Why I’ve chosen the Gen V…a cross-shopper’s perspective

Bruce H.

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I’m not sure how I became aware that there was a new Viper, but ever since I’ve been strangely drawn to it. I wasn’t looking to buy another car, and I definitely don’t need another high performance sports car as I already have three collectibles that I love and rarely drive. I’ve enjoyed track days on road courses for over 10 years as a way to appreciate their performance, 15-20 days for a number of years. Naturally a car’s track worthiness has become a key factor, and the Viper a prospective candidate.

I have a close group of track friends, and while we all have slightly differing budgets and preferences, we all share the same passion for performance. We’re all advanced drivers, some race or instruct, and we’ve all enjoyed dicing it up on track with previous Gen Vipers, and countless Corvettes, Porsche and European exotics. I’ve respected the Vipers as beautiful and highly capable, marveled at the accomplishments of the ACR, but never actually wanted to own a Viper…but that’s all changed over the months I’ve been following the Gen V’s introduction and subsequent refinement.
My first exposure to it must have been around the time of publication of the Motor Trend comparison with the ZR1. I seldom look at car magazines but bought the Feb 2013 C&D for the Lightning Lap results that my friends were discussing, which also happened to have a Viper/ZR1 comparo in it. Then I joined the VCA in March ’13 as an “Enthusiast” to learn as much as I could. It’s been a long and winding process to get to where I am today.

This forum, and a few on-line reviews have been the extent of my research. Much of it provided reasons to avoid, or perhaps hold off, buying one. Where I thought I would find information and encouragement from the brand’s most fanatic supporters on this forum, instead I found fairly widespread and deep disappointment from those previous Gen owners seemingly intent to eat their young. It was apparent that they saw the Gen V completely differently than I did, and it took me a while to figure out why. I now understand where some are coming from, and completely understand the needs of the drag race enthusiast,those who want even more power, and those who want the ability to mod theirs. I’m personally more interested in road course performance, and whether it’s enjoyable for limited street use.

The next challenge to finding useful information was to identify and disregard the determined trolls who seize every opportunity to bash the car relentlessly, and took pleasure in doing so…often while claiming they “like” the car. I’d never experienced that on other forums before, but since discovered the same caliber of troll on the Corvette forum. It’s seems unfortunate to the forum, the brand, and those seeking information like me that so many of them are previous Gen Viper owners. If they don’t like the Gen 5 they are entitled to their opinion, for whatever reason, but should have the decency to not impose their negativity on those in the Gen V forum that use it to share and contribute to the enjoyment of the Gen V. Moving on…

What really encouraged me was the Motor Trend testing of the pre-production T/A at Laguna Seca in May, and the retesting of the production SRT and GTS. Not only did the T/A take back the record, but they all performed much better than their first test. I have very little faith in most automotive reviewers, but a lot in Randy Pobst as an accomplished race car driver, and an insightful reviewer of performance cars. He’s very impressed with the Viper both publically and privately.

So I’ve decided to purchase the 2014 Viper T/A (if I can find one), an extensive performance option package for the SRT. That decision was made after considering a wide variety of new and used sports cars. In the end, there are many sports cars that offer terrific performance, and you know which ones are always in the top group. A track enthusiast would be undoubtedly thrilled with any one of them, and you really can’t fault those that cost well over $100k or those costing much less. Styling is what initially attracts me to a car, and I’m a life-long sucker for a curvaceous and **** body. Angular and creased designs leave me cold, as do models that are so popular that their otherwise appealing styling is all but lost. The Viper has such clean and simple lines, and a purity of design that is extremely rare today. It also has a purity of purpose, and is both uncompromising and unapologetic about it. They didn’t design it for everyone’s taste or budget, but for the few that appreciate it as one of the most uncompromising driver’s cars that you can buy today at any price. I’m buying it for that unparalleled driving experience (as I'm sure previous Gen buyers have as well)…and I couldn’t care less about the various little criticisms pertaining to the car itself that some dwell on here. Some of those who were seriously in the market to buy a high-end sports car have been enjoying their Vipers and telling us all about it, and I’m sure others have bought something else and are on other forums praising those.

I'd like to thank all of those who have tirelessly helped with their great contributions and advice in this forum.

I’m sure the T/A will be everything I expect it to be, and I just hope my local dealer can locate one for me soon!

Bruce
 
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Twister

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Couldn't agree with you more.

Beautiful desghn
World class interior
0-60 in low 3s
Quartermile in low 11s
Fastest car ever on a respected road course

What's not to like?

Finally someone else who sees what I find so simple to see
 

VENOM V

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Exceptionally insightful post, Bruce. Thanks for taking the time to articulate what a lot of us Gen V owners feel.

