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

[ViperSSG]

Two essential things have been holding me back:
- I want a convertible
- I'm not too crazy about the available colors although the blue that is in the naming contest has my interest.

 

[SnakeEye]

Two essential things have been holding me back:
- I want a convertible
- I'm not too crazy about the available colors although the blue that is in the naming contest has my interest.

It's funny, in 2003 when the Gen 3 came out in convertible only form many were complaining, "if only it came in a coupe"...

 

[SilveRT8]

It's funny, in 2003 when the Gen 3 came out in convertible only form many were complaining, "if only it came in a coupe"...

Fast forward to 2023 : " C'mon FIATSRT I'd like to have my Gen 7 in coupe please.....and add a Turbo to the V6 "

 

[Vooodoo ACR]

I stopped by a local dealer to look at the Gen 5 for the first time. They had a '14 with the Aero pack. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed with the lack of interior room. I had a little more leg room compared to the ACR, but the door shuts against my left shoulder limiting the mobility of arm. I was also still looking through the very top of the windshield. So for me, I'd say more interior room would make me consider a Gen 5.

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[ViperSmith]

Two essential things have been holding me back:
- I want a convertible
- I'm not too crazy about the available colors although the blue that is in the naming contest has my interest.

I wish wish wish SRT had a program with Prefix to have it painted any color you wanted.

 

[KB Viper]

Let me repeat with some supporting evidence...twin turbos. http://youtu.be/4YGsy8dsMgQ

That car is nutz. I'd love to see a gen v make that run

 

[DMan]

It's funny, in 2003 when the Gen 3 came out in convertible only form many were complaining, "if only it came in a coupe"...

Well, people were also saying it looked like an S2000. I'm one that back then needed a year to fall in love with the new gen look and then bought one.

I do so wish there was a way to have it be a targa again, but I know that's nowhere in the cards. I loved the RT/10 design, I even had a targa Porsche 930, the targa is such a solid compromise between the two.

 

[I Bin Therbefor]

Get rid of the drone

Better position for driver: foot well issue

Auto of some sort, prefer rear mounted

 

[v10enomous]

I thought this thread was about what it would take to get you in an actual GenV and not What would you like changed in a GenV ?

 

[ACRucrazy]

I thought this thread was about what it would take to get you in an actual GenV and not What would you like changed in a GenV ?

Could be one in the same.

 

[v10enomous]

Could be one in the same.

I believe the intention is to sell the car that they are actually building. I mean it would be interesting to see how many people simply won't buy the car the way it is vs at what price or conditions they would buy the existing car. We've had threads for 3 years about what people want the GenV to be.

I like the car but it's too pricey right now and at this point I'm in no rush with the weather moving in...

 

[05Commemorative]

I believe the intention is to sell the car that they are actually building. I mean it would be interesting to see how many people simply won't buy the car the way it is vs at what price or conditions they would buy the existing car. We've had threads for 3 years about what people want the GenV to be.

I like the car but it's too pricey right now and at this point I'm in no rush with the weather moving in...

I think you are changing the question completely because the minute you bring price into it, you then are looking to sell to a different demographic. So, I think that means the question is either
1) at this price range (100k-140k) what is required to sell more of the car? I think we were answering this question.
2) at what price range would the current car sell more? sounds like the question you want.

So, let me answer #2. If the car was 70-80k, sure I would probably buy it, maybe. It is definitely worth much more, but the reality is I don't want a coupe. So, for me, get the conv out and then the price is fine. The point being, conv vs a coupe is a game changer for some. Just like I think manual vs auto is a game changer for some. ACR might be for some as well. Mods seems like it is for some as well. Price on the other hand is a factor across the board in a different way.

 

[ViperSmith]

I think the Gen V's biggest issue is it wasn't (besides the interior upgrades) enough of a change from the Gen IV to get Gen IV buyers to trade in and drop another $40k.

For me it wasn't an issue since it was what I was in the market from. But, if you were happy with your IV, I am unsure if there is enough there to justify it. It is a great car, but money is money.

