New 2013 Viper looks like a "Chick Car"

I am not "hating".. I am telling my true opinion.

I am trying to like the new Viper...but I can't. Its glitzy and flashy with curvy lines and has all the right parts. But the combination of these parts make the car look like a "Chick Car". I see Paris Hilton driving one, but not me. Many of the shapes and edges they employed would look cool, but the combination and percentages are just wrong. Its just not working for me. I think in time this will be the forgotten Generation of the Viper (the AMC Gremlin of Vipers).

I bought my 2010 ACR new off the showroom floor BECAUSE I SAW IT AND HAD TO HAVE IT and I mean TODAY!!

Thats what a car is supposed to do to you. I think its still the best looking one...my GTS I had before was a close second (maybe even a tie).

But this new one is just "Girlie". They missed it on this one...its not intimidating.

Change something please and do it quick.

Then I guess I like Chick cars.

Bruce

BlknBlu said:

Then I guess I like Chick cars.

Bruce

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X2

And I am going to say this will most likely not be the forgotten generation considering the poll on here suggests that 2/3 of us love the car while less than 8% hate, plus all the raving reviews and comments I am seeing throughout the internet. The only negative thing I am really seeing is the 640 hp isn't 700, but I don't see this as an issue considering the weight of the car. If anything I see the Gen 3 being the forgotten generation due to "lack of power" and less aggressive hood than the Gen 4, not to mention how this new car gets back to the styling roots of the original GTS. I would say the Gen 4 would be forgotten as well, except it was the last of the non traction control cars and has set so many track records over the past few years and the ACR-X race series.

640 h.p. is plenty of power. They did good on that, the interior is nice too. Its just that exterior...uggh. But it does go to show though... different tastes. It is surprising that BLKNBLUE (someone with ACR tastes ie: aggressive, scary)...love that blue BTW, would also like the more Elegant feminine look of the new Viper. It does look less feminine in race trim...but not enough for me to buy one. They needed to upstage the ACR's and instead the ACRs still upstage them and are even more iconic than before. Park the two side by side and the ACR wins hands down. The ACR is a scary intimidating car...and the new one is a bit feminine with odd percentages. Its just a bit off to me.

I don't know if I would call it a chick car, but I understand what you are getting at. I like many others was eagerly anticipating the new design, but was left with a very underwhelmed feeling after the debut. I just can't quite put my finger on any one thing, but I felt like something was missing or off about the car. I just did not get the same involuntary response that I got when I saw the Viper on the cover of Car & Driver back in 1989-1992 (I don't recall the exact year) and then again when I saw the GTS in 1996. I knew I had to own a GTS the moment I saw it. I wanted to feel that way about the Gen V, but I found myself rather indifferent. I kind of feel like I'm looking at a new flashy Mercedes. It is way more refined than anything we have seen in any previous Viper. I think it will take a while for some people to adjust to the modern design and refinement given the car's history as a bare bones driver's car.

Maybe it will grow on me or I'll change my mind if I see it in person. I also need to see it in a different color. I think several people on the fence at the moment will like it in a better color.

All of my feelings aside, it is a very nice car and it appears that the performance has been increased. We need to see final numbers and tests to be sure. With that said, I wish everyone would calm down about "only 640 hp". Does the Gen IV with less hp and less torque not already hold numerous records? The new chassis is stiffer with new suspension, more power, more torque, and more gear. I think the Gen V will do just fine with "only 640 hp". I think the most ridiculous comment I've seen in the time since the unveiling is something like, "I wish it had 20 more hp so a Mustang would not have more". After full exhaust and a tune to that new Mustang, 20 more hp probably would not make a damn bit of difference (in a straight line).

Just calm down, it will be fine. The power numbers are probably a bit underrated anyway and even if they are not, fighting a horsepower war is a losing battle because as we all know; someone else always has more; someone else is always faster. It's only a matter of time.

It was just the flashy custom candy apple red paint job that is giving you that perception OP. They had to show it in some combo of red/maroon cause that is what the Average old rich person wants(im not saying you or anyone specificaly).

Seeing the car in person lastnight I woke up this morning and said to my buddy. Man just imagine how menacing that Viper would look in Black or some other dark Non-flashy/metalic/candy color.

