Now, if you are talking about offering these as standard factory equipment, no. As options or dealer installed aftermarket equipment, you bet. While the SRT is already problematic for track use (no roll bar), the factory addition of more bells and whistles that could add even a little weight is probably not what many Viper owners want. They screamed with the cupholder/ashtray addition, which didn't add weight or any additional failure points to the car. In a nutshell: Keep it simple.
Now, I would also suggest that DC decide who is their target market for this car and where they want it to fit. If they want to continue the Viper as a low-volume street-legal race car with a very defined group of owners, then definitely continue asking the Viper community. If, however, DC would like to win over the Corvette crowd and those that want a more "civilized" sports car, ask somebody besides the current Viper owners. Most current Viper owners seem to shun the extra gadgets and goodies in favor of having a true muscle car. Many potential owners choose other makes such as the Corvette, Ferrari, etc. for that same reason. The bottom line: In a thread from a few years ago the Viper owners strongly spoke out against adding things like you have suggested. Yet many potential owners would like to see the Viper a little more "luxurious" and a little less "rough". This, while some current Viper owners think even the current SRT is too "plush", even though it added virtually nothing to the mix besides the cupholder.
If you make these two items available, then you should also consider the following:
1. Adjustable lumbar support in the seats - which the SRT does not have currently.
2. Speed-sensitive volume control on the stereo. Available in previous Vipers, it is sorely missed by many in the SRT.
3. Factory removable carpet in the trunk. Currently offered as aftermarket only is silly when paying $83,795 for the car itself.
4. Cover for sides of top when stowed in down position. Having all the braces and hinges exposed looks kinda tacky for such an awesome car. Ideally it would match the canvas look of the top itself.
5. Factory floor mats (see #3 above).
6. Outside temperature gauge/compass built into inside mirror (shouldn't add much weight and comes standard on many entry-level cars these days).
7. As long as you are upgrading the stereo controls, add a weather band (found on many Mercedes) and optional XM or Sirius satellite radio. Not much weight to my knowledge.
Do I want these things on my SRT? Not necessarily. I like the pure muscle car feeling of the Viper (always have) and don't want it diluted down with all these extra gadgets. Nevertheless, I can see where some of these would come in handy - while the mat kits are darn near required. I am sure I could come up with many more "handy" items that would benefit those owners and potential owners more inclined to luxury. Just don't ask Chuck With Two Vipers (his Indian name).
Chris
