Surprised by lack of buzz over the 08

[viperdrummer]

I know this will come as a surprise to some, but given the long wait for the 08 I am surprised by the lack of interest/posts.

Certainly, I have read the posts about deliveries etc, but for old timers like me who can remember the introduction of Gen 2s and the resultant posts on this and other boards, this almost seems to be a non-event. I realize this is not a new Gen, but I would think given that a production year was skipped and with all the engine upgrades there would have been a lot more interest.

When you add this to the lack of interest/poor sales of the 06, the future of the model concerns me. I think a whole new Gen is what is needed, but I don't know we will ever see it.

 

[Schulmann]

You must have come over from a Vette forum because since January we only speak about the 08 Viper. I wish there was a new forum for this Gen IV modele ....

 

[Vipermann]

The Viper has never suffered from a lack of attention on the street. Even today, a 2003 SRT10 stopped at a gas station will have people walking up to look at it.

IMO, the '06 Viper Coupe was hurt by the Z06 being faster (and cheaper), and then the new '08 lost some interest when the magazines said it was only a little faster. The early owner reports suggest that the magazines may have low-balled the '08 -- and I personally can't wait to get my '08. I think the '08 Viper is going to be king of the hill, and recognized as such, the more time goes by. The 'Blue Devil' is going to be the biggest flop in Vette history. Virtually nobody is going to pay $100M for a Vette, any Vette -- so you'll be lucky if you ever see one of those Vettes on the road, and if you do, you probably won't even notice.

Dodge NEEDS to get that ACR in a head-to-head track test against the exotics and clearly establish the car's awesome capability. Otherwise, the average (not VCA member) enthusiast, will assume it's just a Viper with some wings and stuff. What a missed 'Halo' opportunity that would be.

 

[Tusc]

I'm sure those lucky souls who have taken delivery of their '08s are one of the following:

- Out driving

- In the garage cleaning it, or...

- Sitting behind the wheel making engine noises as they pretend to shift through the gears because they live in the snow belt and won't be able to whip it out until the weather gets warmer.

The current Gen still seems so new to me. It would almost feel premature to redesign them already. The 600hp benchmark is pretty cool. I've never driven a car with that much power before. My personal preference remains with the Gen IIs and their great lines. The current gens look ok and carry on the Viper moniker with respect, yet I do look forward to the next redesign high hopes.

(Edit: this next is in reference to the general owner) And honestly? They could have stopped at 500 hp, imo. If folks want to mod a car, that's easy and it's up to them. I've always felt that 400 to 500hp was "perfect" for a fun street car unless you're an active racer. 600 hp and the likelihood of going further begins to strike me as ridiculous. While many owners and forum members are gearheads and racers and can handle the car with some ability, not everyone has the experience or ability to handle that power safely. All that means is there may be more snakes getting their heads cut off and we want to keep them around to scare Corvettes for a long time to come!

That's just my opinion and a few of my thoughts. Bear in mind that this all comes from a guy whose secret ambition is an 850hp Heffner TT Ford GT.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

I think until there's more 08's in people garages we just about talked it out.

As far as a question mark about the Gen V, I think there should be a post about all those who said the be no Gen II, Gen III or Gen IV. You only have to go back a few months to find people who said the Gen IV was cancelled. It's sad to have so many dooms dayers on our own forum. IMO

 

[dave6666]

You are right. The 2008 Viper really does not interest me.

Thank you for pointing that out.

Dave, happy GTS owner.

 

[viperdrummer]

You are right. The 2008 Viper really does not interest me.

Thank you for pointing that out.

Dave, happy GTS owner.

The 08 interests me and I am happy it was made and happy for the new owners. . I had one on order but canceled to avoid the wait and get a good deal on my 06. I was just pointing out that having owned Vipers since 94 and seen the hoopla over all the iterations this one seems to being getting modest attention.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Couple of reasons you haven't seen much posted yet, may be the following:

1. Very, very,very few have actually gotten the cars so far!
2. Many of the owners are brand new to the Viper World and may not know about this Forum.
3. We have taken more Vettes and other cars in trade than in a normal year. Heck , I know of three of our customers who are replacing GT3s with a ACRs , so this is a very big year for converts!

 

[PDCjonny]

They'll be more buzz when the real world performance numbers start rolling in, and they are as good or better than expected.

 

[dave6666]

They'll be more buzz when the real world performance numbers start rolling in, and they are as good or better than expected.

