SRT 10 Coupe coming soon?
- Thread starter KepRght
- Start date
2charmed
Enthusiast
IF a coupe comes out, it won't be before the 07 model year from what I hear.
We ALL would like a coupe out now, but DC doesn't seem too intent on getting
a coupe out anytime soon.
2charmed
We ALL would like a coupe out now, but DC doesn't seem too intent on getting
a coupe out anytime soon.
2charmed
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Charmed, I have a question that I need you to answer? When you get your SRT/10, and if it provides you the performance and everyday driving experience that a fixed-top viper would, would you still desire a "GTS" version of Viper? I am not tying to start a debate, I just want to hear your honest feelings. For that matter, anyone else who wants to chime in please do so, I think this will go a long way to helping to determine "what's next"! Thanks in advance.
commoditybroker
Enthusiast
Mr. Ferguson,
I do not own a Viper (yet), but I am speaking from a buyer's perspective. I definately like the idea of a coupe version of the SRT. I feel that the hard-top version is much more appealing to myself (and others incuded) because of its sleek look. I am much more a fan of a hard top instead of a rag top just for the pure look of it. I feel it looks much more sleek, and I would take a coupe over a convertable any day.
I sincerely hope that they schedule them for the '05 model year, and I will surely do anything I can to purchase one!
Zach
I do not own a Viper (yet), but I am speaking from a buyer's perspective. I definately like the idea of a coupe version of the SRT. I feel that the hard-top version is much more appealing to myself (and others incuded) because of its sleek look. I am much more a fan of a hard top instead of a rag top just for the pure look of it. I feel it looks much more sleek, and I would take a coupe over a convertable any day.
I sincerely hope that they schedule them for the '05 model year, and I will surely do anything I can to purchase one!
Zach
eagles
Enthusiast
Steve; I will be getting my srt-10 prox month of May. If I knew DC was going to build a street comp coupe I would be first in line to order one. Of course I may keep my srt-10 as well but I doubt it. I waited a long time before deciding to order my srt-10 because I really did not want a convertible, its not macho enough but in the end I relented.
Typically convertibles in similar models weigh more than coupes due to required xtra frame strengthening, and the weight of the mechanism and top itself. I think less weight and the macho/nasty look of the coupe make it inherently more desirable than a convertible imho.
ed albini
Typically convertibles in similar models weigh more than coupes due to required xtra frame strengthening, and the weight of the mechanism and top itself. I think less weight and the macho/nasty look of the coupe make it inherently more desirable than a convertible imho.
ed albini
2charmed
Enthusiast
Steve,
I am glad you asked that question! I love convertibles in some cars - I have
a 67 427 convertible corvette and would not buy a coupe of that vintage.
I have owned two C5 corvettes - one vert and my current Z06. I would love a
C5 Vert with the performance of the Viper. ( I know what your thinking)
I don't like the look of the Z06 as much as the Vert, yet I love THE car.
I have owned three Vipers - I would not have bought an RT/10 - not my cup of tea. What I love about the Viper is the Retro, muscle car style. All three of my Vipers were GTSs and they have ALL had STRIPES! I like the WILD, yet RETRO style of the GTS. It captures what all us "Car Guys" like about the old mustangs, corvettes, Cudas, Shelbys, Cobras, ect all in one modern day sports car. The SRT may have all the performance of the GTSs and more and that's great.
The SRT takes the place of a C5 or C6 corvette for me. I will still buy a high
performance coupe if one is built. For the looks and performance differance, I am considering a Competition Coupe, but can't get over the "Non street legal" part. I have talked to Bill P. at Woodhouse regarding the Ford GT. Obviously the interest in the GT should tell DC there is interest in the SUPER COUPE idea
if they get it right. If the SRT is all we should want, why is DC building the
Comp. Coupe? Why not build the Comp. Vert? There are a lot of people that will be happy with the SRT, but I think it will only truly please HALF of the Viper
crowd. The GTS made up roughly half of the Viper sales year after year, why?
