Viper production slowed by one third due to sluggish sales
- Thread starter 46hemi
- Start date
v10enomous
Enthusiast
Too bad the boys at SRT didn't think about the economy before they launched an overpriced Gen V. 50 MILLION Americans on food stamps is a DEPRESSION. Imagine no electronic food stamps and instead 50 MILLION Americans lined up at soup kitchens instead. IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!! Get a clue SRT. Can't believe you corporate big wigs believe the economic bull**** from our lying government. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. BTW, $5K for stripes...hilarious.
VRYALT3R3D
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2012
- Posts
- 276
- Reaction score
- 0
Those people wouldn't have purchased the Viper anyways.....
The 2013 Viper started under 100k and matched the performance of a $121,600 Corvette ZR1, yet people still think the Viper is overpriced? Guess what, the ZR1 didin't sell well either.
Contrary to popular belief, the Viper isn't meant to sell 1000s of copies a year.
The reason it isn't selling is that the supply is exceeding the demand. SRT is doing the right thing by lowering production for 2014 so it doesn't dilute the market.
the_postman
Enthusiast
Lack of 700 hp. I'm not going to trade in my Gen IV for $60k (probably less than that actually) + another $70k for 40 hp upgrade regardless of all the other improvements of the car. It's a horsepower war out there and the biggest d**k wins.
One simple solution is to ALLOW SALES IN OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE THEY ALSO HAVE LOYAL VIPERISTS. ****ings annoys me that there are more unsold cars than sold cars and all of them sitting at stupid dealer lots and still we have nothing here in the middle east. Don't believe the lie they said in the article we have never got any real order slots just some of the powerful guys shipped one or two from the U.S thats it other than that SRT didn't allow us to order from our dealers. I've placed my name long very long ago and I've tried shipping from the U.S and yet nothing working for me.
I was frustrated but I'm glad now because I missed the disastrous launch. I'm still waiting for my chance to get one though I hope they sort it out!
I was frustrated but I'm glad now because I missed the disastrous launch. I'm still waiting for my chance to get one though I hope they sort it out!
Fatboy 18
Enthusiast
Biggest problem with this would be dealer back up for servicing etc.... No trained techs.
Yea, it's tough enough here in the states, OCONUSi imagine you'd really be struggling to find trust worthy service and support. That's a tough one
Some food for thought around Viper pricing and production number history a brief quote from Ralph 8 months ago. Bear with me if you dare.
Source: Ralph Gilles, Chrysler’s chief of design and SRT: Motoramic Q&A
Production Numbers
1992 - 0285
1993 - 1043
1994 - 3083
1995 - 1577
1996 - 1887 (1166 GTS + 721 RT/10)
1997 - 1788 (1671 GTS + 117 RT/10)
1998 - 1216 (837 GTS + 379 RT/10)
1999 - 1463 (914 GTS/ACR + 549 RT/10)
2000 - 1789 (949 GTS/ACR + 840 RT/10)
2001 - 1751 (877 GTS/ACR + 874 RT/10)
2002 - 1463 (918 GTS/ACR + 545 RT/10)
2003 - 1875
2004 - 2433
2005 - 2009 (2003 convertible + 6 development coupes not for sale)
2006 - 1869 (752 convertible + 1117 coupes)
2008 - 1579 (712 convertible + 688 coupes + 179 ACR)
2009 - 0659 (167 convertible + 241 coupes + 251 ACR)
2010 - 0509 (134 convertible + 118 coupe + 187 ACR coupe + 20 ACR convertible + 50 ACR-X race cars)
2013 - 0809 (170 SRT + 639 GTS)
So in its 21 year history (18 model year) the Viper has built 2,000+ per year in 1994, 2004 & 2005. Building less than 2,000 is nothing new for the Viper. It was never stated SRT projects to sell 2,000 this year. It was stated very early on they have the capability of building 2,000 a year.
