Two new TA articles
- Thread starter Ev1E9
- Start date
v10enomous
Enthusiast
Well it's come to Circus Animals now
Autoblog has just released their TA review:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/18/2014-srt-viper-ta-review-first-drive/
Here are a few great sentences from the article:
" The Viper isn't a car that every 911 owner or Corvette enthusiast will want, or should consider. It is intense and evocative, an acquired taste for discerning drivers. Not, emphatically not, a car that everyone should be expected to love."
even better:
"The Viper TA is a beacon for heart-over-head passion in today's dispassionate car business. Flawed, original and completely charming, its capabilities as a civilian racer should not be in doubt, nor its claim to the title of the best sports car in the world dismissed. Cool car, Ralph."
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/18/2014-srt-viper-ta-review-first-drive/
Here are a few great sentences from the article:
" The Viper isn't a car that every 911 owner or Corvette enthusiast will want, or should consider. It is intense and evocative, an acquired taste for discerning drivers. Not, emphatically not, a car that everyone should be expected to love."
even better:
"The Viper TA is a beacon for heart-over-head passion in today's dispassionate car business. Flawed, original and completely charming, its capabilities as a civilian racer should not be in doubt, nor its claim to the title of the best sports car in the world dismissed. Cool car, Ralph."
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v10enomous
Enthusiast
I don't see SRT having any problem selling the TA cars.
01viper4me
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I feel like the TA should have been where the Gen V needed to start from in the beginning. It defines what it means to be a Viper
bluestreak
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EXACTLY!!!
Martin
Enthusiast
Yup, smart thing to do would have been to come out with something that got a ton of attention and built up a frenzy, and then add other "mainstream" models for people who want something akin to the current models. Who knows, maybe there's a plan in place. Come out with the base models, work out the bugs, release something that ignites passion and helps move the base models off the lots, and then come out with something totally over the top like the ACR model to usher in the next generation.
Nine Ball
Enthusiast
You do realize that there isn't much difference between a TA and the SRT, right? Aero mods, adjustable shocks, and larger front calipers. All can be upgraded on any Gen 5. I have no complaints with my track pack brakes, but I would like the aero mods.
05Commemorative
Enthusiast
Exactly. To think an even more track specific car than the GTS and SRT with a price point in the middle would have sold more???
I just say this as I was initially excited about the TA, but the more I looked, the less sense the TA makes compared to the other two models. Put the two mode suspension (rough and rougher) on the SRT and call it good or put a three setting suspension on the GTS. You can get the SRT hood now on the GTS. You can get the aero parts already on any of the models. So, why exactly would I want a TA that I can't get stripes on and limited to 3 colors and one set of wheels all for a higher price of $120k?
It got a lot of attention because it's available in orange. Looks hot with black contrast bits.
Lespauldude
Viper Owner
"(No joke, pinning the throttle while pointed straight out of Turn 6 is close-to-sex good)."
Funny stuff.
Funny stuff.
Solid Red 98
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Great articles. The Autoblog pics are stunning!!!
Exactly!!!
Boxer12
Enthusiast
TG review article: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/first-drive-srt-viper-time-attack-2013-11-18
The interesting thing here is the stat that 25% (only) of Viper owners ever take to the track in their car, although I suspect the number who track a T A will be more like 75% (comparable to GT3 numbers). But consider that most dedicated track guys are going to wait for the ACR, esp since the TA retails for $120K. TA buyers will be there but in what numbers?? Maybe the 25% of ACR buyers who never plan to track their car anyway?
The interesting thing here is the stat that 25% (only) of Viper owners ever take to the track in their car, although I suspect the number who track a T A will be more like 75% (comparable to GT3 numbers). But consider that most dedicated track guys are going to wait for the ACR, esp since the TA retails for $120K. TA buyers will be there but in what numbers?? Maybe the 25% of ACR buyers who never plan to track their car anyway?
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Boxer12
Enthusiast
You can get everything from the TA for your SRT, but I wouldn't go with the TA shocks without the stiffer sway bars. You also get Brembo two piece rotors (not bigger calipers), lightweight Sidewinder wheels, and track appropriate seats with cloth inserts. Just sayin..
VENOM V
Enthusiast
I see the TA as a chance for a do-over for SRT. They flubbed up by sending Motor Trend unsorted test mules and got slaughtered by Johnny Leibernutless. They learned from that, and are doing it differently this time.
I think they have a golden opportunity to turn things around in the press, and I think they realize it. The car is fantastic, just needs a fair shake by the media.
If I were SRT, I would take the TA on a nationwide campaign to set track records. Quietly hit a bunch of tracks and then publicize the successes. I am confident it would do very well. I was only 4 seconds off of the ACR's track record at Thunderhill Raceway in my maiden voyage in my GTS, so a professional driver should have no problem blowing the record away in a TA especially with it's improved aero, brakes and suspension tuning. I'm clearly nowhere near as fast as SRT's in-house ringers, so they should do quite well at taking records.
That would stir up some seriously good press for the Viper and drive sales.
Redemption
I think they have a golden opportunity to turn things around in the press, and I think they realize it. The car is fantastic, just needs a fair shake by the media.
