2016 Dodge Viper ACR and ACR Extreme -Is Chrysler intentionally trying to kill Generation 5 Viper?

People running the Viper program at +Chrysler could never be accused of practicing sound marketing and design practices.  What has plagued Viper from the first car produced back in 1992 is the absolute lack of market appeal and this trend seems to be going strong with the latest and most likely very last generation of Viper.   Although Viper was never intented to become a mass market piece of plastic as Corvette has been, even the most exclusive production program has to meet certain sales objectives to continue and this small detail appears to escape the Chrysler executives, along with few other problems.  As it is, the exclusive Viper has failed to meet its minimum sales objectives and became even more exclusive due to the lack of people interested in buying these cars at all.

Of course, a naive mind would argue that lack of sales makes it more exclusive but in reality, this only makes the Viper a car to avoid, with a reputation of a total non-seller.  For comparisson, the other limited Chrysler production program, Hellcat has been a raging sales success, selling out all produced cars and in fact, giving the more greedy dealers a great excuse to mark the cars up because the suckers willing to pay extra are around to play along.  Unlike with the generation 5 Viper and its mark up attempts by the same dealers, the buyers are not turned off and continue to pull the trigger while the Viper, currently and supposedly offered with hefty discounts is still a non seller (500 cars sold is hardly close to the targeted 1500 cars annual production rate).

In the midst of this disaster, the unfortunate reality is that there is absolutely nobody in the Viper program interested in having this model survive beyond Generation 5 that appears to be ending with 2017 production year.

As pointed out in this blog in the past, what the Viper program really needs is a CONVERTIBLE version of the car but somehow this is not going to happen.  Never mind the lack of DTC transmission that would generate more sales due to performance improvements, the lack of drop top is the other and most likely more important factor contributing heavily to the death of Viper as we know it.



Instead of broadening appeal of the car by offering a drop top, the Viper management continues to limit its marketing potential by concentrating on a more hardcore track version of the car then before.  Apparently the fact the previous track versions, TA and TA 2.0 were complete sales flop did not sink in because now, there is the ACR revival and if this was not puzzling enough, there is eve a more hardcore version of ACR, ACR Extreme.

The real question is WHY?  Why offer more choices in the niche that is dwindling instead of offering a version that could appeal to more potential buyers?  It does not take a genius to figure out that number of buyers would increase but this part as usual escapes the Viper corporate management.

Based on personal experience, it is guaranteed that more people would be interested in purchasing the new Viper than only when offered as a hatchback, especially when the car is visually so difficult to distinguish from the SECOND VIPER GENERATION.  Purchasing of the newest Viper is not limited to those who must have the newest and supposedly greatest.  What possible incentive can people owning fourth generation of Viper roadster to switch to the fifth generation hatchback? 

Unfortunately, they would be more inclined to buying the piece of shit called Corvette C7 Z06 convertible becase as horrible as those new Corvettes are, they would not force the buyer to abandon the convertible lifestyle.  The outcome?  The current owners of the Generation 4 cars either hang on to their cars (the performance and horsepower gains are neglible when compared with the new Viper) or they jump the ship and switch to another brand, with the piece of shit C7 Z06 being closest pricewise, even though it cannot deliver on its performance figures).

So the question is why offer two levels of Viper Generation 5 ACR?  And the other question is why offer ACR at all if there is no validation from Nurburgring at all, regarding its superiority over the previous generation ACR that managed to record 7:12 time on that track.

To make the matters even worse, the new Viper ACR starts out at 128k in its lowest configuration, already difficult to be driven on the street while the even more hardcore EXTREME version adds on another 6k on top of the ACR "base" price tag.  Confused?  Of course and being confused at $134k rehash of previous generation ACR cannot translate into more sales.

There is nothing wrong with coming up with a hardcore version of the Viper but this should not be the sole objective of the Viper program, there should be an incentive there to attract more owners of the previous generation that included a convertible version of the car.  Unfortunately by now, it may already be too late to change this failed direction.  The Viper program may just be killed on the same note as it has been limping along until now.