I beleive it's because half of the people want coupes - the Z06 has been very
successful for GM - they had C5 "coupes" and C5 Verts already - it's that the
"performance" models will always attract people that won't buy the other models or they will own more than one. How many SRTs will somone like Jerry DeYoung own at one time? I would think somone like him would own an SRT/10, Comp. Coupe, and an SRT Coupe at the same time. I would very likely own at least two models at the same time, and I think there would be others that would own more than one model at the same time as well. I believe there were many people that
"Upgraded" from RTs to GTSs, what choice do people have after the SRT if a COUPE
isn't built? Another brand perhaps? One option for DC may be a factory built performance SRT/10 with a factory hard top and made to look like a factory coupe. Would that be "enough"? Probably not for me, but I'd have to see the full
package.
Anyway, sorry for the long answer. Not trying to start a debate either, just give my input.
2Charmed
I am glad you asked that question! I love convertibles in some cars - I have
a 67 427 convertible corvette and would not buy a coupe of that vintage.
I have owned two C5 corvettes - one vert and my current Z06. I would love a
C5 Vert with the performance of the Viper. ( I know what your thinking)
I don't like the look of the Z06 as much as the Vert, yet I love THE car.
I have owned three Vipers - I would not have bought an RT/10 - not my cup of tea. What I love about the Viper is the Retro, muscle car style. All three of my Vipers were GTSs and they have ALL had STRIPES! I like the WILD, yet RETRO style of the GTS. It captures what all us "Car Guys" like about the old mustangs, corvettes, Cudas, Shelbys, Cobras, ect all in one modern day sports car. The SRT may have all the performance of the GTSs and more and that's great.
The SRT takes the place of a C5 or C6 corvette for me. I will still buy a high
performance coupe if one is built. For the looks and performance differance, I am considering a Competition Coupe, but can't get over the "Non street legal" part. I have talked to Bill P. at Woodhouse regarding the Ford GT. Obviously the interest in the GT should tell DC there is interest in the SUPER COUPE idea
if they get it right. If the SRT is all we should want, why is DC building the
Comp. Coupe? Why not build the Comp. Vert? There are a lot of people that will be happy with the SRT, but I think it will only truly please HALF of the Viper
crowd. The GTS made up roughly half of the Viper sales year after year, why?
I beleive it's because half of the people want coupes - the Z06 has been very
successful for GM - they had C5 "coupes" and C5 Verts already - it's that the
"performance" models will always attract people that won't buy the other models or they will own more than one. How many SRTs will somone like Jerry DeYoung own at one time? I would think somone like him would own an SRT/10, Comp. Coupe, and an SRT Coupe at the same time. I would very likely own at least two models at the same time, and I think there would be others that would own more than one model at the same time as well. I believe there were many people that
"Upgraded" from RTs to GTSs, what choice do people have after the SRT if a COUPE
isn't built? Another brand perhaps? One option for DC may be a factory built performance SRT/10 with a factory hard top and made to look like a factory coupe. Would that be "enough"? Probably not for me, but I'd have to see the full
package.
Anyway, sorry for the long answer. Not trying to start a debate either, just give my input.
2Charmed
Steve,
My answer was made back in 1996 when as a certificate holder I opted not to get a GTS. That decision was made even though the coupe offered more performance than the previous RT/10. Now, as both an RT/10 and SRT owner, I would again decline a coupe. My rational is this: I prefer to drive my Viper(s) only in nice summer like weather, and will not intentionally drive in cold or inclement weather. That said the enjoyment of top down driving is essential. The only way I would be interested in a coupe is if they offered a T-top or equivalent system so that open motoring would be possible.
My answer was made back in 1996 when as a certificate holder I opted not to get a GTS. That decision was made even though the coupe offered more performance than the previous RT/10. Now, as both an RT/10 and SRT owner, I would again decline a coupe. My rational is this: I prefer to drive my Viper(s) only in nice summer like weather, and will not intentionally drive in cold or inclement weather. That said the enjoyment of top down driving is essential. The only way I would be interested in a coupe is if they offered a T-top or equivalent system so that open motoring would be possible.