 

[mnc2886]

The Viper since 2006 to date has had a coupe or vert option and I think that is important to note. Since 2008, which to me is when the spotlight was put back on the Viper as a world ******, 3 models have been available. Coupe, Vert, and ACR. That seems to be what works for the Viper. SRT probably could sell 1500 Vipers a year, but there are too many that will only consider a vert and too many that will only consider a ACR. The paddle shifters are secondary in my opinion. That feature may bring more cross shoppers, but SRT is going to have a lot of trouble selling Vipers to cross shoppers when the Viper faithful won't even step up. Lastly, like it or not, pricing is a huge issue with this car. Maybe the base prices are fine, but the option pricing needs to be re-thought. I know this thread doesn't want to talk about it, but it is the elephant in the room.

 

[mnc2886]

I think the Gen V's biggest issue is it wasn't (besides the interior upgrades) enough of a change from the Gen IV to get Gen IV buyers to trade in and drop another $40k.

For me it wasn't an issue since it was what I was in the market from. But, if you were happy with your IV, I am unsure if there is enough there to justify it. It is a great car, but money is money.

This is also a good point. If you follow ViperExchange.com, you'd get the perception that not too many prior generation Vipers were traded in.

 

[v10enomous]

I agree but I was just saying that the OP is probably looking to sell you what he has and what he can get for you now. There is no argument that more choice of configurations would sell more cars.

I think you are changing the question completely because the minute you bring price into it, you then are looking to sell to a different demographic. So, I think that means the question is either
1) at this price range (100k-140k) what is required to sell more of the car? I think we were answering this question.
2) at what price range would the current car sell more? sounds like the question you want.

So, let me answer #2. If the car was 70-80k, sure I would probably buy it, maybe. It is definitely worth much more, but the reality is I don't want a coupe. So, for me, get the conv out and then the price is fine. The point being, conv vs a coupe is a game changer for some. Just like I think manual vs auto is a game changer for some. ACR might be for some as well. Mods seems like it is for some as well. Price on the other hand is a factor across the board in a different way.

 

[Viper Grenade]

Twin Turbo with factory staged upgrades like they did with the SRT-4. I would trade in my Gen4 and pick up a Gen5 w/stage 3 and turbo toys ASAP. I'd like it pearl white.

 

[Vic]

I like the Gen 5 a lot, I'd love to have one!

But I already have a Gen 2 in my garage, and it's the most fun car experience I've ever had! (I've never kept any car this long in my life!)

So for me, the issue is something akin to a marriage- Sure, I like the newer models, can't deny that...But I still love my one-and-only current wife too much to make any changes!

That's the issue from my heart of hearts...schmaltzy tho it may be!

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

Some of you are unrealistic. Chrysler isn't going to drop the base MSRP. When has the Viper's base price ever go down when there is a new generation?

 

[ViperGeorge]

I've driven a Gen 5 for a bit over 100 miles and here are the things I would change. Sorry Mark there is more than one thing and I have shared this list with friends at SRT.

1) Price is too steep for me and I can afford to buy it. I understand that Chrysler raised their margins on the Gen 5 as compared to the Gen 4.
2) Styling is nice but I think my Gen 4 ACR looks meaner. Front looks like a Ferrari, it should be more unique.
3) Plastic grille looks and feels cheap, cheaper than other high end cars that use plastic. Someone should come out with an aftermarket replacement that is maybe color matched to car. And come on the price of a Stryker Red or B/W option is crazy.
4) Hood vents on both the SRT and GTS look as cheap as the grille, maybe worse. They should be wire mesh or something nicer for a car of this cost.
5) Seats were distinctly uncomfortable after 100 miles. No lumbar support caused a lower back ache.
6) Gearing is too high. Running at 80mph the engine is revving well over 2000rpm. My Gen 4s rev about 1400 at 80. Out west the roads are long, lonely, and have high speed limits. The noise from the higher revving engine gets tiresome.
7) More HP. The car needs bragging rights. My 2013 Shelby has more and it is only a V8. Beating an outgoing C6/ZR1 by a little bit does not count.
8) An option for turning off the stupid self dimming mirror. (They added this in 2014 as a menu option based on my feedback. )
9) An ACR option that looks as mean as my Gen 4 ACR.
10) A convertible option with striking colors like SSG, VBB, etc.

