Let's try to help SRT save/sell the GEN V.

[chorps]

Reading these threads just makes me want to not share any more information about my 2013 ownership. It seems people here are just determined to rip the Gen 5 apart, judge it poorly, and complain about issues that don't even exist in the car. Many of them have never even seen, or driven one.

The only owner of a Gen V that has complained about the car (rightfully so) is Kristopher Bush, but he had a lemon. The rest of us seem very happy with the cars. ~shrug~

Tony

I'm complaining that I can't afford to keep my ACR and get a TA this year.

 

[Ray W]

Nine Ball, don't give up. Keep those positive posts coming. You are an owner and you have kept me from giving up on the Gen V. I have said before, owners will sell this car not magazines, dealers or SRT. All the posts in this thread have made me realize why I don't own one yet. They have also made me realize it is truly the only car I want.

 

[Kala]

Reading these threads just makes me want to not share any more information about my 2013 ownership. It seems people here are just determined to rip the Gen 5 apart, judge it poorly, and complain about issues that don't even exist in the car. Many of them have never even seen, or driven one.


Tony

Not my intent Tony,
The MT car wasn't prepped... It was sent into the test not ready for a closeup. Who knows how many other stops that car made with people beating on it. That's fine, but make sure the car is sent in for testing is capable of performing as it should.

 

[ferraritoviper]

Not my intent Tony,
The MT car wasn't prepped... It was sent into the test not ready for a closeup. Who knows how many other stops that car made with people beating on it. That's fine, but make sure the car is sent in for testing is capable of performing as it should.

Good point (if it's not too late), but I'd take it a step further. Get two ready for prime time stock cars, one SRT and one GTS. Have them alternately driven by two experienced Viper Drivers at a sanctioned track course and a drag strip. SRT publishes the results...freshen them up, change tires and give the exact same two cars to the mags for their testing. We know what the outcome will be, unfortunately the mags won't like it...

 

[GTS-R 001]

Not my intent Tony,
The MT car wasn't prepped... It was sent into the test not ready for a closeup. Who knows how many other stops that car made with people beating on it. That's fine, but make sure the car is sent in for testing is capable of performing as it should.

The car manufacturers have been supplying cars for these tests for years and years. I believe the cars are supposed to be in "just off the showroom floor and PDId condition only" i.e. NO RINGERS

SRT dropped the ball by not supplying the cars in the condition they were supposed to. Maybe the mags have to add "No beaters or demos" to the parameters?

 

[mnc2886]

I honestly think the fact SRT hasn't done any response to the last MT review is digging the hole deeper. Staying silent is a guilty dog barking in my book....

We all know what the Viper platform can do, but SRT doesn't like sharing it for some reason. I say respond to the MT video before it has been way too long. It has already been long enough, even if they did something tomorrow.

 

[chorps]

I honestly think the fact SRT hasn't done any response to the last MT review is digging the hole deeper. Staying silent is a guilty dog barking in my book....

We all know what the Viper platform can do, but SRT doesn't like sharing it for some reason. I say respond to the MT video before it has been way too long. It has already been long enough, even if they did something tomorrow.

I think its so far gone now that SRT can't address it now because they'd have to explain why they were so late in responding, and it would also reopen the wounds from the top down. That triple explaining of why they didn't fess up to the screw up and apology to Viper fans, MT and management is a bullet that everyone wants to dodge (heh) now.

 

[ferraritoviper]

I think its so far gone now that SRT can't address it now because they'd have to explain why they were so late in responding, and it would also reopen the wounds from the top down. That triple explaining of why they didn't fess up to the screw up and apology to Viper fans, MT and management is a bullet that everyone wants to dodge (heh) now.

Maybe not too late chorps, especially if SRT Marketing group recovers from its Rip Van Winkle siesta, and puts their thinking caps on. Remember the Audi fiasco from many years ago, and their lack of response and failure to get out in front of the story...which crippled sales. Same can be said for Tylenol, during the 'Tylenol Scare' many years ago. Both eventually addressed the situation, apologized and sales returned. SRT's problem is nowhere near as bad as these two examples.

