So it takes Krauts to put 2017 Dodge Viper ACR on steroids?

Although Generation 5 Dodge Viper is scheduled to be euthanized after 2017 production year ends, apparently this does not discourage aftermarket tuners from fortifying it.  Even though there are a few Viper tuners in US, it appears that the highest NORMALLY ASPIRATED upgrade comes from across the Atlantic, courtesy of Krautland, from a place called GEIGERCARS.

Although it is unknown if the people running that place are direct descendants of Adolf Hitler or his sidekick, Ferry Porsche, it seems like the Generation 5 Dodge Viper fortified by these people may be a byproduct of developing another V weapon?  In the end, who really cares, since the Krautland is currently hammered by the camel jockeys pretended to be muslim refugees, it is unlikely US faces any threat from that place.  In the meantime, there is 765 hp available and apparently measured the Hennessey and Callaway style, by inflating it at the flywheel.

According to the advertisements,  that 120 ponies came courtesy of a bunch of underhood upgrades, but not forced induction. Uprated intake valves, hydraulic lifters, a higher lift camshaft, beefed-up pushrods, headers, and a freer-flowing stainless steel exhaust with new catalytic converters are responsible for the 120 horsepower upgrade. Apparently, GeigerCars also retuned the sports car's computer to cope with its newfound power increase. 

Although Geiger claims there are new ground effects, the car looks just like the stock Viper ACR E, maybe the Nazis changed the diffuser?  Nevertheless, considering the extra power and already shitload of downforce and drag generated at track speeds, there better be some revisions to the stock ground effects and car's body since that extra power will increase downforce at higher speeds even though the drag will be just awful at the same time.  Last thing anyone wants to experience is either having the car body panels or the ground effects self destructing at 190 mph.  

Generation 5 Dodge (SRT?) Viper that should never happen is officially dead and no moment too soon

Unlike with humans, ailing car production is not subject to restrictive laws making euthanasia the logical option, yet so difficult to accomplish.

However, there are many car models out there that should have either never be conceived in the first place or put out of their misery long time ago.  Sadly, the Dodge Viper is one of those cars, with Generation 5 warranting abortion long before even considered for production.

As this blog pointed out long time ago, in its original design and layout, with questionably effective stamped steel frame and pushrod V-10, Viper achieved its peak back in 2008, with Generation 4, delivering impressive variable valve timing, along with improved structural rigidity and several improvements setting it above the previous and unfortunately visually identical Generation 3.

What the Viper needed to make a progress and attract more buyers was a new, lighter and more rigid chassis, severe weight loss, elongated wheelbase  and unique and easily recognizable exterior design.

Since Chrysler's new corporate owner, FIAT did not feel inclined to create an in house competition to its own Ferrari and Maserati hipo brands.  Thus, instead of a decent budget and production line update, the Viper program ended up with jackshit instead, relying on existing chassis, engine and transmission to chug along, pretending to be a new car.  If the mechanical aspects of this new Viper looked bad, its exterior and marketing plan happened to be much much worse.

For starters, the stylists decided to make the new Viper pretend it is a slightly modified Generation 2 car, making someone not familiar with the Viper fully confused as to what they were looking at.  Were they looking at a new generation of Viper or a customized old Viper.?

To make the matter much much worse, the person in charge of Viper program, a megalomaniac named Ralph Gilles decided that a CEO on his business cards would look much more impressive on his business cards and resume than merely a program manager at Dodge.  Thus, a bogus brand SRT was born, purely to satisfy the Giles' ego and confuse the buyers even more.

To top off the list of Viper and Giles fuck ups and shortcuts, the latest Viper experience the worst marketing campaign ever, a textbook example of what not to do while trying to sell new cars.  The majority of the blame can be laid directly on Gilles and his Obama size ego combined with both delusion of grandeur and complete denial of reality.   Sending half baked and apparently literally falling apart cars for automotive press testing, prior to commencing the sales already shows Gilles'es incompetence and inability to project positive light on its "accomplishment".  But Gilles, for no other reason than his own ego, never admitted to the failures and instead blamed test drivers and everything else but himself.

If this was not bad enough,  after charging participating dealers 25k for the privilege of being included on the list of SRT dealers, these dealers, making living off selling and servicing mini vans and pick up trucks were allowed to practically skin the buying suckers alive, charging them truly obscene mark up on the cars that were not even available for delivery.  Then, in the turn even stranger, the same dealers received the cars they ordered for showroom sales while the buyers who already placed their orders were not surprisingly left out in the cold, waiting and waiting.