Base Price Over The Years
1992 RT/10 $50,000
1993 RT/10 $50,000
1994 RT/10 $54,500
1995 RT/10 $56,000
1996 RT/10 $58,500 GTS $66,000
1997 RT/10 $66,000 GTS $66,000
1998 RT/10 $64,000 GTS $66,500
1999 RT/10 $65,725 GTS $68,225
2000 RT/10 $67,225 GTS $69,725
2001 RT/10 $69,225 GTS $72,225
2002 RT/10 $71,725 GTS $72,225
2003 SRT-10 $79,995
2004 SRT-10 $80,995
2005 SRT-10 $81,895
2006 SRT-10 $81,895 coupe $83,135
2008 SRT-10 $84,460 coupe $89,340 ACR $98,345 ($12,050 option)
2009 SRT-10 $88,590 coupe $89,340 ACR $102,890 ($13,550 option)
2010 SRT-10 $90,245 coupe $91,005 ACR $105,550 ($14,550 option)
2013 SRT coupe $97,395 GTS $120,395
None of these prices include, gas guzzler tax, destination, luxury tax (92-2002 my) Air conditioning wasn't even avail in 1992 or 93 and was a $1,200 option in 1994.
Note Gas Guzzler Tax started at $2,600 in 1992, increased to $3,000 in 1997 dropped to $1,700 in 2008 and increased again to $2,600 in 2013.
While Destination started at $700 in 1992, slowly increased to $930 in 2010 and more than doubled to $1,995 in 2013.
Maybe more info than you may care to read or have, but I believe it's relevant, especially when people are saying the Viper is overpriced. The base price of the Viper has doubled since 1992 in 21 years. It has seen very little improvement in that time, such as airbags.. abs.. traction control, cruise control, power locks, air conditioning, real side windows, A ROOF! You know, minimal things. Kind of like the carbon fiber hood, roof and hatch etc.Forget the engine and drive train improvements. I can't wait to start reading great reviews about the 2014 and 2015 Viper!
To the people saying the Viper needs to be priced at $80,000, you need a reality check. The car has not had that price in 10 years. Factor in everyone's favorite word, inflation... well.. I believe the BASE price is in line for what you get. I also believe the the loaded GTS prices are on the high side. That with the fact that dealers ordered a bunch of these thinking they were going to make all kinds of money plus the stupid market adjustments is a real kick in the shorts. To those dealers thinking the Viper is worth $170,000 you also need a reality check..
You must be registered for see images attach
I think you guys are missing the point. The point of the new viper was for lack of a better term, not to be so "raw". They fixed that, then priced themselves into the atmosphere of better engineered cars so that is the problem. The base SRT is fine. The GTS is the problem and it is the GTS that will carry the viper.
ViperSmith
Enthusiast
I think you'll see it open up next year. SRT is keeping a tight grip on dealers on how they can deal with service issues. Anytime I have taken my car in they are on the phone with the engineers, even for the most minor issue. I assume they are working to get anything and everything sorted at the moment.
TrackAire
Enthusiast
I respectfully disagree that the economy is the issue. Of those on food stamps, 80% have I-phones, satellite TV, multiple flat screen TV's, decent cars, etc. Your "food stamp" recipients also keep the Indian casinos pretty full and busy. Not buying the food stamp argument since the majority are milking the system, period. To say the economy is weak does not explain the record years Bentley, Rolls Royce, Lambo and Ferrari are having. It is not the bad economy, it is bad marketing. Have you priced and tried to buy these stupid high end women's purses lately....holy crap, now that is a racket, yet there is a waiting list for many of the designer brands.
Unfortunately you only get one shot when bringing a new product to market in todays instant media information world. Screw that up and you're done.
Cheers,
George
If you told me this 4 months earlier I would've agreed but not now! I've seen plenty of clown dealers in the states who claim they are "world class" in Viper experience but non meet the SRT criteria of "SRT-certified". I wouldn't care much about that department if I really want the car now after I've seen the bad experience some went through. Others who are having nice experiences just might keep some hope alive after all..
ViperSmith
Enthusiast
I have to agree with you here.
I'd rather SRT scale back (hopefully still making money) to what they can sell instead of flooding the country with cars they can't.
it only hurts those who bought if they need to sell...
Let's agree to disagree, It's the random options supply rather than just supply, fully optioned GTS is really stupid step.