How about something like 'After careful evaluation, it has been determined that due to faulty internal communications, the incorrect car was provided for testing. We apologize for this situation, and are ready to provide the SRT and GTS (just like my scenario posted a few above this one) for your detailed evaluation' End of story, no further explain required to anyone, case closed. The mags will give any car company (the hand that feeds them) a second chance...it's the Anerican way!

No matter what, SRT MUST address this situation somehow, and very quickly!! It is way too big of a black eye to ignore any further. As I've posted elsewhere, it is my feeling that poor marketing is the #1 driver of SRT's poor sales. Yes, the economy and price have some play in it, but I haven't seen any announcements from other car manufacturers, cutting back production of their $100k and over models...

 

[Kala]

Here's what Ralph said on Twitter... 14 hours ago

You must be registered for see images

Ralph Gilles ‏@RalphGilles14h
@spike_jfd That was an abused & pre production media car that should never have been in their hands. On pg86 you see the SRTs true potential



Pg 86 is the Laguna Seca lap times that shows the 2013 lap at 1:34.23 & the 2014 TA @ 1:33.62

 

[mnc2886]

Here's what Ralph said on Twitter... 14 hours ago

You must be registered for see images

Ralph Gilles ‏@RalphGilles14h
@spike_jfd That was an abused & pre production media car that should never have been in their hands. On pg86 you see the SRTs true potential



Pg 86 is the Laguna Seca lap times that shows the 2013 lap at 1:34.23 & the 2014 TA @ 1:33.62

Not an adequate response if you ask me. Very few will see this response anyways. No excuse why SRT can't take one of the ALMS drivers out to Laguna Seca and run an even faster time than Pobst did. Winkles was faster than Randy in a Gen IV ACR, so it wouldn't surprise me if a factory driver used to a Viper could do it as well. Running a 1:32:X or even a 1:31:X would go a long way in mending the PR issues.

 

[canadian venom]

Exactly, now that the ALMS season is almost over, they should do like they did a few years ago but this time with the gen5, another tour of major circuits around North America and break all those records again. That would be a moral booster for the Viper community and owners, CAAP employees and shut all those bad review made by some magazine regarding the performance of the gen 5

 

[GTS-R 001]

Exactly, now that the ALMS season is almost over, they should do like they did a few years ago but this time with the gen5, another tour of major circuits around North America and break all those records again. That would be a moral booster for the Viper community and owners, CAAP employees and shut all those bad review made by some magazine regarding the performance of the gen 5

You are assuming there is a budget set aside to do this?

 

[madninjaskillz]

Here's what Ralph said on Twitter... 14 hours ago

You must be registered for see images

Ralph Gilles ‏@RalphGilles14h
@spike_jfd That was an abused & pre production media car that should never have been in their hands. On pg86 you see the SRTs true potential



Pg 86 is the Laguna Seca lap times that shows the 2013 lap at 1:34.23 & the 2014 TA @ 1:33.62

He needs to fire the marketing/PR people already.#holdingthecarback

 

[mnc2886]

You are assuming there is a budget set aside to do this?

It should pay for itself. At least one trip to Laguna Seca is necessary in my book. Not stopping the bleeding will cost more.

 

[Blainne]

The economy *****. Look what happens when the Fed says they will pull back QE, the world goes into panic.

Going to break down to you guys just how BAD the state of this Country is in and why people with money but not rich are not buying 100k+ car atm. A 100k car is the last thing on my mind.

A man walks into a bank wanting a loan so he can buy a new car. He is already is in debt 300,000 dollars and has already been granted an increase in his credit limit two times before for 200k and 300k. He makes 2k a month. His bills are 3k a month. He is behind on his bills and owes many people money. He also gives all his neighbors 300 dollars a month so they like him. He and his wife refuse to cut their spending. Credit Rating ZERO. A bank wouldn't loan this guy enough money to BUY A CANDY BAR. ***That man is our government*** Writing is on the wall. Our economy is going to crash.. and crash hard when the government crashes. They can only inflate numbers for so long. tick tick tick tick tick tick.

