If indeed the new Track Attack SRT Viper is so good, the time to run it at the Nurburgring was yesterday. If this does not happen soon, there will be another slash in Viper production and more jobs lost.
Get off your behind Ralph and start attending to business. Time to raise the money and make this run. General Motors is refusing to disclose the C7 ring time, this would be a perfect opportunity to get ahead of Corvette. Wake up Ralph!!!
The TA has the potential to at least equal the last ACR at the ring, time to put it to good use. Unless things are not as they seem with TA?
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Will the price increases of Corvette C7 Stingray generate more SRT Viper sales?
Two completely opposite approaches to selling cars: General Motors announcing price hikes for Corvette C7 and Chrysler and its dealers slashing prices on remaining 2013 and recently arriving 2014 Vipers. Which one is a better approach?
General Motors raises prices hoping to ride the wave of accolades greeting the new Corvette and anticipation toward the upcoming Z06 for no other reason besides the fact it is a free market and General Motors can do it just because... There is absolutely no changes to the cars affected by higher pricing and still the same shitty paint quality, mechanical and fit and finish problems. There is also an indication that this is only the first phase of the price increase, with the next one coming for the model year 2015.
So where does this leave the Viper, the victim of totally flawed initial marketing and careless attitude toward journalists testing and reviewing it. Since many dealers initially decided to order the most expensive GTS variant and unilaterally decided to load their cars up to the max with options driving the car into 150k region, BEFORE so called "market adjustment", these cars, no matter how much the discounts will be, will remain a tough sales, especially considering that they will have to compete against SRT's own Track Attack version of the base SRT car. Even with discounts, these cars are still in the 120k range, putting them price wise out of the contest with even the most expensive version of the upcoming Z06.
However, IF the dealers have learned something, they will start ordering the most basic version of the Viper, the SRT and resist the urge to load it up with options nobody wants to pay for. This way, there will be a direct choice for the buyers, not just shopping for the Z06 but even for a fully loaded version of the new car which the first price hike will easily hit 80k figure, only several thousands less than the discounted SRT Viper.
Given the choice between discounted SRT Viper and comparably priced Corvette, chances are very good the sales of Viper could increase exponentially. Now, if only Gilles and Chrysler can figure out this part and dealers can resist the temptation of hoping to make an extra buck or two...
There is no doubt that SRT Viper is a better car than any C7 Corvette, if there is no improvement in sales of Viper now, the car is fully doomed.
General Motors raises prices hoping to ride the wave of accolades greeting the new Corvette and anticipation toward the upcoming Z06 for no other reason besides the fact it is a free market and General Motors can do it just because... There is absolutely no changes to the cars affected by higher pricing and still the same shitty paint quality, mechanical and fit and finish problems. There is also an indication that this is only the first phase of the price increase, with the next one coming for the model year 2015.
So where does this leave the Viper, the victim of totally flawed initial marketing and careless attitude toward journalists testing and reviewing it. Since many dealers initially decided to order the most expensive GTS variant and unilaterally decided to load their cars up to the max with options driving the car into 150k region, BEFORE so called "market adjustment", these cars, no matter how much the discounts will be, will remain a tough sales, especially considering that they will have to compete against SRT's own Track Attack version of the base SRT car. Even with discounts, these cars are still in the 120k range, putting them price wise out of the contest with even the most expensive version of the upcoming Z06.
However, IF the dealers have learned something, they will start ordering the most basic version of the Viper, the SRT and resist the urge to load it up with options nobody wants to pay for. This way, there will be a direct choice for the buyers, not just shopping for the Z06 but even for a fully loaded version of the new car which the first price hike will easily hit 80k figure, only several thousands less than the discounted SRT Viper.
Given the choice between discounted SRT Viper and comparably priced Corvette, chances are very good the sales of Viper could increase exponentially. Now, if only Gilles and Chrysler can figure out this part and dealers can resist the temptation of hoping to make an extra buck or two...
There is no doubt that SRT Viper is a better car than any C7 Corvette, if there is no improvement in sales of Viper now, the car is fully doomed.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Marketing stupidity of SRT VIper TA-Gilles's incompetence shines once again
Ralph Gilles has been a symbol of corporate incompetence and car brand mismanagement for a very long time now, specifically, ever since he took over the Dodge Viper and was put in charge the ghost SRT "brand".
As it is right now, between lack of significant performance improvement, rehashed design and super retarded pricing and marketing and continuous journalistic SNAFU's, Gen 4.5 (it is not really a new car) Viper is on the brink of extinction.
Enter Ralph Gilles and his super stupid counter measure: SRT Viper TA.
Right off the bat, the name, it actually stands for Time Attack but in reality, how many people will not associate TA with Trans Am? For many many years, this is what TA stood for among car enthusiasts. So how many, especially not Viper aficionados will realize that TA is not for TRANS AM? Great marketing move right here, Ralphie boy.
Let us go down the failed and stupid list more.
There is already a TRACK PACK option available on base SRT 10 and GTS versions of the new Viper. Apparently a third option was needed? The real stupid thing here is that the base SRT with track pack is actually lighter than the TA, just because the supposedly "track oriented" car had to have the dual mode suspension from the "luxury" oriented GTS. Why not make this an actual track car and offer simple adjustable coil overs with multi mode MANUAL damping control, something that could actually be used on a track?
Now, there are the brakes. Any particular reason why light TWO PIECE rotors could not be used?
This car is already stripped off, fewer amenities than the base SRT, why not put the car to some good use and make it really track worthy?
Finally, the aero bits. These pieces can be had on any version of the Viper, including the GTS. Any particular reason why there are no TA specific pieces here? The generic aerodynamic aids are laughable at best, why not offer something that could actually function on the track?
