I would really go with the color palette to explain what some few as a softer edge to the new Snake, but this has been true regardless of model. I think many thought the Venom Red was a color that did not show off the aggressive edge of the Viper , even with the Gen IVs angular shape, but once one looks at the black and darker colors on the V how can they think anything but one mean beast. In describing the new Viper I tried to posture it as elegantly aggressive as long ago as a year and a half , and the reasoning behind it was all the subtle touches that scream at me that the detail in the design was in every single flow of the body. I , and others , have to be super pleased with the unique look of the back window, the side scoops behind the driver and passenger windows, that now should funnel air to the brakes ( as opposed to the rear diff. as was the original thought ) , the snakeye exhaust port shape on each side, and the deeply contoured vents in the hood. One could go on and on, but I would politely suggest that folks who are on the fence a bit, wait till they see the car in person, as it becomes not just an dynamic , powerful machine in person, it is a piece of automotive art. The long hood,the short deck, the beast is alive and definitely not tamed, but to be subjective the color softens the animal just a bit. In black , blue, dark gray, and other combinations, be ready to see the others head for the hills as it conveys a spirit of intimidation seldom seen. We are creatures of habit and we have loved our previous Vipers like old girlfriends, so if this is a chick's car, it is just because you just found a new mistress.
Color has always been the single most important aspect of Viper resale and desire, though we often overlook it, and once in the presence of the Mistress of Gilles, once will see the passion is beyond making the Viper live on in it's unique niche, it will now live on as an object of desire for those wanting a violent beauty in a machine that is a symbol of American ingenuity. The analogy always has seemed a bit funny to me , as a ship is female and a beautiful automobile is also judged as one of the better looking persuasion, so to say it is a chick's car, Long live the Queen!!!!
Cindi Lux -- in charge of Celebrity component of the Viper Racing League and coach to Ralph Gilles ( best track instructor I have ever had and have been to 10 racing schools ). Numerous N. Pacific Champion in SCCA , T1 class.
DeAnn Rauh - largest collection of Vipers , along with her husband ( but she has more, ha) in the US.
Tammy Allen - owns the single most expensive Viper ever to go across the auction Block at Barrett-Jackson , along with it's sibling. also owns other Snakes.
Nancy Stein, Rhonda Johnson, Janni Cone, Kathy Stout, Deborah Loth, Cheryl McCally,Maryeve Dufault etc. are all adept Viper race drivers.
Mary P. may have just gotten her AARP card, but she has two Vipers with over 100K and another she is driving the wheels off of.
So the consensus is it is not a " Chick's Car," it is a rare breed of enthusiasts car IMHO!!!