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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