I have an SRT coming but if I had the choice I would have taken an SRT coupe. Not only is it ready for the track, (no roll bars or hard top add on needed) I think the car looks way better. I have owned a rt/10 and still own a GTS and find the ride at high speed to feel much better in a coupe!
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Charm & All, thanks for the great reply's!
Now lets see if we can follow this peaceful path of discussion and expand on my question a bit? I also want to say that this is just for conversation and I have been in no way influenced to ask these questions.
First the way I see things: RT/10, a roadster with very simple protection, but great performance and fun in the sun. GTS, an all weather version of the beloved Viper, and one that would be much safer for track events! SRT/10, kind of like a blend of RT/10 and GTS, can have fun in the sun, but the weather issue is removed. Comp Coupe, strictly for those that are track rats, and need the ultimate driving experience. Now if the Comp Coupe eliminates some of the track reasons, and if the SRT/10 is more of a 4 season vehicle, then doesn't it look like the actual demand for a fixed roof Viper seems less?
Second, would you be happy with a fixed top version of the SRT/10, or does this version need to be something more, or even a whole new direction? I say YES to new direction! I would much rather see a super version of the Viper rather than just a fixed top version. At least the super version could play in another spectrum of performance and yet it would still be a coveted addition to the Viper family.
In all my Viper years, justifying owning a GTS and RT/10 simply never made any fiscal sense to me. And I think in most cases it comes down to one or the other for most of us. But if thre was a sizeable differencre in the two versions, then I could see and even justify the reason. This is the reason why it makes more sense for me to own a Comp Coupe than it does a GTS. The only thing the RT/10 does not offer (that I covet) is a great safe track experience. And when I look at the options the Comp Coupe fits my needs personally. But I know that since the SRT/10 is sitting in the garage that simply offering a fixed top version of that SRT/10 is not going to be inspiration enough to buy one! Show me the DIFFERENCE, and I think many of the existing and future owners will then be able to justify having more than one version.
It's my opinion and I am sticking to it!
Now lets see if we can follow this peaceful path of discussion and expand on my question a bit? I also want to say that this is just for conversation and I have been in no way influenced to ask these questions.
First the way I see things: RT/10, a roadster with very simple protection, but great performance and fun in the sun. GTS, an all weather version of the beloved Viper, and one that would be much safer for track events! SRT/10, kind of like a blend of RT/10 and GTS, can have fun in the sun, but the weather issue is removed. Comp Coupe, strictly for those that are track rats, and need the ultimate driving experience. Now if the Comp Coupe eliminates some of the track reasons, and if the SRT/10 is more of a 4 season vehicle, then doesn't it look like the actual demand for a fixed roof Viper seems less?
Second, would you be happy with a fixed top version of the SRT/10, or does this version need to be something more, or even a whole new direction? I say YES to new direction! I would much rather see a super version of the Viper rather than just a fixed top version. At least the super version could play in another spectrum of performance and yet it would still be a coveted addition to the Viper family.
In all my Viper years, justifying owning a GTS and RT/10 simply never made any fiscal sense to me. And I think in most cases it comes down to one or the other for most of us. But if thre was a sizeable differencre in the two versions, then I could see and even justify the reason. This is the reason why it makes more sense for me to own a Comp Coupe than it does a GTS. The only thing the RT/10 does not offer (that I covet) is a great safe track experience. And when I look at the options the Comp Coupe fits my needs personally. But I know that since the SRT/10 is sitting in the garage that simply offering a fixed top version of that SRT/10 is not going to be inspiration enough to buy one! Show me the DIFFERENCE, and I think many of the existing and future owners will then be able to justify having more than one version.
It's my opinion and I am sticking to it!
jrkermode
Enthusiast
Steve,
Interesting viewpoint. You're need for another Viper seems based on the driving experience, where you find RT's, GTS's and SRT's fairly close (do you find the ACR materially different?). Others seem to place appearance as paramount, where the RT, GTS/ACR, SRT and CC are distinctly different.
Interesting viewpoint. You're need for another Viper seems based on the driving experience, where you find RT's, GTS's and SRT's fairly close (do you find the ACR materially different?). Others seem to place appearance as paramount, where the RT, GTS/ACR, SRT and CC are distinctly different.