They could have put a Kia engine in my GTS. I wanted the GTS body. It amazes me how much emphasis is put on performance. You'd think most owners race their Vipers with family honor at stake every minute.

Or is it just the flavor of this forum?

 

[Brian GTS]

After being a hard-core fan of the GTS / RT/10 era, the SRT group finally got my attention with the 08 car! The new engine, hood, and snakeskin green paint influenced me a great deal to drop my RT and buy into an 08 (Thanks Bill P!)

While I would still like to see more “in your face” body design as in the Gen I/II era, I think the 08 car is going to be a success and you will see more and more 08 specific posts very soon. Most everyone has been playing the waiting game until recently.

Now if SRT comes out with a more radical body design for the next generation, I might consider selling a GTS.

 

[JB/SRT]

What is your definition of buzz? There is one current thread that is 13 pages long, 183 responses, and almost 13,000 views. There are multiple other threads with thousands of views. What is your "buzz" threshold?

 

[dave6666]

What is your definition of buzz? What is your "buzz" threshold?

One parked in HIS garage with cheerleaders spilling out onto the driveway pulling at each other's hair trying to get at the owner of that monster?

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

What is your definition of buzz? There is one current thread that is 13 pages long, 183 responses, and almost 13,000 views. There are multiple other threads with thousands of views. What is your "buzz" threshold?

Great point.

And thanks Bill P. I'll trade in my 05 for the 600hp version soon just because Dodge made it for us. And I thank you to those who paid MSRP that keeps them in production.

Dodge Rocks

 

[Smog Dog]

What is your definition of buzz? There is one current thread that is 13 pages long, 183 responses, and almost 13,000 views. There are multiple other threads with thousands of views. What is your "buzz" threshold?

I totally agree. The buzz has been plenty loud ever since details of the 08 were released about a year ago. It's just taken a long time to actually build and release the cars. You can only speculate so much with a limited amount of news. And with the recent info from Hennessey's dyno and reports of a few drag strip experiences, it sure seems worth the wait.

 

[MikeR]

You are right. The 2008 Viper really does not interest me.

Thank you for pointing that out.

Dave, happy GTS owner.

And yet your always in the SRT forum................ In the closet maybe, come out, its ok.. Its a newer, better car.

 

[viperdrummer]

What is your definition of buzz? There is one current thread that is 13 pages long, 183 responses, and almost 13,000 views. There are multiple other threads with thousands of views. What is your "buzz" threshold?

JB/SRT--I don't know how long you have been in Viperworld or how many Vipers you have owned but for those of us who have been on this Board since day1 I can tell you that BY COMPARISON the 08 is not getting the attention other new Vipers have gotten--not by a long shot.

I am not saying there is NO interest, I am just surprised there is not more--I wish there was and maybe as Bill P says there will be. Frankly, I have been disturbed by the lack of passion for Vipers (as shown by sales etc) for about 4 yrs.

 

[dave6666]

And yet your always in the SRT forum................ In the closet maybe, come out, its ok.. Its a newer, better car.

Not always in the SRT area. Just when I have something stupid or irritating to say.

 

[Flyntgr]

Drummer, while there has been a recent downturn in posts about the '08s, I can tell you-after owning a '94, a '96 GTS, an '05 SRT convert, and now the '08 blue/white (see gallery), that there is NO DOUBT whatsoever that this '08 is the best shifting, best running, best handling, best driving Viper I have EVER owned. The shifter is all stock, but is smooth as silk. No notchiness at all. And the exhaust is the Best sounding stock Viper I have ever heard, and is without drone. I can't wait to get the first 500 miles and oil change in order to put the pedal to the metal. This thing really sings. I dont need no stinkin' CD or Radio to hear the sweetest music a stock Viper has ever made!

 

[MikeR]

Not always in the SRT area. Just when I have something stupid or irritating to say.

Well then, let me say, your doing a great job.

 

[viperdrummer]

Drummer, while there has been a recent downturn in posts about the '08s, I can tell you-after owning a '94, a '96 GTS, an '05 SRT convert, and now the '08 blue/white (see gallery), that there is NO DOUBT whatsoever that this '08 is the best shifting, best running, best handling, best driving Viper I have EVER owned. The shifter is all stock, but is smooth as silk. No notchiness at all. And the exhaust is the Best sounding stock Viper I have ever heard, and is without drone. I can't wait to get the first 500 miles and oil change in order to put the pedal to the metal. This thing really sings. I dont need no stinkin' CD or Radio to hear the sweetest music a stock Viper has ever made!