More on the Viper ACR and ACR Extreme soon.

Dodge Viper RIP in 2017? (Finally)

The fifth generation of Dodge (formerly SRT) Viper was doomed from the start, a car that should never exist in the first place, trying to fill a void that never really existed.  Had the car been re-engineered from the ground up and, setting itself apart through not just plenty of performance but uniqueness as well, then maybe it would have a chance.

Unfortunately +Chrysler execs chose to rely on already proven fully incompetent +Ralph Giles to come up with the car that was supposedly to crown the artificially created SRT brand and allow this guy to call himself a CEO.

What Giles delivered was nothing short of embarrassment, a fourth generation drivetrain and chassis clad in rehashed second generation hatchback only body, spiced  up by gimmicky interior and electronic gismos like traction control, magnetic ride and cheesy instrument cluster video arcade.

To further compound the birth of the new car, after extorting 25 grand from any interested Chrysler dealers willing to hang up SRT sign on their dealership, the new Viper was allowed to become an object of profiteering scams, with dealers counting on anxious buyers literally pouring into their dealerships, willing to pay whatever price was slapped on the newest and greatest Viper.

After a true disaster during a test conducted by automotive press, things never got better for Viper, even though Giles was finally removed from his job, along with shutting down the SRT brand altogether.

During the next couple of years, the new Viper limped along, mainly sitting on the dealers floors, unsold, with 2013 examples still unsold until today.  Lack of distinction and pathetic 5 hp horsepower gain were no help, just like the TA version of the car, a confusing designation for a car that was too uncomfortable for the street and not fully capable of hardcore track duty.

Right now, it is 2015 and in spite of hefty discounts, the Vipers still not sell, even though the car is back to being a Dodge, a brand favored by the backwoods redneck crowds.  For 2016, there is a "new" Viper ACR, another pathetic rehash of the previous generations, basically a direct replica of the previous generation or at least its concept, with the big wing in the rear and suspension changes but still, nothing to attract anybody but select few.

Interestingly enough, a convertible version of the car never came to fruition, unless someone counts the obscenely expensive (about 50 grand over the hatchback) drop top conversion offered by a single Viper dealer.

Needless to say, the car that has been kept on artificial life support from its inception is a terminal affair and finally, it seems like it may be euthanized, thankfully:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/snake-binned-dodge-viper-could-bow-out-in-2017/

2016 Dodge Viper ACR is a sad testimony to the failure of the fifth generation of Chrysler's flagship car

When Chrysler originally announced the newest ACR version of the latest generation of the Viper, all the signs of upcoming disappointment were there, as decribed here.

Now, with +Chrysler Group LLC official announcement regarding the 2016 production version of this car, there is no doubt the Viper in its current form is a complete dead end and should be put out of its miserable existence ASAP.

As with the concept car, the imagination of the designers is permanently MIA, along with zero investment in technology and advancement of the previous platform.

In fact, in some aspects, the newest ACR is worse than the previous version.  Specifically, the top speed of the newest ACR is SEVEN MPH LOWER than its predecessor.  Considering the extra power and supposedly improved aerodynamics, this is truly astounding.  Is the obvious extra drag a direct effect of increased downforce and can this car actually use it to gain an edge over the previous ACR?  This part is yet to be seen but so far, this is highly doubtful.

Now, what this new Viper ACR demonstrates is that the Viper development is at complete dead end, with no possibility for improvements.  In reality, the buyers of the newest Viper drive a newer Viper, not a better one and this is reflected in the super weak sales that refuse to pick up the pace even when new 2013's are still sitting unsold.

