Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Will the Dodge Viper survive Dodge Challenger Hellcat?

Even though Chrysler does not reveal the final performance figures, chances of this new Challenger, with supercharged V8 Hemi NOT producing higher horsepower than the embattled former SRT and current Dodge, Viper are very slim.  What makes it even worse is the fact than unlike the Viper, Challenger ECU software can be reprogrammed, to allow for even more modifications and horsepower.

Granted, there is no visual comparison between Viper and Challenger, with the latter sharing aerodynamics, weight and visual gratification with the nearest garden shed but horsepower can appeal to more people than refinement and two seat performance.

As it is right now, unless someone at Chrysler grows some balls and allows for horsepower increase for the Viper (a meaningful increase) to distinguish the Viper from the lowly Challenger in the horsepower bragging rights department, this may be the final nail in Viper's coffin and the current vacation may very likely become the permanent one.

Things are awfully quiet with Ralph Gilles lately.  Apparently he is too busy licking his wounds from SRT demise and repairing his demotion bruised ego but if this guy really cares about Viper as he has claimed, there better be some solid action coming soon and announcement regarding horsepower increase instead of new colors or choices of interior materials.

Otherwise, it will be considerably more humane to lay the Viper to rest instead of stretching its agony, with unsold carcasses scattered through all former SRT dealers.

Anyone even remotely concerned with Viper's future would be demanding a supercharging option made available on Viper, to set it one step ahead of the quintessential redneck mobile, the Challenger.

Will Ralph Gilles finally step up to the plate?  There is absolutely no reason why Viper cannot be supercharged.   The cost of such upgrade would be lower than the non selling interior bling and could save the Viper, especially in light of upcoming Z06.  Supercharging is cheap and it could remediate the problems potential buyers have with locked ECU software. 

Come on Ralph, grow some balls for once or step down and away from Viper!!!



No comments:

Post a Comment