kit that you may know about that you can share with us, that might help a great deal.

 

[former345bhpLS1]

Please, be sincere. Did you really test-drive a Viper? Have you seen, or even sat in a new Viper? If so, what did you like, and what did you not like?

As we've well read, the Gen 5 owners on these forums REALLY like their cars. They log on here to debate "issues" here and there, but (little reminder here) they don't come to Viper forums because they hate their cars; in fact, they log on every night because they LOVE them, for reasons the intenders may too:

I have driven the Gen5 and put about 400 miles on one in 24 hours and it was SPECTACULAR. It far exceeded my expectations by retaining all of the "loveable" features of the Gen2 while adding better handling, much better brakes, and an engine that is much more powerful and race-like (I guess racier would imply something different).

The one thing that would help is fixing the exhaust drone. That did not make a good impression upon in me in the first ~30 minutes of driving and may put off someone on a test drive. Take a quick spin on the highway (especially one that is a little rough), the combination of drone and stiff ride may trick you into thinking that you are driving an ALMS car (not in a good way) and figure that you need something with more refinement.

That said, once I understood the drone I was able to easily avoid it and it did remind me that I was inadvertently exceeding ~71 or 72 on the highway. But most people will cruise around this speed and may be turned off by the noise.

Anyway, my 2 cents...

I do love the car, want one badly, and will hopefully be in the market soon. I'll see how the bank account looks after taxes this year...

-Nick

 

[KB Viper]

Mark - thanks for putting this post out there, starting the discussion, stirring the ***!

We at SRT Engineering are, of course, very interested to know what Viper owners have to say on this (and we can recognize who the owners or intenders are, vs the Pretenders...). We take to heart all of the 'legitimate' feedback we see here. Please keep it coming, thank you.

But guys, come on, when I see people complaining 'that there are 2 models of Viper', or claiming that they won't buy a new Viper due to 'visible wheelhouse screws', I see bull****; those are people who didn't take the question seriously. I mean, really, you didn't buy a new Viper because we offered 2 models?! Wouldn't a reasonable buyer just pick the one they liked better and get on with it?....perhaps a more honest answer for them may have been that 'I'm not in the market now and won't be soon'. That's fine (and please just pass on answering this thread at all, if that is the case, honestly).

But if you are planning to buy a supercar soon, but aren't closing the deal on a Viper, take this opportunity to tell us 'why not'.

Please, be sincere. Did you really test-drive a Viper? Have you seen, or even sat in a new Viper? If so, what did you like, and what did you not like?

As we've well read, the Gen 5 owners on these forums REALLY like their cars. They log on here to debate "issues" here and there, but (little reminder here) they don't come to Viper forums because they hate their cars; in fact, they log on every night because they LOVE them, for reasons the intenders may too:

The Viper is a singularly passionate, and alive car, in many ways that the 'great' German cars of today are not. The car is freaking addictive to drive, so I understand the love these owners express. It is amazing to drive a 640hp rocket to work (or whereever) every day! Please forgive my brief infomercial, now I'll log off

thanks for listening, and sharing your honest feedback.

wow; to even call potential buyers (most on this forum are) pretenders, you are part of the problem! I don't care who you are you sound like a ****, why don't you do us all a favor and get off the forum and go develop a blower kit. isn't that what we pay you for, mr. engineer?

 

[DMan]

Mark - thanks for putting this post out there, starting the discussion, stirring the ***!

We at SRT Engineering are, of course, very interested to know what Viper owners have to say on this (and we can recognize who the owners or intenders are, vs the Pretenders...). We take to heart all of the 'legitimate' feedback we see here. Please keep it coming, thank you.

But guys, come on, when I see people complaining 'that there are 2 models of Viper', or claiming that they won't buy a new Viper due to 'visible wheelhouse screws', I see bull****; those are people who didn't take the question seriously. I mean, really, you didn't buy a new Viper because we offered 2 models?! Wouldn't a reasonable buyer just pick the one they liked better and get on with it?....perhaps a more honest answer for them may have been that 'I'm not in the market now and won't be soon'. That's fine (and please just pass on answering this thread at all, if that is the case, honestly).

But if you are planning to buy a supercar soon, but aren't closing the deal on a Viper, take this opportunity to tell us 'why not'.

Please, be sincere. Did you really test-drive a Viper? Have you seen, or even sat in a new Viper? If so, what did you like, and what did you not like?

As we've well read, the Gen 5 owners on these forums REALLY like their cars. They log on here to debate "issues" here and there, but (little reminder here) they don't come to Viper forums because they hate their cars; in fact, they log on every night because they LOVE them, for reasons the intenders may too:

The Viper is a singularly passionate, and alive car, in many ways that the 'great' German cars of today are not. The car is freaking addictive to drive, so I understand the love these owners express. It is amazing to drive a 640hp rocket to work (or whereever) every day! Please forgive my brief infomercial, now I'll log off

thanks for listening, and sharing your honest feedback.

I posted above on mods and vert. I'm a 3 time viper owner, 2 new from Dodge. And right after VOI after the drive and demo's I came back and moved $100k in cash into a viper account to use. So I'm about as target a buyer as there is I think. Besides my desire for mod ability and/or vert, addressing these issues or urban legends about the electronics would help also.

Burn outs or pealing out causing CEL and limp mode reports from owners has taken me from being on the fence to full hold mode. I've had zero issues with every viper I've had, zero, they were/are perfect IMO. I don't want to drop the cash and sell my gen4 I love for a car that throws me a CEL when I spin the tires. We need some kind of education on what the deal is with this.

Thank you for acknowledging you guys are out there, I was on the verge of posting about where SRT has gone, miss you guys. We're not the VCA or any other club or whatever, we're just the guys who own and love your cars and appreciate what you do and hope you hear us. Thanks for listening.

 

[Bobpantax]

He clearly did not say what you are attributing to his words. You need to calm down and read the post again. There are clearly some trolls/pretenders posting and it is more than obvious who they are. It is great that we are getting input from SRT.

wow; to even call potential buyers (most on this forum are) pretenders, you are part of the problem! I don't care who you are you sound like a ****, why don't you do us all a favor and get off the forum and go develop a blower kit. isn't that what we pay you for, mr. engineer?

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

I own a Gen V but I would love to get cooled seats in the car. (At least on the GTS trim, please?)

Other then that, unlock the PCM!

 

[05Commemorative]

Hmm. Thank you Mr. Viper. With the above said, I would say that a significant number are holding off on a purchase because it has not been determined when, if ever, a supercharger kit will be available from a reputable vendor. This despite the fact that Dick Winkles has already told us publicly that the engine was built to take boost. (I am assuming that Chrysler cannot produce it and sell it through Mopar.) This may be even more true for those who are older and have a modded/boosted Viper already. The time between purchase of a new Viper and being able to add the supercharger is an important factor. Giving up an older generation monster that is, in essence, a performance car child of its owner/creator, is a somewhat emotionally difficult thing to do. Giving it up without knowing when, if ever, it will be possible to turn the new one into a monster is not acceptable. So if there is something going on regarding a kit that you may know about that you can share with us, that might help a great deal.

How man SC units were sold for the gen3 days? >100? Anyone know? I suspect a smaller # total.