I'm praying to the mighty Viper Gods to send a TA your way up in Canada :2tu:
 

Nine Ball

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Well written post, Bruce. I hope I've been able to contribute to your upcoming addiction to Vipers. This site has done a horrible job at promoting the new car, and allowing those trolls to run rampant way too long. I know several Gen 5 owners that are local, and none of them even want to participate on this site after seeing what the rest of us have dealt with. That is a shame.

Looking forward to hearing your feedback on the car, and how it does on your tracks.

Tony
 

HobokenViper

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Great post Bruce! Couldn't have said it better myself. It's interesting to hear what lured a first time Viper owner to consider buying one over the obvious competitors. I too wonder why so many supposed Viper owners on this site are so eager to "eat their young" as you put it, but it has become obvious to me that many of those people may not indeed be owners and may just be enjoying derailing our parade for the Gen V. What annoys me most about all those BS negative posts is that they might seem like fact to someone casually browsing through this forum, enough that it might dissuade them from purchasing a new Gen V Viper. You said it yourself that it almost did exactly that to you until you were able to read between the lines on those negative posts and realize that most of them were complete BS, AND that actual owners were raving about the cars and couldn't be happier.

It can be maddening on this site at times if you let the trolls get to you, but in the end I'm glad you decided to get one and am looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing all about it. Good luck finding a T/A and enjoy it!
 

ViperSmith

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It is a bit disturbing how so many people who know nothing about the car, yet hate it so much, whine about it, could almost keep someone from buying one. You have to wonder how many others have researched the car using the VCA forum and been turned off to the brand because of the garbage they have read on this forum from non-owners.

The car is nothing short of fantastic and you'll love it. I can't drive mine enough.
 

Twister

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You lucky guys...lol...one day Ill join ya.Bruce. Are you by any chance a writer for a living. That was quite well written
 

Viper Garage Elite

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Finally something on this site to actually want to read. I have been reading plenty of posts that i quit after the first few reads. Well written positive thread for a car that is changing for the better. I have 2 different gens that I love for completely different reasons. But my gen 4 acr rocks compared to the gen2. But when I drive that car my smiles come from the beast within it. The gen5 sounds amazing and all the people that bash on this forum are not worth my time especially when they don't own one . Bruce thanks for keeping me tuned. The gen5 acr will come and the order will go in just because its a Viper. Nuff said.
 

gtssnake

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Great post Bruce very well said.
I gave a Gen 4 and had a gen 2 and 3 too. I think every generation just keeps getting better. This Gen V is incredible and as soon as I can
get some more toy money I will trade mine for one.
Good Luck and the TA is spectacular.
 

Free2go

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The prices seem to be slowly adjusting and getting a little more reasonable. I've been watching these threads and the trolling has eased a bit too. I think anyone who is seriously thinking about buying one is gonna talk directly with an owner via private message anyway
 
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Bruce H.

Bruce H.

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Thanks guys, and most of you are among those who have provided the truly useful feedback that has drowned out all the "noise". It must have seemed like such an up-hill battle for so long, and questioned if it was worth all the aggravation and effort, but I hope you'll feel it was to help other serious enthusiasts to find their ideal sports car, as you have found yours. None of you have tried to make the Gen V out to be anything that it isn't, but just told it like it is from your prospective, and that's the most credible feedback that I've found anywhere. I hope you will continue to help other prospective buyers, and I'm sure recently published positive reviews, and those yet to be written, will greatly help in that effort. I'm very confident that the Viper's standing among the world's best will soon be recognized, but either way I'm thankful that I'll have found the best for my needs.

I also feel that some other cross shoppers will have been put off, and that is a real shame. Had I been put off I'd have bought nothing. Lots of great competitors, and not one that appeals to me enough to purchase. One of the reasons I like tracking my cars so much is because of the quality individuals I meet at the events I do. No egos, no bs, and the guy in a modest priced car that can drive it well gets the same high respect as others driving pricier hardware. I just don't see the pre-occupation with track test lap time rankings to measure a car's worth...but I'll gladly accept that advantage with the car I'm choosing for all the right reasons! My point is, we like to associate with positive and like-minded enthusiasts, and they've been a little hard to find here at times.

I've had some rather odd experiences along the way. I was stunned at how many owners had bought their Vipers sight unseen, and couldn't imagine doing that. They just knew they would love them...and do! Dealers not having cars on display, and not letting people sit in them, never mind test drive them seemed unthinkable. I thought I could never buy a car like that, nor reward unprofessional dealer staff, SRT marketing blunders, bad test car prep, ect, ect. But then a funny thing happened, I realized I wanted the car and suddenly all that other stuff disappeared. I still haven't driven, sat in or even seen one, and I don't feel I need to. It's a given that I'd prefer to change some aspects to appeal more, as I would with any other car, but I'll gladly accept that as part of the unique experience that is 100% Viper. Owners love it, reviewer's caution the uninitiated that it's not for everyone, but everyone agrees there's nothing else that compares to the sheer thrill of driving it. I love that it will be a challenge to learn to drive it well over a period of time, and that honing my driving skills will be repaid by a sense of accomplishment, and new personal best track times. And if that weren't enough, it's going to look amazing parked alongside my other beauties in the garage!