King GTS
Enthusiast
IF a coupe comes out, it won't be before the 07 model year from what I hear.
We ALL would like a coupe out now, but DC doesn't seem too intent on getting
a coupe out anytime soon.
2charmed
That's not true at all!
2charmed
Enthusiast
Ok Steve,
I think you may be missing a few key points when you start talking about "fiscal
responsability" and High performance cars at the same time. I know my garage full of cars and Jerry's garage full of cars can't be considered "fiscaly responsable". Cars are bought on emotion at this level - these are wants not needs.
I do agree a "Super Viper" aka SRT/Coupe does need to be more than "just a hard top version" of the SRT. If you look at the Z06 vs the C5 vert or C5 coupe, many people own C5 verts and Z06s at the same time. The "performance version" does need to be more than just a "hard top", if you look at the C5 "FRC" fixed roof coupe which was the version before the z06, it didn't sell well as it was just a fixed roof coupe. Once they added the Z06 package, that model took off!
If the SRT/Coupe became the "Super Viper", I agree it needs to be influenced by the Comp Coupe, Re: more Power, lighter, more agressive looking, ground effects, ect. Us CONSUMERS always want the most we can get, and there will be a certain number of us that want the ULTIMATE performance version. The Comp Coupe may be great for the serious "racers" which is what is was designed for. It does nothing for those of us that want a weekend track car or the ultimate street performance car.
I think a SRT/Coupe with a factory Blower, special wheels, ground effects, interior treatments, and special wheels would be a great start.
Those are my thoughts for now,
2Charmed
I think you may be missing a few key points when you start talking about "fiscal
responsability" and High performance cars at the same time. I know my garage full of cars and Jerry's garage full of cars can't be considered "fiscaly responsable". Cars are bought on emotion at this level - these are wants not needs.
I do agree a "Super Viper" aka SRT/Coupe does need to be more than "just a hard top version" of the SRT. If you look at the Z06 vs the C5 vert or C5 coupe, many people own C5 verts and Z06s at the same time. The "performance version" does need to be more than just a "hard top", if you look at the C5 "FRC" fixed roof coupe which was the version before the z06, it didn't sell well as it was just a fixed roof coupe. Once they added the Z06 package, that model took off!
If the SRT/Coupe became the "Super Viper", I agree it needs to be influenced by the Comp Coupe, Re: more Power, lighter, more agressive looking, ground effects, ect. Us CONSUMERS always want the most we can get, and there will be a certain number of us that want the ULTIMATE performance version. The Comp Coupe may be great for the serious "racers" which is what is was designed for. It does nothing for those of us that want a weekend track car or the ultimate street performance car.
I think a SRT/Coupe with a factory Blower, special wheels, ground effects, interior treatments, and special wheels would be a great start.
Those are my thoughts for now,
2Charmed
commoditybroker
Enthusiast
Mr. Ferguson,
Again, a post with well thought out points. I feel that a Super Viper would be a great idea. But, I do feel that there are substancial differences between the GTS and RT/10. I drive by a GTS, and crane my neck to watch it go by. If a RT/10 drivs by, I point and say "hey, check it out." I think that the GTS is by far the sexier and more appealing car. The look and feel of the two are completley different. A fixed hood version of the SRT would be ideal, but I do agree that a different look for a coupe (a la GTS / RT/10) could have a staggering affect on Vipers.
I excitedly await DC's next move, and I will be on board for sure!
Zach
Again, a post with well thought out points. I feel that a Super Viper would be a great idea. But, I do feel that there are substancial differences between the GTS and RT/10. I drive by a GTS, and crane my neck to watch it go by. If a RT/10 drivs by, I point and say "hey, check it out." I think that the GTS is by far the sexier and more appealing car. The look and feel of the two are completley different. A fixed hood version of the SRT would be ideal, but I do agree that a different look for a coupe (a la GTS / RT/10) could have a staggering affect on Vipers.
I excitedly await DC's next move, and I will be on board for sure!