Now things I like:

1) Rides great.
2) Stereo is way better.
3) Interior is way nicer (except comfort of seats).
4) Rear view. Back end of car looks nice.
5) Wider tires are good.
6) New TA brakes are better.
7) The "O ****" handle for the passenger.
8) Overall fit and finish is better.
9) Paint quality is nicer.
10) Some wheel styles are ok.
11) Shifter feels good.

 

[ACRucrazy]

Some of you are unrealistic. Chrysler isn't going to drop the base MSRP. When has the Viper's base price ever go down when there is a new generation?

In 2008 the coupe had a price of just over 84k with destination. The gas guzzler tax was $1,700 cheaper for the 4th gen than it was for the 3rd and 5th gen, therefor a 2008 Viper coupe was almost $1,000 cheaper out the door than a 2006.

 

[Hoodoo Man]

I've driven a Gen 5 for a bit over 100 miles and here are the things I would change. Sorry Mark there is more than one thing and I have shared this list with friends at SRT.

1) Price is too steep for me and I can afford to buy it. I understand that Chrysler raised their margins on the Gen 5 as compared to the Gen 4.
2) Styling is nice but I think my Gen 4 ACR looks meaner. Front looks like a Ferrari, it should be more unique.
3) Plastic grille looks and feels cheap, cheaper than other high end cars that use plastic. Someone should come out with an aftermarket replacement that is maybe color matched to car. And come on the price of a Stryker Red or B/W option is crazy.
4) Hood vents on both the SRT and GTS look as cheap as the grille, maybe worse. They should be wire mesh or something nicer for a car of this cost.
5) Seats were distinctly uncomfortable after 100 miles. No lumbar support caused a lower back ache.
6) Gearing is too high. Running at 80mph the engine is revving well over 2000rpm. My Gen 4s rev about 1400 at 80. Out west the roads are long, lonely, and have high speed limits. The noise from the higher revving engine gets tiresome.
7) More HP. The car needs bragging rights. My 2013 Shelby has more and it is only a V8. Beating an outgoing C6/ZR1 by a little bit does not count.
8) An option for turning off the stupid self dimming mirror. (They added this in 2014 as a menu option based on my feedback. )
9) An ACR option that looks as mean as my Gen 4 ACR.
10) A convertible option with striking colors like SSG, VBB, etc.

Now things I like:

1) Rides great.
2) Stereo is way better.
3) Interior is way nicer (except comfort of seats).
4) Rear view. Back end of car looks nice.
5) Wider tires are good.
6) New TA brakes are better.
7) The "O ****" handle for the passenger.
8) Overall fit and finish is better.
9) Paint quality is nicer.
10) Some wheel styles are ok.
11) Shifter feels good.

Nice feedback. Thanks for your response!!


Larry

 

[donk_316]

Whats gonna happen when the C7 Z06 comes out with 650hp (that can be easily tuned/upgraded/huge aftermarket) for $20,000 less than a "bells and whistles GTS" Viper?

I know some of you think its some kind of badge of honor to pay huge money for a G5 for whatever reason, but come on... There has to be value. Saying a "Viper is worth more because its a Viper" is beyond delusional.

I see the hand built low production numbers as a plus for sure. There is value there. But like i said before just because its hand built doesnt mean its hand built well.

Dont flame me for price wars. Look at this sites own G5 classifieds and check out the "asking" price of some of the G5s...

Bottom line is: Too much money for what you get. Im waiting till the deepest darkest winter day in Feb to even talk price with the Stealership. They are asking $120,000 for the car (TA) that had to be modified to beat an old Vette.

 

[SnakeBitten]

They are asking $120,000 for the car (TA) that had to be modified to beat an old Vette.

This bothered me as well and Im sure a lot of potential conquest buyers from Vette/Porsche owners/previous Viper owners etc saw through the hype surrounding the Viper and the TA version once the real performance numbers were revealed. The TA, while very nice, is a FrankenViper that was forced into existance. A hodge podge of SRT/GTS models that couldnt get the job done against the old, discontinued ZR1. That really hurt the cars image and desirability to the masses across the board. This is not a bash just a statement of fact based on lots of posts here and everywhere.