As expected, the sales never happened and the unqualified dealers got exactly what they deserved: unsold cars and resentment from potential buyers.

Although there were numerous attempts by Chrysler to reverse the Viper failure, in the end, the attempts such as discounts offered to CURRENT GENERATION 5 owners only and reverting to Dodge brand only made the matters worse.

And now, the Viper is officially dead and hopefully it will stay that way!!!  To the credit of the new Viper boss, Tim Kuniskis, the ACR edition of Viper happened once again and it did manage a  the  impressive number of track records around the USA, giving the frustrated buyers at least a partial sense of vindication for spending a serious chunk of money on a pretty obsolete otherwise car.

As this blog pointed out long time ago, a rehash of the previous generations of the car is not what the car needed.  Viper, in its pushrod engine, stamped steel frame and short wheel base configuration achieved its peak in the previous generation (as documented by the Nurburgring lap time that even the newest plastic fantastic piece of shit C7 Z06 failed to beat.

Ironically enough, the main reason why this pathetic Viper revival happened, allowing Gilles to stroke his ego and add bullshit title to his business cards, failed to materialize and Gilles, fired from his job, faded away in infamy instead of fame he craved for so much.

Now, the real question is, will the Viper stay dead or will Chrysler and Fiat slap the Viper name on another piece of shit just like Fiat did recently with  2017 Fiat 124 Spider which in reality is nothing else than new Mazda Miata with new tacky bumpers, badges and engine even less powerful (and reliable) than the real Miata uses.

Or maybe, there will be a four door Viper, just like it happened with Dodge Charger?

Here is another irony, this blog stated long time ago that there is only one way for Viper to make its come back- as a mid-engine (in the classic way, not with the engine up front and using technicality) supercar, using high tech  engine and choice of DTC and manual transmissions.  The starting point is already there, in the form of Alfa 4C but... considering that the car would be competing with upper end Ferrari cars, it is unlikely to happen.  Thus, let the sleeping dogs DIE, not die.

How to charge $245k for Generation 5 Dodge Viper?

As currently shown by the same asshole dealers marking up the latest and allegedly greatest Generation 5 Dodge Viper ACR, nobody has learned anything at all from the last three years of sales disaster involving fifth generation of Dodge Viper.  In spite of hefty discounts, the new Vipers are still not selling, literally rotting on the dealer showroom floors or even worse, dealer lots.
Yet, the same dealers are repeating the same scenario and try again to charge more than MSRP would suggest.

Then of course, there are other ways to charge more, about fifty grand for grafting Generation 4 top and associated hardware on the factory hardtop, apparently selling exclusivity.

However, how about doubling the price of the Dodge Viper?  Now, this is a truly impressive way.

What is needed?  First of all, the necessary ingredient is named Bob Lutz.  The second ingredient is named Henrik Fisker and someone named Gilbert Villarreal.  When these three are put together, the result is called VLF Automotive.
Other needed elements needed is of course start up cash, ability to bypass safety requirements and donor Generation 5 Vipers.
Now, going back to Henrik Fisker, an interesting individual, recognized for not as much his car design triumphs but his collapsed Fisker Motors venture that resembled a lot John DeLorean's demise, minus the drugs.

Henrik Fisker has a few designs in his portfolio, including the failed BMW Z8, rather successful Aston Martin Vantage (successful only due to Callum's involvement) and of course, the failed all electric Fisker Karma.

Recently, Henrik Fisker distinguished himself by offering a rebodied Ford Mustang, called Fisker-Galpin Mustang Rocket, for about 110k in hardtop and 130k in a speedster version, both powered by 725 hp massaged Mustang motor.

Apparently rebodied Mustangs do not find too many buyers at this price, especially considering offerings from Shelby and Rousch, thus, Henrik is on to another money making venture: VLF.
As mentioned a while ago, Bob Lutz had an urge to make some money and carve his place in automotive history by modifying 25 Fisker Karma cars he managed to snatch during Fisker bankruptcy proceedings, equipping them with new bumpers, grilles and  +General Motors derived Corvette LS9 engines under company he created with Gilbert Villarreal, called VL Automotive.  Apparently now, Fisker decided to join the team and brought with him another car to the line up, a car called Force 1 to compliment the four door Karma/Destino.