Zach
doctorbob
Enthusiast
I had one thread on this. My red SRT hit D1 status a week ago. I would prefer a coupe...more space for packing, race ready, and a safer automobile. IF Dodge is following this thread, I will gladly place a deposit. A wing like the initial Dodge competition coupe should be an option...like the hard top on the RT/10. 
2charmed
Enthusiast
IF a coupe comes out, it won't be before the 07 model year from what I hear.
We ALL would like a coupe out now, but DC doesn't seem too intent on getting
a coupe out anytime soon.
2charmed
That's not true at all!
King,
Which parts not true? Share what you know so the rest of us know.
Thanks,
2charmed
ACR Jim
Enthusiast
I think that the ZO6 vs. the 99-00 hardtop corvette provides a very useful marketing analogy, DC should build a GTS version of the SRT, but it should be different. It should provide a greater distinction than just a fixed roof. I agree with 2charmed & Steve's suggestion of greater performance, aggressive styling cues, aero package and unique wheels, these alterations would be the target.
The introduction of this model along with a new GTSR and the return of Vipers dominating road racing on the world stage is what many of us are looking for. To that point, while all would agree that the Comp Coupe that PVO has given us IS exciting, DC needs a much larger market for the SRT Coupe. By giving us the car described above there would be a lot of people, some that simply prefer fixed over convertible but also those that enjoy tracking their car (drag or road racing) but can only consider the purchase of a vehicle that can ALSO be street driven. This new SRT Coupe may BE the Super Viper or it will certainly provide the PLATFORM for the Super Viper.
Bring us this coupe by '05 and bring us a coupe that continues to raise the bar and inspires an even larger contingent of Viperholics that is the VIPER NATION!
The introduction of this model along with a new GTSR and the return of Vipers dominating road racing on the world stage is what many of us are looking for. To that point, while all would agree that the Comp Coupe that PVO has given us IS exciting, DC needs a much larger market for the SRT Coupe. By giving us the car described above there would be a lot of people, some that simply prefer fixed over convertible but also those that enjoy tracking their car (drag or road racing) but can only consider the purchase of a vehicle that can ALSO be street driven. This new SRT Coupe may BE the Super Viper or it will certainly provide the PLATFORM for the Super Viper.
Bring us this coupe by '05 and bring us a coupe that continues to raise the bar and inspires an even larger contingent of Viperholics that is the VIPER NATION!
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
I guess MY angle is that some of us (or maybe I should just say me) care more about the overall performance and ability to use that performance, than we do the looks? Don't get me wrong, I love the looks of ALL Viper's so far, but beauty is and always will be in the eye of the beholder, so that will never be something that is even a key ingredient to me. The look of the car will never get me to write a check, but the soul sure the hell will!
Here is an easy way to at least see where I am coming from: remember the Dodge Razor show car? When I saw that car I just walked away. But as I was walking away and heard that the engine would produce over 250 hp, and that the car would have no radio, air and roll-up windows, my heart literally said, "I WANT one of those"!
We are ALL attracted to Viper for many different reasons, the looks, performance, even the great group of people who own them has some factor in this, so building the perfect one would never be easy. But if you could, I would bet that a Super version with mean looks, 700 hp, and still priced less than the Lambo's and Ferraris that would fall prey to it, would be all that is needed to lay claim as the WORLDS most dominate sports car. Having the SRT/10 already the dominant American Sports Car is fine with all of us, but there are some of us that would also like to claim the other title, and keep that claim in the "family". That being said, I would rather own a Viper Super Car than ANY other vehicle produced. And if they ever did build one it would surely have a place in my life. I can also say that given a choice of a Viper with a fixed top verses an open top will always lead me to the open version, just my prefference.
Someone above asked if I felt the ACR was a big enough difference to justify having that different version? To me, no. I love what the ACR stands for, but again the Comp Coupe would make more sense for me simply because I enjoy the track even more than I do driving a Viper on the street.
Here is an easy way to at least see where I am coming from: remember the Dodge Razor show car? When I saw that car I just walked away. But as I was walking away and heard that the engine would produce over 250 hp, and that the car would have no radio, air and roll-up windows, my heart literally said, "I WANT one of those"!