Horsepower numbers are deceiving....look at the Vipers ungodly naturally aspirated torque numbers..you will feel that. A blown small block is not impressive compared to my ACR. I borrowed a friends Ford GT for a couple days and its a GREAT car...but it wont scare you. His Lambo LP640 scared me, cuz it drives terrible..omg that car is twitchy. Mind you I race cars as part of my job and have some records and championships...but a torque monster Viper engine at 640 horsepower will be very tough to beat with even a 700 h.p. blown small block at your disposal.

Chick car?! I don't think so!!! but if that's your opinion.....you're entitled!!

I think it's gorgeous...this is the nicest redesign (in my humble opinion) since the original RT 10!


Now... this "chick" has got to figure out how to get one!!

Everything on the new car is incredible. Saw it last night and they did an AMAZING JOB. The race car is truly amazing too.
All the SRT guys and the drivers were all friendly and great to talk with.

Ralph is so nice and TALENTED!!!

My wife loves it, so does that make it a Chick car? Her daily driver is a black Challenger SRT-8 6-speed... No Chick car there. Although I am not sold on it yet, I wouldn't call it a Chick car.

I really think it has to be seen in person. A 2D picture does not do a car justice. When I look at my Gen 3 pictures I am not overly excited, but when I go out to the garage and look at it I get pumped. So, if my Gen 3 looks so much better in person than a 2D picture I would have to say that the Gen 5 needs to really be seen in person before full judgment can be passed.

PJ9454 said:

I am not "hating".. I am telling my true opinion.

I am trying to like the new Viper...but I can't. Its glitzy and flashy with curvy lines and has all the right parts. But the combination of these parts make the car look like a "Chick Car". I see Paris Hilton driving one, but not me. Many of the shapes and edges they employed would look cool, but the combination and percentages are just wrong. Its just not working for me. I think in time this will be the forgotten Generation of the Viper (the AMC Gremlin of Vipers).

I bought my 2010 ACR new off the showroom floor BECAUSE I SAW IT AND HAD TO HAVE IT and I mean TODAY!!

Thats what a car is supposed to do to you. I think its still the best looking one...my GTS I had before was a close second (maybe even a tie).

But this new one is just "Girlie". They missed it on this one...its not intimidating.

Change something please and do it quick.

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Says the "Enthusiast".... if you have an ACR, why don't you at the very least, become a 'viper owner' on the board to prove it? But either way... the ACR definitely has a more aggressive look... but you're comparing the aggressive ACR styling, with the 'base model' Viper... that's not quite fair... why not compare it with the non-ACR version viper of the 2010 year? When they come out with the Gen V ACR, you'll be eating your words.

Nitro187 said:

Says the "Enthusiast".... if you have an ACR, why don't you at the very least, become a 'viper owner' on the board to prove it?

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For some reason the "owners" keep getting reverted back to "enthusiasts" I'm sick of correcting it myself. No need to bash someone because of a stupid title on a website...

why don't you at the very least, become a 'viper owner' on the board to prove it?

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i don't think they do that any more, do they?

ilove the car and with 640 whats not to love,will they have traction control for this model?what is the going price going to be.

Nitro187 said: "When they come out with the Gen V ACR, you'll be eating your words."

But if they change to make it look like a mans car, I am not eating my words. They are making it look like a mans car so I will be happy and want one. Hopefully they do that. I love the interior. Thats perfection.

I'm digging the return of the clamshell and curves. But I'm a biased Gen2 owner.

PJ9454 said:

But this new one is just "Girlie". They missed it on this one...its not intimidating.

Change something please and do it quick.

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I would hardly call it a chick car unless your chicks have moustaches. But it's definitely been pussified.

Maybe we'll get more women in the VCA then

Im deployed, so I didn't get to the revealing, but the fellas out here with me are tired of hearing me talk about it! I love it! What I really am taking away from this thread is that someone said the GEN 3 will be the forgotten generation.... I hope thats not the case because thats what I own

Don't worry Chris.
Everytime a shiny new model is introduced the doomsayers say it's the death knell for previous years.
But they don't seem to disappear do they?

On the whole I think they did what they set out to do. (1) Stay true to the Viper faithful by putting alot of the GTS styling in it like just about everybody on this forum was whining for, while (2) evolving the style further and (3) trying to open up to a wider audience (Porsche, Vette etc. owners) with a spectacular interior redesign, more technology, and options.

What I really think will decide the success or failure of it is pricing vs. the current car and current competition.