The Force 1 is nothing else than the design Fisker called in the past Thunderbolt (yeah, just like James Bond movie).  The Thunderbolt was a great name for his so called design because it happened to look exactly like the current line up of Aston Martin two door cars, especially the Vanquish and DBS (although all AM's look very similar).  In fact, the Thunderbolt looked so alike AM that it motivated AM to sue Fisker for copyright violations, in a law suit that supposedly was settled recently.  Allegedly, Fisker agreed to abandon the Thunderbolt dream and come up with a different design that could not be mistaken for AM.

And now, it is the time for 2016 and Fisker apparently living up to his bargain with AM and instead of Thunderbolt, there is a new offering from the new company, VLF, and this offering, unveiled at 2016 NAIAS is now presented as VLF Force 1.

But.. there is a real kicker: Force 1 looks exactly like the Thunderbolt, i.e. it looks like another Aston Martin, just with a VLF badge.  So what happened here?  Apparently Fisker suffered from creative black out and disregarding his agreement with AM, went ahead with his AM look alike anyway.  How will AM react to this move is yet to be seen.

How does Dodge Viper fit in this whole mess?  Here is how it fits:
Even though Thunderbolt/Force 1 looks like AM knock off, it is strictly a Generation 5 Dodge Viper underneath.  Even the fortification to the motor is the one offered by Arrow.
In fact, underneath, the new VLF is all viper, using different body panels and upholstery.

So here is this 245k car, all Viper, right down to the dashboard and column stalks and windshield pillar trim, easy to recognize, in spite of different body panels, just like that Fisker Mustang.  Obviously, Bob Lutz went with his personal choice as the donor, due to Bob's Viper roots.  The problem here however is the obsolete Viper platform that changed very little since the very first generation and one that peaked with Generation 4.  The platform happen to flex a lot and is just so so in the 90k Viper but how on Earth can someone justify charging 245 grand for rebodied Viper?  There is really no exclusivity here beyond kit car bragging rights.

Really, it is very disappointing that neither Fisker or Lutz could come up with anything better, at least providing a modern chassis to set this peculiar creation apart from the donor car.

The biggest irony: cost wise, a real Aston Martin can be had, without a need to explain to anyone why the car that looks like one has that VLF badge on it.
Certainly, a very disappointing move from Bob Lutz, a guy that supposedly was such a Viper driving force.  No surprise from Henrik though, LOL.

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.

Dodge Ram Hellcat-another nail in Dodge (former SRT) Viper's coffin

As much as Chrysler should be commended for rather exemplary horsepower and drag strip bitch slapping of the newest Corvette Z06, courtesy of Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcats, there is a rather peculiar trend in the Chrysler's marketing campaign aimed at gearheads and power junkies in US and it is not one that benefits the already ailing Dodge Viper.

Typically, when mainstream auto manufacturer creates a halo car, it includes the most technology available and/or most horsepower.  This has been the case with Ford (Ford GT) and Chevrolet (Corvette C6 ZR1 and C7 Z06).

Until recently, this has also been the case with Chrysler and its halo car, Dodge Viper.  However, after Ralph Gilles botched the Generation 5 introduction, turning both the idiotic SRT pseudo brand and Generation 5 Viper into a textbook example of how not to market cars and making G5 Viper the epitome of sales failure, this is no longer the case.

After premature and certainly not voluntary departure of both SRT and Gilles, the new Dodge CEO Kunakis, literally dethroned the Viper from its former horsepower distinction.  The result is that the horsepower king title no longer belongs to the Viper, the king is dead and permanently replaced by the evil Hellcat twins.

So why is this a permanent condition and why Viper will be laid to completely undeserved rest at least for a while?  The answer lies in the newest Dodge concept vehicle: Dodge Ram Hellcat.

In the past, the Dodge Ram gained notoriety through serious power injection coming from no other but Dodge Viper SRT10, simply because this was the pinnacle of horsepower at Chrysler at that time, with Viper being the halo car and horsepower king.

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case and the current iteration of V10 producing 645 hp in the latest Dodge Viper, no longer stirs up the attention that the Hellcat supercharged Hemi V8 gathers.  Sad but true but the Chrysler former horsepower king is no more and no longer it is an inspiration for Chrysler concept vehicles.

The Hellcat equipped Ram will certainly sell well since horsepower sells and outrageous horsepower at low price sells even better.  As much as the new Ram Hellcat concept spells the future for Chrysler, it also spells the end of the road for the Viper.  The fact that Chrysler is not willing to make accommodations for the Hellcat engine on the Viper platform and that the winged version of the Viper called ACR is as good as it gets for the Viper, is a rather strong clue that the Viper is officially dead, no matter how much Viper enthusiasts may argue the point.  Too bad Chrysler did not learn from Porsche that there is a difference between buyer loyalty driven exterior and anachronism and anachronism is exactly what Viper has become.