Glad you are enjoying the car. Put miles on it. I have put 80,000 on 4 Vipers.

 

[Camfab]

I think it's simply because there are so many choices now. In '94 what other car was there other than the Corvette. The Vette was a smooth watered down machine, and along came the most raucous car any one had seen in 30 years. Then in '96 a coupe that certainly blew my mind. Truth is there are some great alternative cars out there now. They may certainly not appeal to the diehard Viper guy, but they may appeal to many on the fence. Lots of guys bought Vipers for status in the early days. I personally don't believe the car carries that same so called rock star image. Certainly not because it's not a great car, better indeed, but it's in a sea of options. Chrysler has produced an amazing car with unbelievable capabilities, but other OEM's are not asleep at the wheel as in the 1990's.

 

[rtigert]

3. We have taken more Vettes and other cars in trade than in a normal year. Heck , I know of three of our customers who are replacing GT3s with a ACRs , so this is a very big year for converts!

I've heard rumor that someone even traded in a 2008 M5, so that they could wait 4-6 months for an ACR?!

 

[rtigert]

I am not saying there is NO interest, I am just surprised there is not more--I wish there was and maybe as Bill P says there will be.4 yrs.

Coming from a 2000 ACR+ , the Gen III's seemed boring aside from the benefit of the 500/500 and convert. If the ACR hadn't surfaced, I'd still be yawning. But since the ACR, they all look better to me than they did in the past.

 

[ROCKET62]

I also have been somewhat surprised that we havent heard more real world driving experiences from the '08. I would love to live vicariously thru some of the lucky ones that already have their '08's as winter has hit early and hard here in the midwest. Wonder how many have actually been delivered?

 

[1Need4Speed]

I think I'm more interested in putting the Twins in my GTS. Still waiting Paolo! LOL

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I know this will come as a surprise to some, but given the long wait for the 08 I am surprised by the lack of interest/posts.

I think there has been a lot of discussion about it.

You must have checked in during a lull. Do a few searches on ACR, 08, Diamondback, 600hp

 

[Flyntgr]

Re: No longer Surprised by lack of buzz over great 08

Rocket62, this is for you:

He awakened from slumber with a deep-sounding growl, like a big ole rotweiller's bellowing howl. But quickly he purred , as I cautiously backed outward, almost like a puppy the rotweiller cowared.
Into first he slid easy, my stomach still queasy, this being my first drive in a car so alive. Onto the road-then slipped into 2nd, as slick as raw oyster goes down in a beckon.
Now into 3rd, louder growling was heard, then into fourth and up past the whole herd. No grooves made this car weave or disturb, as the car sped on steady, while hugging the curve.
You won't go to sleep while driving this Boar, it's faster'n a jet, and quicker'n before. The shifts are more smooth, the tires hold their groove; it's the very best car I ever did cruise.
The power is steady, though too soon to be ready, so I just ease to 80 and hold him real steady. I never overrev as the miles are too few, but out of the way when I wear off the new. This ain't no Vette or such other poser, and given a chance it'll run them All over. The raw power and speed is just what you need to keep you in touch with this latest new breed.
This ain't no gen. III or III and a half. This is the Gen IV on Dodge's behalf. I heard it before, though some thought it just lore. I'm telling you true, this one's true blue.
Don't worry or doubt, just give Dodge a shout. Hoorah for the Dodge folks at Conner Avenue, for building this miracle that was so sorely due.
Innovations abound, and people surround, whenever it appears when anyone's near.
The accolades are more due than you know, till down the race track you quickly do go. You heard with your ears, so listen for cheers, they will not die down till the next Vipers' years.
Signed: Your Ob't Servant, Annonymous

 

[SnakeBitten]

Maybe on this forum it doesnt seem like a BIG buzz since its such a small community but all over the net they are going crazy about the car.....Im on quite a few car forums and there is alot of Viper talk.....

 

[dave6666]

Maybe on this forum it doesnt seem like a BIG buzz since its such a small community but all over the net they are going crazy about the car.....Im on quite a few car forums and there is alot of Viper talk.....

What? Ricers sharing spilled Teriyaki stories from Viper rash?

There is a ****** creme available for Viper rash.

It's available at your local Dodge showroom!