Bruce
 

Killer33

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Thanks guys, and most of you are among those who have provided the truly useful feedback that has drowned out all the "noise". It must have seemed like such an up-hill battle for so long, and questioned if it was worth all the aggravation and effort, but I hope you'll feel it was to help other serious enthusiasts to find their ideal sports car, as you have found yours. None of you have tried to make the Gen V out to be anything that it isn't, but just told it like it is from your prospective, and that's the most credible feedback that I've found anywhere. I hope you will continue to help other prospective buyers, and I'm sure recently published positive reviews, and those yet to be written, will greatly help in that effort. I'm very confident that the Viper's standing among the world's best will soon be recognized, but either way I'm thankful that I'll have found the best for my needs.

I also feel that some other cross shoppers will have been put off, and that is a real shame. Had I been put off I'd have bought nothing. Lots of great competitors, and not one that appeals to me enough to purchase. One of the reasons I like tracking my cars so much is because of the quality individuals I meet at the events I do. No egos, no bs, and the guy in a modest priced car that can drive it well gets the same high respect as others driving pricier hardware. I just don't see the pre-occupation with track test lap time rankings to measure a car's worth...but I'll gladly accept that advantage with the car I'm choosing for all the right reasons! My point is, we like to associate with positive and like-minded enthusiasts, and they've been a little hard to find here at times.

I've had some rather odd experiences along the way. I was stunned at how many owners had bought their Vipers sight unseen, and couldn't imagine doing that. They just knew they would love them...and do! Dealers not having cars on display, and not letting people sit in them, never mind test drive them seemed unthinkable. I thought I could never buy a car like that, nor reward unprofessional dealer staff, SRT marketing blunders, bad test car prep, ect, ect. But then a funny thing happened, I realized I wanted the car and suddenly all that other stuff disappeared. I still haven't driven, sat in or even seen one, and I don't feel I need to. It's a given that I'd prefer to change some aspects to appeal more, as I would with any other car, but I'll gladly accept that as part of the unique experience that is 100% Viper. Owners love it, reviewer's caution the uninitiated that it's not for everyone, but everyone agrees there's nothing else that compares to the sheer thrill of driving it. I love that it will be a challenge to learn to drive it well over a period of time, and that honing my driving skills will be repaid by a sense of accomplishment, and new personal best track times. And if that weren't enough, it's going to look amazing parked alongside my other beauties in the garage!

Bruce

Bravo Bruce! you will not be disappointed. Like many "owners" have mentioned, the Gen V is truly a special vehicle. No disrespect intended to other generation owners, most of us have owned previous generation vipers. Not sure why the haters come out but as you already mentioned, that stuff will truly disappear once you get behind the wheel. Good luck in your search and please keep us posted when your new "Beast" arrives.
 

MoparMap

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Looking at things from a dealer's perspective, it makes some sense why they're so protective/scared of them. No matter how you look at it, the majority of these dealerships are still Dodge/Chrysler setups that happen to carry SRT stuff too. The Viper is like nothing else Dodge offers, so the dealers just don't know how to deal with them or the clients that come with it. Ferrari, Lambo, and other exotics are used to that kind of level of service and cater more exclusively to high end vehicles, so they're better prepared. Merc has a similar setup with AMG, but typically most Merc owners are still a "higher end" group. The Viper is probably worth twice as much as any other car on the Dodge lot, so of course they're going to be really picky about them. Thankfully there are some really good Viper dealerships out there (Tomball, Woodhouse, etc.), but unfortunately there just aren't many spread around the country. The Viper has been thought of as a "working man's" supercar (in the past at least) that someone could save up for and eventually buy as opposed to the European exotics that cost three times as much and have hefty service costs throughout their lifetimes as well.

Years ago I remember walking into a BMW dealership to buy some unique oil for a race car project I did in college. I never felt more out of place in my life. I had on a t shirt and jeans and the freaking handrails on the stairs were leather wrapped like a steering wheel. That's just how BMW sells stuff though. Their goal is to look like a premium dealership. Dodge on the other hand is trying to sell Darts under $20,000 to the "hip youth of America" next to a Viper worth over $120,000. That's a tough range to try to accomodate in one building. As a salesman you'd have to be able to pick out who's really interested and who just wants to drool and take a joyride. Some get it wrong and some do better than others. Hopefully, once the cars are in the market more, things will start to level out and they'll get some experience under their belts.
 