Sadly, the newest ACR, with its lack of active aero, longer wheelbase and lackluster power gains fails to deliver on the anticipated greatness.  Unfortunately, even though generation 4 managed to improve quite a bit on Generation 3, this did not happen with the current generation.  The reason?  The platform is already spent, maxed out in the previous generation and like with the piece of shit Corvette C7 Z06, you can fuck up the good thing if you fail to pick revolution instead of evolution.

A missed opportunity with 2015 Dodge Viper TA 2.0

The designation of the new "track oriented" Dodge Viper is actually even worse than the first TA.  Not only is TA in most people minds firmly associated with TRANS AM but now, it also has a VERSION attached to it...

Version number is fine with computer software, it is actually necessary but what on Earth would motivate +Chrysler Group LLC  and specifically, its +Dodge division to recognize versions of the same car?  Not only this approach suggests a failure the first time around, with TA 1.0 but it is also another blow to already non existent resale value of those few Vipers that somehow managed to be sold in the first place.

Nevertheless, the newest TA is a sad testimony to absolute lack of motivation in the Chrysler ranks to spend any time improving the car and really making it track worthy while giving it at least a bit of street worthiness.  In essence, the new TA is a rehash of the previous Generation 4 Viper ACR approach, right down to the ancient, fixed rear wing that has to be manually adjusted to account in changes in its angle.

The new TA costs over 100k and of course, can be had with a custom paint job and whole array of bullshit trinkets that have absolutely zero value on the track.  Instead of equipping the car with true high performance fully adjustable coil overs, the car still uses the magnetic ride control and no ability to adjust anything else that could be of value at the track, including the ride height.

Maybe, maybe, when not busy pumping up more power into the Hellcat evil twins, the Dodge CEO, Tim Kuniskis could consider contracting out the rear wing/spoiler design to others, including +Porsche or +Jaguar and for over 100 grand, at least offer a power operated and adjustable angle rear wing to move this dinosaur at least partially into 21st century? 

Power upgrades from Viper Xchange for Generation 5 Dodge Viper-totally misguided and emissions non compliant

Dodge Viper has been on the life support ever since Generation 5 was first announced.  The unsold cars from 2013 still sit on dealers lots.  Yet, somehow, instead of just going away with some dignity, the car continues to limp on, with its death being postponed through heavy discounting offered by Chrysler and Dodge dealers.

Apparently, there is another effort being launched to keep the relic alive, this time through increasing its power.  The power increase comes in three stages, off road only OEM modified ECU as stage one.  The offroad ECU is good for about 30 extra hp, about the same gain as it was possible in Generation 4.

Stage two includes camshaft swap, VVT elimination, head work, exhaust headers and better flowing exhaust.  This upgrade is good for about 80 hp and it is about 15k.  Quite a pricetag for 80 hp.

Finally, the top power upgrade, consisting of stage two plus supercharging system that includes a custom ECU, 4.3 l twin screw supercharger and chassis modifications is good for about 250 hp should retail for about 30k.

On the surface, this seems like a much needed update to the ailing Generation 5 Viper but... there are too many problems here to consider this as an actual Viper salvation: elimination of VVT causes the car to be non compliant with emissions laws in most of the states, due to the size of the supercharger, there is about 180 pounds added to the already portly car and to top it off, due to these heavy modifications, there is no factory warranty available.  In other words, strictly a Texas special for a few spending their time on the drag strip or illegally street racing and then extrapolating the rest of the performance figures based on these dubious achievements.

The problem is further compounded by a truly obsolete and ancient steel frame the newest Viper uses, recycling it from its predecessor.  Excessive torque and weak frame do not add up to anything inspiring.  As always, better than nothing but very misguided and failing to address the major problems that plague the newest Viper.

Will the new Ford GT motivate Chrysler and Tom Kuniskis to get their asses and come up with a real super car instead of Dodge Viper?

This blog pointed out many times in the past that the only way to evolve with a sports car these days is to make it mid engine design.  Like Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper has outlived its lifespan and what happens lately with the newest offering, Viper GTC is a very sad testimony to it.