Will TA change the wave of Viper failure? Not a chance as a matter of fact. Yes, there will be a few buyers but what will happen to GTS that costs over 20k more? Better yet, why anyone with an ounce of brains not go for the base SRT Viper and add the track pack to save the weight TA adds? Asking rhetorically of course.
As it is right now, between lack of significant performance improvement, rehashed design and super retarded pricing and marketing and continuous journalistic SNAFU's, Gen 4.5 (it is not really a new car) Viper is on the brink of extinction.
Enter Ralph Gilles and his super stupid counter measure: SRT Viper TA.
Right off the bat, the name, it actually stands for Time Attack but in reality, how many people will not associate TA with Trans Am? For many many years, this is what TA stood for among car enthusiasts. So how many, especially not Viper aficionados will realize that TA is not for TRANS AM? Great marketing move right here, Ralphie boy.
Let us go down the failed and stupid list more.
There is already a TRACK PACK option available on base SRT 10 and GTS versions of the new Viper. Apparently a third option was needed? The real stupid thing here is that the base SRT with track pack is actually lighter than the TA, just because the supposedly "track oriented" car had to have the dual mode suspension from the "luxury" oriented GTS. Why not make this an actual track car and offer simple adjustable coil overs with multi mode MANUAL damping control, something that could actually be used on a track?
Now, there are the brakes. Any particular reason why light TWO PIECE rotors could not be used?
This car is already stripped off, fewer amenities than the base SRT, why not put the car to some good use and make it really track worthy?
Finally, the aero bits. These pieces can be had on any version of the Viper, including the GTS. Any particular reason why there are no TA specific pieces here? The generic aerodynamic aids are laughable at best, why not offer something that could actually function on the track?
Will TA change the wave of Viper failure? Not a chance as a matter of fact. Yes, there will be a few buyers but what will happen to GTS that costs over 20k more? Better yet, why anyone with an ounce of brains not go for the base SRT Viper and add the track pack to save the weight TA adds? Asking rhetorically of course.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Why no orange peel on SRT Viper unlike on Corvette C7 Stingray?
Pretty easy answer: because it is not painted by Chrysler and UAW members. The primer is sanded prior to applying the base coat and plenty of clear is applied BY HAND and wet sanded afterwards.
Too bad this is the only thing that new Viper has going for it.
Too bad this is the only thing that new Viper has going for it.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Nissan GTR Nismo sets 7:08 at the Nurburgring, nailing the coffin for SRT Viper
The car may be heavy and ugly but it certainly gets the job done. To see this SIX CYLINDER heavy weight with DCT fly around the ring is something truly amazing.
And here is SRT Viper, only 40 hp more than the Generation 4 predecessor that held a ring record for less than three years, only to be dethroned by laws of physics defying Japanese ingenuity.
Will Ralph Gilles finally get the message? No doubt, he will not. However, he will find plenty of excuses and point finger at others as usual, while the Viper continues to die a pretty excruciating death.
And here is SRT Viper, only 40 hp more than the Generation 4 predecessor that held a ring record for less than three years, only to be dethroned by laws of physics defying Japanese ingenuity.
Will Ralph Gilles finally get the message? No doubt, he will not. However, he will find plenty of excuses and point finger at others as usual, while the Viper continues to die a pretty excruciating death.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Will the new hue of blue make new SRT Viper a better and faster car?
Seems like this is the secret ingredient the current epitome of automotive sales failure has been missing all along. Not the lack of power increase over Generation 4, not the much needed increase in wheelbase, not a modern light weight chassis, not a modern rear transaxle drivetrain and not a fresh styling instead of Generation 2 remake. At least according to +Ralph Gilles and the geniuses in SRT R&D and marketing departments, all this car needed was a new shade of blue, resembling SRT racing ventures.
Yes Gilles, just paint this antique on four wheels in this new blue and no doubt it will make all other shortcomings of this SRT flop go away. Pretty refreshing that while GM is busy testing new Corvette at the Nurburgring track and sets up production of high performance version of the C7 Corvette, the best the SRT can come up with is a new PAINT COLOR. How much of this blatant incompetence, delusion and outright stupidity will it take before Ralph Gilles is fired and the entire Viper program either shut down or set on the meaningful course? Ralph Gilles, you should have been fired long time ago, go and collect unemployment in lieu of doing anything constructive.
No matter what color this car is painted, it is still the same failure and disgrace to the automotive world.
Yes Gilles, just paint this antique on four wheels in this new blue and no doubt it will make all other shortcomings of this SRT flop go away. Pretty refreshing that while GM is busy testing new Corvette at the Nurburgring track and sets up production of high performance version of the C7 Corvette, the best the SRT can come up with is a new PAINT COLOR. How much of this blatant incompetence, delusion and outright stupidity will it take before Ralph Gilles is fired and the entire Viper program either shut down or set on the meaningful course? Ralph Gilles, you should have been fired long time ago, go and collect unemployment in lieu of doing anything constructive.
No matter what color this car is painted, it is still the same failure and disgrace to the automotive world.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
What will be the results of SRT Viper remaining in production for 2015?
The answer is very simple: Dodge dealers (yes, any Dodge dealer can sell Viper now) will have THREE MODEL YEARS of showroom floor paper weights. With sales of the 2013 and 2014 models officially dead, not even convertible version can save the day now.
Time to say GOOD BYE to Generation 5 Viper. This car makes Edsel look like a sales hit.
Time to say GOOD BYE to Generation 5 Viper. This car makes Edsel look like a sales hit.
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