Smog Dog

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Bruce--What a thoughtful, refreshing post! It was an absolute pleasure to read. So many valid points.....Good luck with your soon to be acquired TA! I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Bill
 

doctorbob

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Great post Bruce. I love my ACR but I am going to get a V. Got to figure how to put a lift in one of my two parking spots at my condo. Ceiling height may be an issue. I am sure the TA will be a great car
 

Nine Ball

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Great post Bruce. I love my ACR but I am going to get a V. Got to figure how to put a lift in one of my two parking spots at my condo. Ceiling height may be an issue. I am sure the TA will be a great car

Most 4-post lifts only have 6' tall posts. Easy way to check for stacked vehicles, use this formula:

(Vehicle1 height) + (Vehicle2 height) + (6 inches of lift ramp thickness) + (6 inches safety margin)

If the total is still less than your ceiling, you should be fine.
 
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Bruce H.

Bruce H.

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Well guys...SRT called me yesterday and said no orange TA's available for allocation left anywhere...but they had exactly one in black, and it was mine if I wanted it. It will also be the only black allocation for Canada as there's wasn't actually supposed to be any. There really was no decision to be made once I got over the initial disappointment of not getting the signature orange. But black is beautiful, and the orange accents do look killer on it, so I'm very, very happy! It will be garage next to my gorgeous black Supra TT... and they'll definitely be a Dynamic Duo. And hey, all the tire marble marks won't show up as badly after a track day!

I can't help but think it would look stunning with matching orange stripes on the black...what do you think?

Click on TA and black...http://www.drivesrt.com/2014/srt-viper/exterior/

Thanks to all who have helped along this journey!

Bruce
 

former345bhpLS1

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The Black TA is awesome looking and the orange accents is much more interesting than a regular black Viper. I really like the TA orange, but I wouldn't think twice about taking black (one of my favorite colors any way). Plus, that car is VERY sinister in that paint scheme.

I say go for it!

-Nick
 

johniew398

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Great post.

I switched to Vipers after 30 years of Vettes when I purchased an 08 ACR new. I had never driven a Viper or ridden one; but knew it was the car I wanted.

Also, being a cross-shopper is better than being a cross-dresser I guess. LOL
 

johniew398

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Well guys...SRT called me yesterday and said no orange TA's available for allocation left anywhere...but they had exactly one in black, and it was mine if I wanted it. It will also be the only black allocation for Canada as there's wasn't actually supposed to be any. There really was no decision to be made once I got over the initial disappointment of not getting the signature orange. But black is beautiful, and the orange accents do look killer on it, so I'm very, very happy! It will be garage next to my gorgeous black Supra TT... and they'll definitely be a Dynamic Duo. And hey, all the tire marble marks won't show up as badly after a track day!

I can't help but think it would look stunning with matching orange stripes on the black...what do you think?

Click on TA and black...http://www.drivesrt.com/2014/srt-viper/exterior/

Thanks to all who have helped along this journey!

Bruce

What is different for a Canadian version other than the fog lights?
 

Boxer12

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You can't beat white stripes! (Viper classic, like the Cobra) (except for red driver's stripe, but that's a G4 exclusive).

As for the OP, I think most savvy car guys realize that manufacturers continue to improve their product, and the power (these days anyway). I have no doubt you will be satisfied with the car as a 'track car' and occasional street car. That is the niche it fits.
 

emericr

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Refreshing insight on the car and congrats on the new toy.
It has been a tough road for the Gen V and I hope Ralph and SRT can make it.
I feel that the inability for dealers to reel in potential buyers is a major reason why the Viper is not selling as it should.
At the beginning of the year, the Viper was on my top 3 list. I went to the dealer, advised I was in the market but would not buy one until I drove it. I did the same thing with Porsche and Mercedes for the AMG.
I never got a single call back from my dealer who carried inventory. Mercedes and Porsche on the other hand were keeping in touch with me even though they had either no inventory or a slightly different model to try.
I ended up with an AMG (similar price of a GTS), spent 2 days at Laguna Seca with the AMG driving academy. The overall experience was simply memorable and awesome.
SRT needs to learn on how to cater to people spending 6 figures on cars. The fact that the dealers sell $20,000 darts is not a good excuse. MB sells $30K CLAs.
The same way that I think a vette should be sold at a Cadillac dealer because the sales force and the brand philosophy is higher end. I had 2 vettes and I refuse to buy a new one as the treatment was simply awful. My VW dealer for the Golf I bought my wife was miles apart in customer service.
Last but not least, the venom spewed by some members on this forum was a turn off. One of the reason I frequent forums is because it is a way to meet gear heads digitally and then meet them live at a track event. I have made good friends that way. I digress...
I am real happy that SRT came up with a matte color and I eagerly wait for a worthy sequential gearbox.
Post some pics of the new beast when you get it. I bet you are excited.
 

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