Unlike Ford, offering a true mid engine supercar, the upcoming Ford GT, Chrysler insists on taking the custom color combination route, slapped on the top of the severely obsolete and anachronistic Dodge Viper.  Offering custom colors while what is underneath qualifies for a spot at Smithsonian, is beyond sad.  Things are even worse for Viper due to the fact it is still heavy and packs less horsepower than considerably cheaper Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat evil twins.

Now, what is really interesting is the fact that Chrysler has already access to a car that could easily become the starting point for a true supercar: Alfa Romeo 4C.  This car is not only mid engine, based on a modern carbon fiber tube but it even comes with a DTC transmission. 

Using this little Alfa as a starting point would not be all that difficult, stretching the chassis and putting a potent twin turbo V6 while maintaining low weight could sway even the hardest Viper supporters.  Somehow, this is not happening, maybe a directive from Fiat or maybe lack of interest from Chrysler.  Nevertheless, the result is that Dodge Viper buyers resort to proving their worth on drag strip while Ford has the real laugh, setting a standard that currently available Viper can never meet and this includes the wow factor.

As long as choice of colors is the biggest news for high performance Chrysler and as long as evil twins are around, the ailing Viper should be really put out of its misery.

The damage idiots drag and street racing Generation 5 Viper inlict on the future of Dodge Viper

There seems to be a lot of going on lately, with Generation 5 Viper owners putting these cars on the drag strip or even worse, roll racing them on the street.  Unfortunately, nobody in the circle of Viper enthusiasts really understands what takes place and the long term negative impacts on the already ailing Generation 5 Viper.

There is one individual specifically, using a NINEBALL screen name who appears to receive the most attention and making waves through the internet.  Now, this character claims to support Dodge Viper and supposedly pulls these stunts to generate positive publicity for the car, helping its survival.

Unfortunately, the reality of this sad situation is different from this alleged projection.  Individuals like this one are as far from promoting the soon to be extinct Viper as one could get.  In reality, this is nothing else than ego boosting self promotion and gratification AT THE EXPENSE OF DODGE VIPER.

Cars like Dodge Viper were never intended to spend their lives at the drag strip, this is not the kind of publicity they need, never did and never will.  Apparently tools like this nineball fail to understand that Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat were created to fulfill this specific mission AT A FRACTION OF THE VIPER cost.  These cars do an excellent job at the drag strip and unlike the Viper, have a great potential to increase their power and further establish their domination on the street and drag strip, unlike the Viper.

Dodge CEO, Tom Kuniskis understands this part perfectly, the aftermarket is there to give him a hand as well but... numbnuts like this nineball fail to understand it and thus, off they go to the drag strip with a car that is tailored to perform on the race track and road course.  Perhaps it is the limited ability to driver the Viper competitively, perhaps it is the urgency of the instant gratification NOW but the fact remains that the Viper is as ill suited for a straight line competitor as one could possibly get.  There are plenty of race tracks and road courses around, including in Texas, if someone seeks a validation from others, this would be the place to do it while benefitting the car but no such luck here.

The effects of this stupidity will appear shortly, right after a few of the Hellcats are modified well beyond straight line performance abilities of the Viper.  Without any doubt, idiots like this nineball will be the first ones to jump the ship and switch to the Hellcat to continue self gratifying themselves.    Unfortunately, this immediate gratification and recognition are so much more inciting than spending the time to actually learn to drive this car competitively, while negotiating turns on a road course. 

After defeats become a norm for the Viper on the drag strip, there will be a backlash, resulting in pushing the Viper to the side, concentrating on considerably more affordable and easier to modify Hellcats, contributing to final demise of the Viper.

Even though this behavior is very entertaining to watch, especially attempts to instigate a competition among another failure's supporters (newest Corvette Z06), it is also a sad testimony to the overall failure of the Viper, as a top of the class track car.  In the end, the stupidity and self serving nature of these people will help to put the Viper to rest but there is no doubt that people like this individual will be there in the future, to again drag a rare care into the world of drag racing, among Honda Civics, Camaros, Mustangs and of course, Hellcats.