People with money are investing elsewhere until the crash.

Also, alot of people dont even KNOW THERE IS NEW VIPER!! They should add a supercharger and just go over board. 900 HP Super Viper. **The Shelby Approach**

 

[canadian venom]

It should pay for itself. At least one trip to Laguna Seca is necessary in my book. Not stopping the bleeding will cost more.

That's what I think...

 

[CaptainDavid]

Re think the price and a Vert.

 

[08viperviolet]

I think what a lot have put on here is right on the money price dealers. Another problem I have been looking to buy one but the trade numbers the dealers offer are crazy. Srt should have put in some kind of loyalty money to current owners to buy a new one when they trade in the older viper. They say sell it out right and then come buy a new one. Why should I have to hassle with selling a car I want to trade it and buy a new one keep life simple. Way I see it.

 

[GuitarSteve]

I wish there was a way for me to help SRT with the new car. Too bad my bank account doesn't have $100k in it.

 

[SLViper]

I am not so sure trying to convince people smart enough to afford a $108-150K Viper, that it's not a Dodge Viper by calling it an "SRT" was a wise move. Dodge Bro's rolled the first car in 1914. Dodge Viper has a storied 20 year history, a great tradition, the GenV Viper should say proudly I am a Dodge Viper, deal with it.
Trying to be something you are not is never a good idea.

 

[theviper]

SRT has done a terrible job listening to the market from all standpoints. I personally have to point back to Beth Peretta. That is her job isn't it? She caught a lot of flack on here before hasn't she? Every time I saw her talk about the Viper, I felt she got promoted beyond her skill set. I don't see how the Viper could benefit from her marketing skills and the results are right in front of us today. Shame on Ralph for letting it continue.

Exactly. Just take a look at what she has done:
2007, Operations Manager - Aston Martin Lagonda, Aston Martin the Americas
2004, Business Development Manager, Eastern Region - Volkswagen Credit, Volkswagen of America
2004, Certified Audi Brand Specialist - Hoffman Audi, East Hartford, Conn.
2003, Sales Representative - Liberty Honda, Hartford, Conn.
2000, Wholesale Sales and Marketing - Rossignol Ski Company, New England region
1991, Roles within the alpine ski industry including wholesale sales and marketing, retail sales and marketing, product development, and wholesale buying/retail planning

So basically, she has been a sales rep her whole life and did some operational stuff for Aston. She has never owned or run her own business. She has never been a leader. She has never been the head of marketing for anything. She has never proven herself from an educational or experiential standpoint. So the question is not "why did she fail". The question is "who ever thought she would succeed as the head of marketing".

 

[theviper]

From what I heard, no one... not even sure there is going to be any change in the way things are being done.

Maybe something's changed in the past month, but there just seems to be too many MBAs and not enough engineers running the show there right now.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a MBA or advanced degree. The problem is, MBAs are a dime a dozen. Univ of Vermont, where Beth went, is a complete joke! They accept 99.9% of applicants (seriously) and are ranked #164 in the country! So essentially, it is a hollow certificate. On top of that, she is not a Viper person. Thus, no experience, no educations, no talent, and no passion is a recipe for disaster.

 

[chorps]

There is nothing inherently wrong with a MBA or advanced degree. The problem is, MBAs are a dime a dozen. Univ of Vermont, where Beth went, is a complete joke! They accept 99.9% of applicants (seriously) and are ranked #164 in the country! So essentially, it is a hollow certificate. On top of that, she is not a Viper person. Thus, no experience, no educations, no talent, and no passion is a recipe for disaster.

Didn't say there was anything wrong with the degree programs, but the ratio of MBAs vs. Engineers was way off. Not going to comment on Beth, because I don't know enough to lay everything at her feet, but there's been a lot of mistakes in the Gen V launch in a lot of areas and not only marketing.

Not very big on school rankings either but I can see where you're coming from if the program acceptance is that open.