And the Viper wasn't under 100K with the track pack.
bluestreak
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2005
- Posts
- 869
- Reaction score
- 0
IMO the TA should have been how the Viper came standard. The Performance, the aero, everything. It's got more visual appeal, is more aggressive, and would have done a lot better in the mag tests. From the media with poor mules, to dealer inadequacy, the Viper has not been given a fair shake. It needs a support model, Viper Jr if you will, that looks significantly different, but that they could sell a ton of.
The Gen V is too much been there done that with some system enhancements. It's a fair bit contradictory to target a new audience while going with an old look.
The Gen V is too much been there done that with some system enhancements. It's a fair bit contradictory to target a new audience while going with an old look.
And what's with the crying-out-loudly for DCT? It weighs twice the single clutch! Just have a look on the Zonda Hauyera or however spelled
Lamborghini went with a single clutch on the Aventador for the same reason. The single was a lighter solution.
DodgeViper01
Enthusiast
I agree. The 2006 rebate worked, although many on here like to claim it never happened! With dealer incentives and Chrysler rebates people were picking up 2006 cars for $25K - $30K off sticker. I had one in Texas I had agreed to purchase for $65K new if I recall correctly but someone local came in the day before I was set to go down and finalize. At this pricing the rebate has to be somewhere in the $40K + range on a GTS to even make sense. I am very eager to see where the used car market goes on these cars in coming months because if you can't sell the new ones, what the heck is a person going to have to do to sell a used one?
The .01% thieves in this country that steal enough to buy all the high end brands do not represent the economy. Just ask CONgress that unanimously voted into law that they and their staffers are legally able to insider trade in the stock market and steal from anyone's 401K stock mutual funds every day to buy those stupid handbags, Bentleys, Rolls Royce, Lambos and Ferraris.
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20...rolls-back-insider-trading-rules-itself.shtml
Last edited:
ViperSmith
Enthusiast
I "cheap" underpowered Viper would be a terrible idea.
DodgeViper01
Enthusiast
Posted this in the other thread but seems like it fits here more:
You can also buy some really nice used exotics cheaper than a Gen5. I was able to pick up my Twin turbo Gallardo Spyder for less than a Gen 5. I promise you it is faster and attracts way more attention if that is what you want.[/QUOTE] Could not be said better. The true problem is that Chrysler got greedy and priced themselves out of the market. How can you charge almost double for the new model just because you have "Ferrari leather" and traction control?!? For a $130K + sticker on a GTS you have other options whether it be used or new. The true fact is, the consumer Chrysler is trying to get, (Porsche, Mercedes AMG, BMW M, etc.) do not want a Viper because it is still a Chrysler. Who besides loyalists, are going to pay well over $100K for a Chrysler, when the next most expensive car in their line is more than half the price?!? A company that builds $30K cars for a living, can not expect to sell $130K+ cars like hotcakes unless it has something so special; that everyone must have it. Ford GT has the race history, Porsche Carrera GT, had $100 - $250K Porsches, etc. I can go into a Porsche dealer and get a Porsche Turbo for the same price that has the same performance and gets great gas mileage and I can drive everyday.
Another factor also not consider is the fact that the Porsche, Mercedes, BMW customer, for the most part, lease these cars. Chrysler does not have an excellent leasing program in effect, which will only hinder their goals. Bottom line is that the launch of this car was one of the biggest financial flops for the company in years and they have to re-tool their methods and pricing, if they want to stay mainstream. Just because you go out on a nationwide promotion tour; you are not going to miraculously sell a thousand cars!
You can also buy some really nice used exotics cheaper than a Gen5. I was able to pick up my Twin turbo Gallardo Spyder for less than a Gen 5. I promise you it is faster and attracts way more attention if that is what you want.[/QUOTE] Could not be said better. The true problem is that Chrysler got greedy and priced themselves out of the market. How can you charge almost double for the new model just because you have "Ferrari leather" and traction control?!? For a $130K + sticker on a GTS you have other options whether it be used or new. The true fact is, the consumer Chrysler is trying to get, (Porsche, Mercedes AMG, BMW M, etc.) do not want a Viper because it is still a Chrysler. Who besides loyalists, are going to pay well over $100K for a Chrysler, when the next most expensive car in their line is more than half the price?!? A company that builds $30K cars for a living, can not expect to sell $130K+ cars like hotcakes unless it has something so special; that everyone must have it. Ford GT has the race history, Porsche Carrera GT, had $100 - $250K Porsches, etc. I can go into a Porsche dealer and get a Porsche Turbo for the same price that has the same performance and gets great gas mileage and I can drive everyday.