To make this point clear: in spite of visual heritage, Porsche 911 became a completely different car underneath, unlike the Viper that not only looks the same as its second generation but it is virtually unchanged underneath, including the obsolete short wheelbase chassis.

2015 Dodge Viper ACR (concept?) is a major disappointment

The 5th generation of Viper had been accused on more than one occasion for being nothing more than a rehashed previous generation of Viper and apparently the newest entry from Dodge (is this SRT or Dodge or what?) continues with this unfortunate tradition.

That 5th generation of Viper is a major failure, both commercially and in the imagination stirring department is already a well established fact.  If the best Dodge can do now is to add a set of ground effects that look eerily like the ground effects on the last ACR and rehash of the old stripes, the Viper should be put to rest, either permanently or at least until the time someone at Chrysler figures out that to stay competitive, the Viper has to be redesigned from the ground up.

For now, it is pretty sad to see that this is as good as it gets with the Viper.  The lack of effort is painfully obvious.  Instead of a separate design for the front and rear bumpers and rocker panels (incorporating some kind of skirts) there are front splitter, canards and this ancient looking rear wing that kills this car as a street worthy vehicle.  Is the car lighter than the rest of the line up?  Doubtful.

Does the car include a serious shot of horsepower compensating for the drag cause by the add on ground effects?  Even more doubtful.

Can these ground effects and color scheme save the Viper?  Not a chance!!! Yes, the car will sell (assuming the incompetent dealers do not get greedy as in the past) but it certainly will not change the fate of the Viper since the last ACR's claim to fame, the Nurburgring record is out of reach for the aging Viper, courtesy of Porsche 918 and McLaren P1. 

The last ACR created news back in 2009 because it was obscenely impractical, purpose build and visually distinct.  Unfortunately, copying and pasting the same recipe on the current Viper is both predictable and disappointing.   Certainly, the Viper team got lazy or tightly bound by the financial limitation.  No matter what the reason may be, the disappointing result is there to seal the fate of this saddest of Viper survival attempts.

Dodge Viper marketing by Chrysler still sucks as much as before, if not worse

Based on the auto show that took place last weekend, it is easy to see why Dodge Viper is doomed, no matter how much the price will be dropped.  The marketing of this car is non existent, apparently Chrysler execs still expect the car and incompetent dealers to do this part themselves.

Among the cars on display at the Dodge booth, there was not a single example of Dodge Viper on display.  The way these shows work, local dealers are expected to contribute their cars and apparently none were willing.  Of course a thought of bringing a display car directly from Dodge must have not crossed anyone's mind, thus, the flagship of Chrysler was fully MIA and Challenger, not even Hellcat was as good as it got.

This is quite a bit of contrast to +General Motors  that had no issue with bringing their new C7 Z06 to the show, along with a number of base Stingrays that came from local dealers.

Of course this does not make Corvette and GM better choices but certainly explains a lot about Corvette vs Viper sales differences, with no praise going to Chrysler.  Truly, shame on Chrysler and its Dodge brand.

Dodge Viper $15k MSRP price cut may be just the final nail in the Viper's coffin

Apparently even after Ralph Gilles was let go from his SRT CEO gig, things are not getting any better, in fact, they are getting even worse.

First of all, there are still 2013 non Dodge Vipers sitting unsold-nothing is being done to push them off the floor.  If there is anything that should be done it is the first batch of the SRT Vipers that should disappear but nah, too obvious for Chrysler execs to figure out.

Then, there is another truly stupid thing: vouchers issued to CURRENT GENERATION 5 owners to supposedly convince them to trade in their current cars, the same ones that just took a 15k beating, only to trade sideways, not up, for another car that is exactly the same as the one they already have.  Is this stupid or what?  

Here is the kicker: IF this idiotic scheme worked, then the market would be flooded with used Generation 5 Vipers that owners who bought at original MSRP would be trying to sell for more than the new ones can be had-NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!

Here is a smarter idea: issue vouchers to previous generations owners and entice them to buy the new Viper, this way, the new cars will not have to compete with slightly used.  Furthermore, end this generation quickly, it is a true embarrassment and laughing stock, purely due to marketing.  Issue vouchers to current Generation 5 owners for GENERATION 6 cars.  Otherwise, there will be no generation 6 and it will be the end to Viper.