And what I'm most interested in is the SRT- Viper, a more harcore oriented version v.s. the SRT Viper-GTS luxury version.

Hopefully they will ditch the Mercedes Headlights with the ******** version.

Interesting that they stuck with 18/19 tires, but wider . Obviously, the marriage with Pirelli is a FIAT mandated deal. Ralph briefly mentioned that in the Pirelli Corsa set up there will be two different compounds front to back. I wonder if they will fit the Gen II/IV wheels...

I love the new car!

I watched it live last night and was impressed with what I saw - lots of 2nd Gen. styling cues which were high on most peoples list- not crazy about the hood styling (might look better in the flesh )- I trust the hood opening and closing is better than 2nd Gen.(ease and simplicity)- many people have been ******** about upgrading Vipers interior (they did that in spades)- with all the govt. requirements (traction control, crash standards, etc.) if you want a street legal Viper produced now, you have the best there can be at this time. I'm sure it's performance will deliver to the level that will afford owners and drivers of every other make of car maximum visability of Vipers tail lights. I can't wait till we see by how much this Viper has raised the bar for high performance cars. Your stock 2010 ACRs are fast, but I'd be very surprised if this Viper isn't faster. We Will See!!!

I like what I see so far but in the flesh will be the test. The base model hood and wheels are doing it for me right now!!

PJ9454 said:

I am not "hating".. I am telling my true opinion.

I am trying to like the new Viper...but I can't. Its glitzy and flashy with curvy lines and has all the right parts. But the combination of these parts make the car look like a "Chick Car". I see Paris Hilton driving one, but not me. Many of the shapes and edges they employed would look cool, but the combination and percentages are just wrong. Its just not working for me. I think in time this will be the forgotten Generation of the Viper (the AMC Gremlin of Vipers).

I bought my 2010 ACR new off the showroom floor BECAUSE I SAW IT AND HAD TO HAVE IT and I mean TODAY!!

Thats what a car is supposed to do to you. I think its still the best looking one...my GTS I had before was a close second (maybe even a tie).

But this new one is just "Girlie". They missed it on this one...its not intimidating.

Change something please and do it quick.

Click to expand...

Maybe "get a chick" car

I don't think the viper looks like a chick car but I always relate that color to this Bimbolina Bubble...

The only valid thing I hear is that "something visually is missing in the re-design." However, I think that is completely normal. In this day and age, it is VERY hard to bring out a truly awe-inspiring exotic design; especially when the GTS nailed it. It's very hard to copy a perfect and completely outrageous design where caution was completely thrown to the wind. The Gen III/IV proved that "evolution" alone is not enough. Therefore, they reverted back to a style that captured the hearts of people years ago. I don't think we will ever truly see a viper as outrageous as the 96-02. But this car is beautiful, powerful, and now competitive on all levels of fit and finish. If I could afford one; I would have one. I will still be happy in my 2000 ACR and you new owners of the gen V will still drool over my car at the stoplight as I will yours. U mirin?

The Gen 5 has a lot of great styling, somewhat like a Ferrari. But still unmistakeably "Viper". And nobody thinks of Ferrari as "chick cars".

The Gen3, and to a lesser degree, the Gen4, are much more angular, with more sharp edges, straight lines, etc, than was the Gen2. They definitely have lots of "agression", but to me, (and this is just my opinion), they don't have any classic beauty. Thats why I lost interest after the Gen2. I really tried to like them, but I couldn't convince myself. To me, they are squarish, awkward, almost untilitarian, squashed down into a smaller, flatter package. Yes, very agressive looking, but not what you could call good looking. Unless you think Sarah Jessica Parker is beautiful. Forget for a moment she is a star, and she looks like a donkey. (again, just my personal opinion)

Timeless designs are not all beauty, nor all agression, but a balance between the two. The Gen 5 is all that. They struck a prefect balance.

If I wanted a strictly macho-looking, "aggression-only" car, that has like zero beauty, I'd get a Gumpert Apollo. Looks like a horse's ***! Looks only a mother would love. Sarah J Parker, instead of Jenifer Aniston. See?

Now the Veyron, to me, that's too ***** looking. Too yin, not enough yang. I just don't care how fast it is, it just doesn't appeal to me. It's got a big grill hole in the front, that should have some fur around it. A favorite of Simon Cowel.