Hmm,
My $.02 here.
DC is in a world of hurt across the board, this story out yesterday:
Autoweek
C Inventory Glut
That story reminds me of all the 2005 Vipers being released over the past few months out of DC's "back lot". Fresh with window stickers for the dealers receiving them (because these cars never "left the factory" in the first place). And fresh with heavy discounting from DC (window stickers still reflect same pricing as when originally produced). For instance, Copperheads with 'no miles' being sold for $66,000, an offer made to me by a local dealer who has already sold that car.
I personally know of more than 50 2005 SRT-10s being released in the past few months. I'm sure there are a lot more too. I have also heard of a number of brand new in the box 2004 SRT-10s in DC's backlot too.
That plus the serious stockpile of 06's (also being heavily discounted by 15K off window sticker or more) means the Vipers are way over produced.
That much seems to be fact.
OK, putting it all together, DC has way too much inventory across the board and especially too many Vipers.
I really wonder when Viper production will resume. Sure the rumors are anywhere from this January to next May/June. But, I think DC hasn't made its mind up when it will turn it back on. We may have to wait until the actual year 2008 to see production resume. This thought is because of two things, one there are a whole lot of 2005/2006 Vipers to sell, and, two, DC is 'dumping' them at well below dealer cost meaning it's going to be a mighty tough sell to come out with an '08 model in a few months and expect anyone to pay 'retail' for them while the 05/06 inventory is being sold at such low prices.
DC is going to have to clean out that inventory before introducing 'another' new Viper in the mix and not have to discount it like crazy. By the way, after the back inventory is all moved out, who will be left to buy a new Viper that is just a simple refresh of an 05/06, nobody probably, so the '08 will have to really kick some butt to be attractive at a price anywhere near retail/sticker.
All in all, I am not as surprised as everyone else is that DC has not yet shown the new Viper (new meaning 08 not Gen IV) at VOI.9.
If DC can't get its self back together (the entire sales organization, not just Vipers) then they will have bigger fish to fry than turning back on Viper production...besides that, the Viper isn't used in marketing as effectively as it should be though I did see a TV ad last night for ATT broadband that used the Viper (black coupe).
-J
