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.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
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.
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.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
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...
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...
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
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.
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.
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