We are ALL attracted to Viper for many different reasons, the looks, performance, even the great group of people who own them has some factor in this, so building the perfect one would never be easy. But if you could, I would bet that a Super version with mean looks, 700 hp, and still priced less than the Lambo's and Ferraris that would fall prey to it, would be all that is needed to lay claim as the WORLDS most dominate sports car. Having the SRT/10 already the dominant American Sports Car is fine with all of us, but there are some of us that would also like to claim the other title, and keep that claim in the "family". That being said, I would rather own a Viper Super Car than ANY other vehicle produced. And if they ever did build one it would surely have a place in my life. I can also say that given a choice of a Viper with a fixed top verses an open top will always lead me to the open version, just my prefference.
Someone above asked if I felt the ACR was a big enough difference to justify having that different version? To me, no. I love what the ACR stands for, but again the Comp Coupe would make more sense for me simply because I enjoy the track even more than I do driving a Viper on the street.
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Charm, I forgot to answer your "fiscal" issue. I am just very cheap, and love bang for the buck, maybe that's why I like simple or even less, since I equate that to more for the money. Viper to me means "more than anyone else has at that price". So having two of the same, or close to the same, is just something I could and would not do.
I like the SRT, although not enough to purchase one. On the other hand, if a coupe were available, I'd likely be a customer.
Might be cool if there were a couple of coupe versions on offer.
One would essentally be a model of like-content to the SRT10. This'd be handy for those who prefer a closed car for aesthetic reasons and performance purposes (a more solid platform), as well as the occasional track day.
A second would be a de-contented car - think GT2/3 Porsche or the upcoming Ferrari 360 Stradale. Perhaps here the idea would be to start with a Comp Coupe and figure out a way to put license plates on it. I'd like one of these.
Might be cool if there were a couple of coupe versions on offer.
One would essentally be a model of like-content to the SRT10. This'd be handy for those who prefer a closed car for aesthetic reasons and performance purposes (a more solid platform), as well as the occasional track day.
A second would be a de-contented car - think GT2/3 Porsche or the upcoming Ferrari 360 Stradale. Perhaps here the idea would be to start with a Comp Coupe and figure out a way to put license plates on it. I'd like one of these.
2charmed
Enthusiast
Steve,
I agree with your comments and ACR Jim's as well. The "Super Viper" concept
may be what we are all talking about here. It may be what the GTS was in 1996.
700hp and a fixed roof would do it for me! The fixed roof would allow the more
agressive styling and safer platform for the added horsepower.
Again, as in my earlier post, if DC built a "Super Viper" in the SRT/10 with a factory blower, factory warranty, Stripes, 5/6 points, different wheels, upgraded ground effects, maybe special color/s? (my preference would be Viper Blue / Silver Stripes - Black top - Oh a Black Carbon Fiber hood! I'm seeing it now!), And if DC had a factory hard top that made the car trackable and made it look more like the CC or 03 Concept Coupe - I'd be in! BUT THE HP WOULD HAVE TO MAKE IT WORTH UPGRADING OR BUYING ANOTHER ONE. The Coupe version with upgraded
performance makes it worth having a Coupe to me, enough of a performance upgrade
in a "special or super version" of the SRT/10 may fill this bill as well.
I'd be curious to hear what others feel about this as well?
2Charmed
Ps. The Carbon Fiber Hood may be a bit to much on the "Ricer" side, but with
Cf ground effects on the right color, I think it would look outstanding.
I agree with your comments and ACR Jim's as well. The "Super Viper" concept
may be what we are all talking about here. It may be what the GTS was in 1996.
700hp and a fixed roof would do it for me! The fixed roof would allow the more
agressive styling and safer platform for the added horsepower.