 

[Bobpantax]

I think we might want to be a little careful about how we discuss named SRT employees. We really do not know who screwed the pooch here. For instance, I heard that the car that went to MT that was not prepped properly was "prepared" by an independent contractor who does this sort of thing. If that is true, then we would need to know who, if anyone, oversaw that person's activities and why there were no consequences, at least that we know about, for the screw up.

The politics both internally to SRT and externally are unknown to us and will never be known to us. So the last thing we need is to be accused of more "peculiar behavior" by asking for someone to be fired. Believe me. I feel as frustrated and angry as anyone but for reasons unknown to us, things have been off track on more than one occasion since the successful reveal in NY which was, by anyone's standard, a great success.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a MBA or advanced degree. The problem is, MBAs are a dime a dozen. Univ of Vermont, where Beth went, is a complete joke! They accept 99.9% of applicants (seriously) and are ranked #164 in the country! So essentially, it is a hollow certificate. On top of that, she is not a Viper person. Thus, no experience, no educations, no talent, and no passion is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Nine Ball]

Agreed on bashing the SRT employees directly, by name. It shouldn't be done, as the blame usually rests higher on the org chart ladder.

The NY launch was excellent. I knew at that moment that I'd buy a Gen V. No other cars had interested me in the previous 2-3 yrs.

 

[Fatboy 18]

Yep, gotta agree with Bob and Nine Ball here, I am not feeling comfortable with posts directed at One person in SRT.

I'm sure the marketing team have to put their ideas forward to a board who then approves the ideas? Its not just down to one person.

 

[TrackAire]

Want to know who to blame?.....find out who authorized the budget for the release and promotion of the Gen 5. Looking at it when comparing other new vehicle releases this would be a budget that was actually less than shoe string.....more like a worn out slip on loafer. No real TV ads, no cars available for tuners to modify and see on the cover of magazines (think about all the press Viper got when Hennessey Vipers were on the covers of all the rags doing top speed shoot outs, etc), no contact with current owners to request viewing the new car....nothing.

Has anybody been invited to a meet and greet at any Viper experience type event? Hell, I get invites from automakers and I don't even own their cars. We really can't blame any one person or group without knowing what they had to work with. Are we disappointed and a little embarrassed for the Gen 5 Viper....yes. Will this ever get back on track?....unfortunately I think it might be to late and the guys authorizing the budgets see it that same way.

George

 

[Kala]

I thought Beth was marketing director for SRT motorsports??? That's different than SRT Viper Sales. No?

 

[chorps]

Want to know who to blame?.....find out who authorized the budget for the release and promotion of the Gen 5. Looking at it when comparing other new vehicle releases this would be a budget that was actually less than shoe string.....more like a worn out slip on loafer. No real TV ads, no cars available for tuners to modify and see on the cover of magazines (think about all the press Viper got when Hennessey Vipers were on the covers of all the rags doing top speed shoot outs, etc), no contact with current owners to request viewing the new car....nothing.

Has anybody been invited to a meet and greet at any Viper experience type event? Hell, I get invites from automakers and I don't even own their cars. We really can't blame any one person or group without knowing what they had to work with. Are we disappointed and a little embarrassed for the Gen 5 Viper....yes. Will this ever get back on track?....unfortunately I think it might be to late and the guys authorizing the budgets see it that same way.

George

I think you can thank the guys who put together the business case for a lot of the screw ups. I think they set the pricing scheme up as well. Senior management and the board usually just greenlight the spending, so I bet there's a lot of pursed lips and icy silence going around whenever the Viper program is mentioned.

 

[theviper]

I thought Beth was marketing director for SRT motorsports??? That's different than SRT Viper Sales. No?

No. One and the same. It's not like SRT has a dozens of divisions.

I don't think anyone here is blaming any one person. I think they are blaming the marketing department because, let's face it, sales are suffering because of marketing mistakes. The entire Viper brand is in jeopardy due to a lack of marketing know how. Budgets have been low, but that is where creativity and intelligence come in. Anyone can spend tens of millions and "advertise"...takes no brains to do that.