Why would a potential conquest buyer pony up 120k for a TA or 125+k for a GTS for a car that can barely compete with 5 year old tech in performance and a ride that is much worse [TA] than a ZR1, mid pack straightline performance vs the top competition, no ability to mod the car etc? Even a lot of previous owners and Viper lovers are not buying the car. We clearly see the package is not enough to get a lot of "NON-Viper lovers" to pony up to buy one. So you realistically have to consider all the things the G5 lacks that the competition has in spades as a factor as well as the marketing issue dead horse.

That being said its obviously still a great car and by the reviews of the owners it is worth the money to them. Make no mistake it is a FAST car and very capable in its element, the track. I personally also think its a very good looking car with a lot to offer as is but to get more people to even consider the car for purchase it has to be much more than it is for the price range imho.

If its not going to be able to be modded because of whatever then it has to be supremely nasty from the factory and destroy the competition. The competition should have to mod there respective cars just to hang with it a la original GTS. It cant be midpack and survive imho. Just too many great choices for street/track cars nowadays as compared to when the original GTS reigned supreme over all sub 200k cars. There are also many brand new, much cheaper cars that can be bought and with the available aftermarket for them they can easily eclipse any Viper stock. You are going to force "some" potential buyers to start thinking like this because of price/performance/content factors. At 120k and above you are going to make a lot of folks consider the cheaper alternative that are very good cars. Even used Gallardos, R8's, ZR1's etc are competing for that 120k+. Just mh 2c.

Lots of great suggestions in this thread. If only a few key ones are implemented I think it would have a big impact on the desirability of the car to the masses. Of coures SRT will have to market this well to get that out to the prospective buyers via commercials etc. Gotta spend money to make money.

 

[Bruce H.]

Your thinking is like most shoppers that have chosen the Vette over the Viper since Day 1. You look at performance vs price to determine value, and the Vette always wins, as do Mustangs, Camaros and many others depending on your performance metrics.

But if the Viper pushed all the right buttons for you, and you valued exclusivity enough, you wanted to purchase new and you were comfortable laying out the $100K plus that new exclusive high performance car prices start at, then you might feel the Viper's price is actually somewhat of a bargain. And if you preferred a brand new R8, SLS, GT3, XKR-S or whatever than you would buy that and pay much more. But what you wouldn't do is say that those cars should be priced a lot lower because the Vette or other performance bargains are. Exclusivity costs... mass produced saves. If you're willing to buy used then lots of other cars will seem like a bargain.

I personally don't like the styling of the Stingray at all, and while I think it would be a great purchase for you and others who have expressed that they really do like and can afford it, it doesn't represent any kind of value to me, nor will another version of it regardless of price, features or performance. You can buy a Vette and feel good about it, or just go on their forums and rave about it. There's certainly no need for you to justify it here by saying the Viper is too expensive compared to the Vette, or that a future Vette is going to be all this or that.

There are surely Viper buyers sitting on the fence waiting for a particular change to trigger their purchase of one (the purpose of this thread), and if price is the only issue they will be considering a used one, but I can't imagine anyone would seriously expect a slash in MSRP. Dropping Viper prices would be great for those that were going to buy one anyways, and make it affordable for those that really want to buy one but don't quite have the budget for it now, but those who like the Vette will still feel the Vette is the better built car, looks better, more features, performs better, is priced better...and is still the better performance value.

Bruce

Whats gonna happen when the C7 Z06 comes out with 650hp (that can be easily tuned/upgraded/huge aftermarket) for $20,000 less than a "bells and whistles GTS" Viper?

I know some of you think its some kind of badge of honor to pay huge money for a G5 for whatever reason, but come on... There has to be value. Saying a "Viper is worth more because its a Viper" is beyond delusional.

I see the hand built low production numbers as a plus for sure. There is value there. But like i said before just because its hand built doesnt mean its hand built well.

Dont flame me for price wars. Look at this sites own G5 classifieds and check out the "asking" price of some of the G5s...

Bottom line is: Too much money for what you get. Im waiting till the deepest darkest winter day in Feb to even talk price with the Stealership. They are asking $120,000 for the car (TA) that had to be modified to beat an old Vette.

 

[donk_316]

Whatever.
I typed out a bloody novel but its pointless.
The G5 is a good car just overpriced. I want one. Ill buy one when the prices come down to reflect its value and place in the market.