Again, as in my earlier post, if DC built a "Super Viper" in the SRT/10 with a factory blower, factory warranty, Stripes, 5/6 points, different wheels, upgraded ground effects, maybe special color/s? (my preference would be Viper Blue / Silver Stripes - Black top - Oh a Black Carbon Fiber hood! I'm seeing it now!), And if DC had a factory hard top that made the car trackable and made it look more like the CC or 03 Concept Coupe - I'd be in! BUT THE HP WOULD HAVE TO MAKE IT WORTH UPGRADING OR BUYING ANOTHER ONE. The Coupe version with upgraded
performance makes it worth having a Coupe to me, enough of a performance upgrade
in a "special or super version" of the SRT/10 may fill this bill as well.
I'd be curious to hear what others feel about this as well?
2Charmed
Ps. The Carbon Fiber Hood may be a bit to much on the "Ricer" side, but with
Cf ground effects on the right color, I think it would look outstanding.
Bwright
Enthusiast
There won’t likely be a coupe before the 2007 model year for the simple economics which are a regrettable side effect of the Viper’s loss leading production status. Dodge’s official explanation for the lack of a coupe is that their budget was too tight to allow for the design and production of both a coupe and convertible at the same time.
In all fairness to Dodge from a design and marketing standpoint they are doing things the right way. From a design standpoint you should never design a coupe then try to hack the top off and create a convertible. That’s how you get design failures like the 550 Barchetta. Once a convertible has been designed and proven suitably rigid and crashworthy then you know that the coupe will be even stronger. From a business/marketing standpoint Dodge cannot even mention the projected arrival date of the coupe as it would immediately put the brakes on sales of the SRT-10 as potential buyers held on their money and waited for the coupe.
Designing and engineering a convertible costs more than for a comparable coupe. Among other things this is due to the increased degree of finite element analysis necessary to determine how to reinforce the inherently weaker structure, the increased demands on crash protection and, in some cases, the incorporation of motors to manipulate the roof. Convertibles also have relatively limited appeal when compared to a like coupe. As such, their sales are lower. These design cost and sales factors are reflected in the generally higher prices of convertibles relative to their coupe siblings. To recoup the maximum possible percentage of design and engineering costs the solution in this instance is similar to that of Ferrari and the F50. Do not give buyers a choice. When you have passed a certain number of model year sales, and guaranteed your recovery of as much of the convertible’s design costs as possible, then release a coupe, which you know will sell in the required numbers.
To produce the coupe first would mean it would have to bear a disproportionate portion of the design/engineering recovery costs as its sales would once again lead an eventual convertible over the model’s life. This might have even forced Dodge to extend the life of the third generation car until the costs were appreciably recovered as, relatively speaking, the SRT-10 would not have pulled its weight. By default it now will. As it stands now many SRT-10 buyers will probably end up buying twice when 2007, and the car they really want, gets here.
Anyway, if you got everything you wanted right now what would there be to look forward to next model year?
Patience.
In all fairness to Dodge from a design and marketing standpoint they are doing things the right way. From a design standpoint you should never design a coupe then try to hack the top off and create a convertible. That’s how you get design failures like the 550 Barchetta. Once a convertible has been designed and proven suitably rigid and crashworthy then you know that the coupe will be even stronger. From a business/marketing standpoint Dodge cannot even mention the projected arrival date of the coupe as it would immediately put the brakes on sales of the SRT-10 as potential buyers held on their money and waited for the coupe.
Designing and engineering a convertible costs more than for a comparable coupe. Among other things this is due to the increased degree of finite element analysis necessary to determine how to reinforce the inherently weaker structure, the increased demands on crash protection and, in some cases, the incorporation of motors to manipulate the roof. Convertibles also have relatively limited appeal when compared to a like coupe. As such, their sales are lower. These design cost and sales factors are reflected in the generally higher prices of convertibles relative to their coupe siblings. To recoup the maximum possible percentage of design and engineering costs the solution in this instance is similar to that of Ferrari and the F50. Do not give buyers a choice. When you have passed a certain number of model year sales, and guaranteed your recovery of as much of the convertible’s design costs as possible, then release a coupe, which you know will sell in the required numbers.