If I were SRT, I would take the TA on a nationwide campaign to set track records. Quietly hit a bunch of tracks and then publicize the successes. I am confident it would do very well. I was only 4 seconds off of the ACR's track record at Thunderhill Raceway in my maiden voyage in my GTS, so a professional driver should have no problem blowing the record away in a TA especially with it's improved aero, brakes and suspension tuning. I'm clearly nowhere near as fast as SRT's in-house ringers, so they should do quite well at taking records.
That would stir up some seriously good press for the Viper and drive sales.
Redemption
-nighthawk-
Enthusiast
The TA Viper has had extremely positive reviews based off everything I've read so far.
I agree that SRT can turn this around (I mostly lurk on these forums, but I visit them everyday and know the situation). They should do what they did in 2010 with the ACR Record runs and getting as many track records as possible with the TA, it will be really good for the Viper reputation.
I agree that SRT can turn this around (I mostly lurk on these forums, but I visit them everyday and know the situation). They should do what they did in 2010 with the ACR Record runs and getting as many track records as possible with the TA, it will be really good for the Viper reputation.
AZTVR
Enthusiast
I really liked the Autoblog guy's comments.
Allan White Mamba 200/200
Enthusiast
I bought SRT with Track Pac and added MCS doubles, harness, and track alignment/ride height. Much better than t/a and I am 2 seconds off PRO Track Record in a modified GTR. I am NOT a Pro. Allan
01viper4me
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Of course I understand there is not much of a difference... but what I am saying is that the Aero Mods, Shocks, Color, Calipers etc. should have been where the car started. I also understand that just about anything can be upgraded; however, I feel the performance parts that are on the TA should have been standard. Let the upgrades be paint, interior, leather etc... Just my opinion
Alabaster Mamba
Enthusiast
I see the TA as a chance for a do-over for SRT. They flubbed up by sending Motor Trend unsorted test mules and got slaughtered by Johnny Leibernutless. They learned from that, and are doing it differently this time.
I think they have a golden opportunity to turn things around in the press, and I think they realize it. The car is fantastic, just needs a fair shake by the media.
If I were SRT, I would take the TA on a nationwide campaign to set track records. Quietly hit a bunch of tracks and then publicize the successes. I am confident it would do very well. I was only 4 seconds off of the ACR's track record at Thunderhill Raceway in my maiden voyage in my GTS, so a professional driver should have no problem blowing the record away in a TA especially with it's improved aero, brakes and suspension tuning. I'm clearly nowhere near as fast as SRT's in-house ringers, so they should do quite well at taking records.
That would stir up some seriously good press for the Viper and drive sales.
Redemption
Nice post and so true.
Nine Ball
Enthusiast
Yes, but those parts add up to $22K over the base price of the bare bones 2013 SRT, at $98K MSRP. People are already complaining about the price, this would have been worse. Personally, I think having two different (now three) models is silly. They should all start out as Vipers, and allow you to pick any options you want. All of them should have been called "GTS", as people recognize that name with all hardtop Vipers. Even non-Viper people refer to my Gen 3 coupe as a GTS.
-nighthawk-
Enthusiast
New video of the TA with Adam Corolla (although this guy doesn't seem to know anything about the Viper):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwReFBiCydc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwReFBiCydc
Bruce H.
Enthusiast
These are truly great reviews that reflect well on all Viper models. SRT needed to pull one out of the hat...and this is it! It's a car to be considered when you want to step up your high performance sports car thrill to a whole other level...and for my money and tastes I've not seen anything this compelling anywhere else. Where I was planning to sell my XKR vert, I'll keep it instead, and the Viper will be the perfect compliment to it. I just ordered a Direct Lift for the garage to accommodate another toy!
This will be a great compliment to my XKR vert. Well done Ralph and SRT!
Bruce
This will be a great compliment to my XKR vert. Well done Ralph and SRT!
Bruce
VENOM V
Enthusiast
Bruce H.
Enthusiast
I would think anyone spending time on this forum recently would have been waiting to see if Viper even had a future before daring to order one...and that probably includes many dealers! These positive reviews were just posted yesterday, so I'll go back and see what's happening at my local dealer, and if he'll let me sit in one yet! Maybe he'll even take my Supra TT in on trade to expedite me ordering one!
Bruce
Bruce
SnakeBitten
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Very good reviews in that C&D article especially. My companies computer wont let me see the other two links. But I liked reading this.
"Track mode almost certainly delivers more consistent times, although we’ll have to wait for our next installment of Lightning Lap to confirm that statement. SRT has promised we’ll have a TA on hand."
SRT is obviously learning. Hopefully it will be a fully sorted TA thats sent to C&D. The old ACR's time at VIR is 1:48 on those older MPSC's. I think a ZR1 did a faster time there but was probably on those newer MPSC's or might have been modded. All the other players are some 2-3 secs at VIR back of the 08 ACR that ran that time. So I would expect the TA to be somewhere around 1:4x a lap all things being equal though they rarely are.
"Track mode almost certainly delivers more consistent times, although we’ll have to wait for our next installment of Lightning Lap to confirm that statement. SRT has promised we’ll have a TA on hand."
SRT is obviously learning. Hopefully it will be a fully sorted TA thats sent to C&D. The old ACR's time at VIR is 1:48 on those older MPSC's. I think a ZR1 did a faster time there but was probably on those newer MPSC's or might have been modded. All the other players are some 2-3 secs at VIR back of the 08 ACR that ran that time. So I would expect the TA to be somewhere around 1:4x a lap all things being equal though they rarely are.
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