Of course the drag strip scenario is the better outcome, the real damage is inflicted through a more disturbing trend, roll racing using public streets.  The projection and perception of willingness to endanger others using the Viper should do wonders to the perception of the car by potential buyers, currently interested in foreign exotics.  Too hard to figure out?  Must be... 

2015.5 Dodge Viper TA 2.0-another big blunder from Chrysler (or Dodge or SRT?)

Ever since the fifth generation of then SRT Viper was introduced by the former SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, the car has been nothing short of disaster or more accurately, major and truly embarrassing fuck up.  The obsolete and unchanged chassis, same major driveline components, exterior design easily mistaken for the previous generations, non existent rear and side visibility and on top of it, a truly anemic power increase.  When compounded with super critical and quite condemning press reviews and dealer ordered fully optioned and then marked up car, the whole stunt ended up as a full failure, with absolutely no sales whatsoever.  Eventually, to further compound the convoluted line up, a new variant, called TA for Track Attack (not Trans Am) was created.  The idiocy of Ralph Gilles was fully demonstrated with this jewel, in spite of being advertised as a track weapon, the car managed to be heavier than the standard base Viper and included truly worthless pieces like electronically controlled suspension and truly pathetic aero modes while including no horsepower increase at all.  Needless to say, the TA sold just After sitting on his ass, Ralph Gilles was finally relieved of his duties in 2014 and the SRT as a brand was completely resolved... 

Since the sales were still non existent and TA's sat unsold, the new Viper chief, Dodge's Tom Kuniskis decided to offer reduced pricing and discounts for existing Generation 5 owners (another stupid stunt, killing resale value of used cars), at least a few cars were sold, although there are still plenty of unsold Vipers, including those dating back to 2013. 

Although by now, one would expect Kuniskis to do the smart thing and shut down Viper production altogether, at least until there is money and will to develop a truly improved and distinct new model, the Dodge CEO decided to drag the farce on and continue with the slow death of the Viper.

Hence, here is the newest brainchild of Kuniskis: Viper TA 2.0.  The main difference between the TA 1.0 and 2.0 are the aero enhancements: rear wing, front splitter and canards-a direct copy of the Generation 4 Viper ACR.  Since the new model walks and quacks like a duck and the previous take, TA 1.0 was another sales and performance disappointment, who on Earth and in their right mind would come up with the idea of naming a new car 2.0?  Not only this sounds confusing due to that TA moniker but 2.0 will lead quite a few people into believing that this car is equipped with 2.0 liter engine.  At best, this 2.0 will certainly remind everyone about the first failure.

If Kuniskis was smart, this car would be named ACR, plain and simple as it was intended when the car was first shown.  At least this way, there would be a reference to something positive in history of the Viper, since the Generation 4 ACR managed to set a few records, including the Nurburgring record lap. 

The second problem here is that truly stupid 2015.5 model year designation-absolutely nobody ever remembers that half part, it is 2015 by all accounts and it should be really 2016 to help the buyers with the future resale value, assuming there will be any residual left.

Finally, these cars are offered as presold only, meaning any car produced will be sold before being produced.  Will there be 99 buyers interested in buying this car while 2015's are still around and most likely the dealers selling these will try their hardest to sell the current stock before selling the TA 2.0.

What is missing from this new TA that is really a new ACR?  In spite of increased aero, the car lacks any power increase as it lacks any significant weight loss, unless those carbon fiber seats can do the trick. 

Unfortunately, the car lacks options like ceramic brakes and dry sump oiling system, in order to add credibility to its track ambitions. 

Overall, this is a truly artificial and limited effort, definitely failing to deliver on expectations and possibilities.  The ailing and aging underpinning certainly fail to deliver a much needed improvement.