To produce the coupe first would mean it would have to bear a disproportionate portion of the design/engineering recovery costs as its sales would once again lead an eventual convertible over the model’s life. This might have even forced Dodge to extend the life of the third generation car until the costs were appreciably recovered as, relatively speaking, the SRT-10 would not have pulled its weight. By default it now will. As it stands now many SRT-10 buyers will probably end up buying twice when 2007, and the car they really want, gets here.
Anyway, if you got everything you wanted right now what would there be to look forward to next model year?
Patience.
riwracer
Enthusiast
I presently own a black SRT convert 2003 with about just over 100 miles on it. I traded a 2000 black GTS for it.
I also own a c5 convert, an 02 ZO6, a 93 ZR1 and a 67 435 Vette convertible.
The reason I bought the black GT in 2000 instead of an RT is because the RT was anything but a real convert.
The GTS was much meaner looking and day to day....more practical.
The 03 SRT, though not as "bad" looking, is still a beautiful car.
And, a real convert, with more power and less weight.
The analogy made about having a coupe alternative, would only be worthwhile with a wilder design, and more power.
I drive my cars back to back, and my Z06 feels nothing like my C5 convertible.
It is much tighter and faster, it is lighter with more hp and better gearing through 3rd gear. There are days, however, when the C5 with the top down, is perfect. My point is, that if my Z06 had been a convertible, I would not have needed the C5.
In Viper terms, a hardtop would have to have the same advantage in terms of hp gearing and speed to make it desirable. Should that happen, I probably would be stuck having one of each.
A coupe with no power advantage over the SRT convert would probably be much less sought after or interesting.
Ron
P.S. My short time in the SRT has shown a marked superior feel overall than my much "meaner" looking 2000 GTS. All my cars have seen the 1/4 mile except for this new addition.
I also own a c5 convert, an 02 ZO6, a 93 ZR1 and a 67 435 Vette convertible.
The reason I bought the black GT in 2000 instead of an RT is because the RT was anything but a real convert.
The GTS was much meaner looking and day to day....more practical.
The 03 SRT, though not as "bad" looking, is still a beautiful car.
And, a real convert, with more power and less weight.
The analogy made about having a coupe alternative, would only be worthwhile with a wilder design, and more power.
I drive my cars back to back, and my Z06 feels nothing like my C5 convertible.
It is much tighter and faster, it is lighter with more hp and better gearing through 3rd gear. There are days, however, when the C5 with the top down, is perfect. My point is, that if my Z06 had been a convertible, I would not have needed the C5.
In Viper terms, a hardtop would have to have the same advantage in terms of hp gearing and speed to make it desirable. Should that happen, I probably would be stuck having one of each.
A coupe with no power advantage over the SRT convert would probably be much less sought after or interesting.
Ron
P.S. My short time in the SRT has shown a marked superior feel overall than my much "meaner" looking 2000 GTS. All my cars have seen the 1/4 mile except for this new addition.
riwracer
Enthusiast
Coupe V. Convertible
See my post below.
Ron
See my post below.
Ron
2charmed
Enthusiast
riwracer,
I agree with your comments.
Build a "Radicle Coupe" and some of us will just have to have both!
DC, build the Super Coupe and the buyers will come!
2Charmed
I agree with your comments.
Build a "Radicle Coupe" and some of us will just have to have both!
DC, build the Super Coupe and the buyers will come!
2Charmed
MiamiJeff
Enthusiast
I know this is a minority opinion, but if the SRT-10 was a coupe, I wouldn't have bought one because it wouldn't offer quite enough to push me over the edge.
Yes, despite, improved handling, brakes, and slightly more power, it wouldn't have been enough for me to open my wallet without the "usability" of the SRT's true convertible top.
The looks do mean a lot to me, and I prefer the awesome visual appeal of the GTS. The next Viper coupe to get my money will need to be some kind of super street-legal Viper---preferably with significantly more power and a much meaner look.
Yes, despite, improved handling, brakes, and slightly more power, it wouldn't have been enough for me to open my wallet without the "usability" of the SRT's true convertible top.
The looks do mean a lot to me, and I prefer the awesome visual appeal of the GTS. The next Viper coupe to get my money will need to be some kind of super street-legal Viper---preferably with significantly more power and a much meaner look.
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