FYI: For every other person who is able to unbiasly compare the viper to another car without getting their feelings hurt. Dont do it here on this forum. Vipers owners on this forum see it a religion or something. Anything said against the Viperchurch is grounds for burning at the stake.

I have 20 some posts and ive been attacked by 3 members now for being a "vette lover".

 

[DMan]

Whats gonna happen when the C7 Z06 comes out with 650hp (that can be easily tuned/upgraded/huge aftermarket) for $20,000 less than a "bells and whistles GTS" Viper?

I know some of you think its some kind of badge of honor to pay huge money for a G5 for whatever reason, but come on... There has to be value. Saying a "Viper is worth more because its a Viper" is beyond delusional.

I see the hand built low production numbers as a plus for sure. There is value there. But like i said before just because its hand built doesnt mean its hand built well.

Dont flame me for price wars. Look at this sites own G5 classifieds and check out the "asking" price of some of the G5s...

Bottom line is: Too much money for what you get. Im waiting till the deepest darkest winter day in Feb to even talk price with the Stealership. They are asking $120,000 for the car (TA) that had to be modified to beat an old Vette.

A big part of your point is the mod factor. The new higher end vette will have 600-6XX HP, more than enough considering how the vette optimizes perf from the HP it produces, and you then can mod it - if you an extra 25, 50, 150, whatever, there'll be support for that. The viper is stuck. So to me, your point is well taken, as feedback to the OP question, it goes to the mod limitation on the gen5, again.

I see others post that 640hp is more than enough for the road course & some say if you want more you're just a poser compensating being short on "inches" with HP.
Well, I want to mod my viper, road course the cars about 1 dozen times a year, for the mid atlantic that's a decent amount, and that's still a fraction of the time & activity with the car. Street play, other car events, dyno events, drag strip events for exotics - when I go to a drag strip trackday I always take my GT500 and have to leave the viper at home because my poor viper is the slowest car I have in a straight line. I always joke that my viper is my "slow" car. Mods will allow versatility.

I'd like to have a viper gen5 and mod how I want & use it all events. I wouldn't need another high power toy if I could, but I can't so ...

The C7 is a consideration for me, when the higher power version hits, but that may be 2 yrs, I dunno, spy shots seem to show testing, maybe it'll be sooner. Meanwhile there's not enough reason for me to move from my gen4.

 

[Bruce H.]

The G5 is a good car just overpriced. I want one. Ill buy one when the prices come down to reflect its value and place in the market.


I have 20 some posts and ive been attacked by 3 members now for being a "vette lover".

You said you wanted one only before seeing it, and not since for the many reasons that you detailed in posts 99, 112, and 116 of this thread where you angrily trashed the car. This thread is for constructive criticisms from those looking for a particular change or two that SRT might realistically be able to implement that would convert them from a looker to buyer. The exhaustive changes necessary to convert an angry hater to a buyer is beyond the scope of this thread, and aren't appreciated by anyone on this forum in general.

I completely understand your criticisms but not your lack of respect, and since they affect you the way they do it's obvious the car isn't right for you, and there's no chance of SRT addressing your issues with the Viper. Some have purchased already thinking it was the best choice for them in spite of any perceived short-comings they identified, and some others that are close are hoping to see a change or two to make their dream a reality.

Bruce

 

[ViperGeorge]

I stopped by a local dealer to look at the Gen 5 for the first time. They had a '14 with the Aero pack. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed with the lack of interior room. I had a little more leg room compared to the ACR, but the door shuts against my left shoulder limiting the mobility of arm. I was also still looking through the very top of the windshield. So for me, I'd say more interior room would make me consider a Gen 5.

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That Viper may be the best looking Gen 5 I've seen (ok, I'm partial to white). Do you have any pics of the front. Maybe the stupid, blacked out grille would look ok on this color combo.

 

[ViperGeorge]

Ok one other very important item. I just tried to find the dealer that has that White/Black stripe Gen 5 in Arizona. I went to the drivesrt.com site and did a SRT dealer search for all dealers within 300 miles of Phoenix. I then went to every one of their websites to look to see if they had a Viper. Guess what? Not one of them even listed SRT as a brand. They had Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. No SRT. Couldn't find any info about Vipers on any of their sites. Really, that kind of stinks big time. Where is SRT's marketing effort? This is just plain stupid.