Sergio, are you listening?

Considerably higher quality and better performance than Corvette C7 make Dodge SRT Viper a no brainer for bargain hunters

Seems like Viper buyers have the last laugh over the idiots buying Corvette C7 Stingray and upcoming Z06 after all.  The level of quality, fit and finish, paint quality and outstanding performance sets a standard that no C7 Corvette can ever match.  Plagued with numerous mechanical, electrical and paint problems, exploding windows and cracking body panels, the seventh generation of Corvette is no match for the Viper.

The better price point became an ongoing joke as the car that can be had for less money than the Viper is not even worth half of the money +General Motors is asking for it.

The higher price of the Viper is well justified, especially considering heavy discounts that many dealers offer, in fact, considering its quality and performance and rarity, it is the Viper that is a true bargain. 

Although it is never nice when owners of one car look down upon others, in this case, it is well justified.  All any Corvette aficionados have to do to realize this is to lay off the GM kool aid, then the things simplify greatly and Viper becomes the better choice and the true bargain, without worries regarding engines self destructing, cracking body panels or orange peel that could make Florida citrus growers proud.

Ironically enough, the Viper weighs as much as the base Corvette Stingray and about 300 pounds less than the fully loaded Z06 porker.

http://corvettec7fiasco.blogspot.com/2014/08/ultra-low-density-smc-snafu-at-core-of.html

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat bumps Viper to the third position on Chrysler hp list

How is the flagship costing well over twice as much justified in Chrysler's Dodge line up when Viper lacks in horsepower not just behind Dodge Challenger but Dodge Charger as well?

By now, it is pretty obvious that things continue to spiral downwards long after Ralph Gilles had been relieved of his CEO duties and SRT became another embarrassing footnote in Chrysler history.

Will the Viper get more power?  This is yet to be seen.  One thing is certain though: if it does, the still unsold 2013 Vipers will be worth more as scrap metal than as cars.  If it does not, then any 2013, 2014 and upcoming 2015 Vipers will become permanent decorations on the showroom floors of the dealers dumb enough to try to sell them.

Whole 5 hp increase for 2015 Dodge Viper-more harm than good

There are many reasons why this truly pathetic horsepower increase will actually hurt the future of Dodge Viper than help it in any way.

1. There are still many 2013 and 2014 formerly SRT, Dodge Vipers still unsold.  Not only will be the buyers looking at purchasing  a car from a discontinued brand but also one with less power.  Certainly a great incentive NOT TO BUY a left over car unless super heavy discounting takes place.

2. The horsepower gain is not a result of engine improvements, simply an accounting maneuver, exploring technicalities.  The lack of considerable horsepower gain sends a message to all potential buyers regarding performance limitations of the car they consider buying.  After all, if Chrysler cannot increase the horsepower in house, who can?

3. New horsepower rating falls short of the advertised Corvette C7 Z06 horsepower rating of 650 hp and even worse, considerably lower than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.  The buyers have two other choices, both cheaper, especially the Hellcat, to consider.

4. No true performance oriented model is being offered, putting this tiny horsepower increase to meaningful use.

5. Still no convertible available.  Offering a convertible would be a smarter way, without hurting the unsold cars and attracting buyers looking for a convertible.

 

Dodge Challenger Hellcat gives Mopar fans 707 reasons to forget about Viper

In a very ironic twist, it is not a Corvette that is very likely to finish off the Dodge Viper but instead, another Dodge is responsible for this part.  The new Challenger Hellcat packs helluva punch, 707 hp to be exact and puts Dodge Viper in true shame.  Never mind  the car is not particularly a looker, overweight and with horrible weight distribution and aerodynamics.  The sheer power rating makes it a new king of all Mopars and highest rated production car across the board in U.S.A.-all at very reasonable price.

So what is in Viper's future?  Apparently not more power and most likely a quiet funeral in 2016.

Overall, this is a very smart move on part of Fiat.  Unlike Viper, Challenger does not compete with any Fiat owned exotics, never did and never will.  Instead, the car sets a new horsepower record and out of the box impressive strip performance-a great compliment to Fiat owned Ferrari, Alfa and Maserati.

How American is 2014 Dodge Viper?

Apparently not very... To see that the Viper barely makes the list is both quite shocking and disappointing, especially since it is still touted as the ultimate AMERICAN exotic....

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