Another factor also not consider is the fact that the Porsche, Mercedes, BMW customer, for the most part, lease these cars. Chrysler does not have an excellent leasing program in effect, which will only hinder their goals. Bottom line is that the launch of this car was one of the biggest financial flops for the company in years and they have to re-tool their methods and pricing, if they want to stay mainstream. Just because you go out on a nationwide promotion tour; you are not going to miraculously sell a thousand cars!
Interesting take. I was eating breakfast with my wife this morning and mentioned the subject of this thread. She has seen the Gen V and thinks it is elegant. Unlike her human whisperee (me), she is not a gearhead. Her take was interesting. She said if you look up the word Viper or a photo of one there is nothing elegent or refined about it. A "Viper" is visceral and frightening. So from her point of view, they should have named the Gen V something else because it does not look Viperish.
Last edited:
RSNAKE
Viper Owner
I bought my '99 RT/10 in 2002 and still have it today. I am very thankful that Ralph and team brought back the Viper in Gen V form and give them tremendous credit. From a looks aspect, I love it. Yes, it is expensive, but I am now at a point in life where I could afford it. The main thing that is keeping me from buying one today is that the SRT/GTS coupes are the versions that I least prefer (and the only available right now). I enjoy the open air in my RT/10 and if the Gen V were available as a convertible or roadster, I would buy one tomorrow. If on the other hand, the ACR coupe comes out first, I would buy that. I think the trade-off of losing the open air experience would be worth it to have the all out audaciousness and capability that I am anticipating with the ACR. The SRT/GTS coupes have some of everything to offer to most, but offer neither of the extremes of open air driving nor absolute outrageous looks (think 1970 Superbird) and track capability.
I hope that either or preferably both the convertible and the ACR make it to production soon. If I am going to spend more than $100k on a car, I don’t want to trade it off again in a couple of years when what I really want comes out. When these come out, SRT will have more my money.
By the way, as further background, I am one of the loyalists. My current cars include: ’99 Viper RT/10, ’06 Chrysler 300C SRT8, ’14 Grand Cherokee SRT, ’66 Plymouth Belvedere II 426 Hemi car.
I hope that either or preferably both the convertible and the ACR make it to production soon. If I am going to spend more than $100k on a car, I don’t want to trade it off again in a couple of years when what I really want comes out. When these come out, SRT will have more my money.
By the way, as further background, I am one of the loyalists. My current cars include: ’99 Viper RT/10, ’06 Chrysler 300C SRT8, ’14 Grand Cherokee SRT, ’66 Plymouth Belvedere II 426 Hemi car.
DodgeViper01
Enthusiast
And that is where the problem is; if Chrysler wants to compete with Porsche buyers, they have to drop the, "oh we are faster" approach. The buyer that is purchasing a Porsche does not typically give a crap that the Viper has 50 or 100 more HP. They are buying a car that will most likely be a daily driver or something of the sort, comfortable, and most likely not ostentatious. The new Vette will give the Viper a run for it's money and it cost half as much; but that's not the point.
The dealerships shot themselves in the foot, when the cars were delivered to them, they put supplemental stickers of $15Kto $25K over sticker, hoping to recoup their $25K fee to be a dealer...guess that the ultimate Viper fan buying the car gets the shortend of this, now with dealers trying to sell 2013 AND now 2014 are arriving at the dealerships, prices will drop...
Lawrenzo
Enthusiast
Hits the nail squarely on the head.
ViperSmith
Enthusiast
What I've been saying all along. Dealers priced themselves out of the market with greed.
That coupled with ADM on sticker plus the terrible marketing efforts by SRT just hurt the car, badly.
SRT executed the car well, just everything else has been a **** show.
Similar threads
