General question about Gen V features

DroolSRT

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Posts
19
Reaction score
0
Hello, I have a few general questions as I have not sat in the new Gen V yet.

I understand that the pedals are shifted to the left? What's this about? Does the driver sit crooked so to speak?

I assume the steering wheels tilts but what about Telescoping? Friend here with the z06 says no.

The Viper doesn't have the HUD option, correct?

Wifi included in the entertainment package? (not sure why anyone would need this, seem like a way for a company to spy on you)

What about "visual" clearance. I'm 5'11 and was curious if I will be looking through the top of the windshield and seeing roof.

Thanks.
 

Nine Ball

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 30, 2007
Posts
3,411
Reaction score
10
Location
Houston, TX
Most of the negative comments about Vipers stemmed from the early Gen 1 and Gen 2 cars. Most of the complaints were addressed back in 2003, but you'll still hear people that don't know anything continue to bring up decade-old issues.

Pedals are not offset to the left. That was in 2002 and older. I agree, it feels awkward to drive one of the older Vipers.

Steering wheel tilts, but does not telescope. The pedals do telescope though.

No HUD. I've had a few cars with it, it is just cheesy and distracting in my opinion. I prefer normal gauges and a clear windshield.

I don't think wifi is part of the package. It does have bluetooth connectivity to your smart phone, however. It can read your text messages to you, when driving. It can use your phone directory to make calls, etc.. Works great. The navigation is also Garmin based, and is easy to use and accurate. The radio can control your iphone/ipod with the steering wheel controls, there is a USB port to plug them into.

At 5'-11', no issues with visibility. I'm the same height. Guys over 6'-2" will likely have that issue. The seats raise up/down in the Gen 5, they did not in the older cars.

Tony
 

MoparMap

VCA National President
VCA Officer
Joined
Jan 7, 2013
Posts
2,439
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas
Full disclosure, I have a 2004, not a gen 5, but having sat in a gen 5 I think it's pretty similar.

I think the pedals might still be slightly offset to the left compared to "normal" cars, but certainly not the same way they were in the first 2 generations. The original cars had the clutch right next to the side panel of the interior with no dead pedal to rest your foot on. The gen 3 moved them over and added a dead pedal, but if you look down at your feet when sitting in the car (at least mine), it does appear you are pointing a little to the left compared to maybe something like a Corvette or a mid/rear engine performance car where the center tunnel doesn't get in your way.
 

mblgjr

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 13, 2013
Posts
117
Reaction score
0
Hello, I have a few general questions as I have not sat in the new Gen V yet.

I understand that the pedals are shifted to the left? What's this about? Does the driver sit crooked so to speak? Not in a GenV, they're faintly to the left but not much (nothing like a G2)

I assume the steering wheels tilts but what about Telescoping? Friend here with the z06 says no. Tilt yes, Telescope No

The Viper doesn't have the HUD option, correct? NO HUD

Wifi included in the entertainment package? (not sure why anyone would need this, seem like a way for a company to spy on you) There is 3g connectivity if you subscribe. I've not pursued it.

What about "visual" clearance. I'm 5'11 and was curious if I will be looking through the top of the windshield and seeing roof. Same height, it's tight but not bad once you adjust.

Thanks.


I've logged several 8-12hr driving stints in the car. It's not like hopping in a 911 or a Corvette; you're much more involved.
 
OP
OP
D

DroolSRT

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Posts
19
Reaction score
0
Drool, your gonna love owning a Viper. I promise.

I thinks so. I admit I was getting seduced by the z06 but to be honest I can't get over the rear end. It doesn't tickle my pickle.
I think visually the Viper is superior but it seems from the youtube "reviews" the Vette is doted on like a good girl cheerleader with big boobs
while the viper is the girl under the bleachers looking for a good time.

This is the one I want but with the carbon fiber around the taillights. I am still learning all the details and the Dodge site isn't very clear IMO.
You must be registered for see images attach
 

Nine Ball

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 30, 2007
Posts
3,411
Reaction score
10
Location
Houston, TX
We have aftermarket carbon TA style tail panels, spoilers, splitters. Just buy the car for your best deal, that other stuff is easily changed/added.
 

DMan

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 30, 2006
Posts
1,855
Reaction score
0
Location
Maryland
Previous gens aren't as cozy, and I've done over 10 hours in a day, in the rain, driving up the East Coast in my gen4, no comfort issues at all, I'm 6'4", 190lbs, although I do have a 1" lowering bracket on my gen4. Gen5 has more creature comforts, but right now no lowering brackets I'm aware of, yet. But at 5'11" you should be totally fine. Where are you located? We have clubs all the place, you can probably find someone that'd be happy to let you try on the fit of the car.

Like Tony says, the aftermarket has grown nicely especially for exterior pieces, there are some pretty cool CF parts available. I'm in the crowd that thinks the rear CF spoiler is mandatory ;-)

Dave.
__________
Vipers: 2013 GTS, 2008 SRT/10
Prior: 2003 SRT/10, 1999 RT/10
 
OP
OP
D

DroolSRT

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Posts
19
Reaction score
0
Where are you located? We have clubs all the place, you can probably find someone that'd be happy to let you try on the fit of the car.

Thanks Dave, cool to hear about the lowering bracket being a possible option. I am moving to Galveston next week.
 
OP
OP
D

DroolSRT

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 11, 2015
Posts
19
Reaction score
0
We have aftermarket carbon TA style tail panels, spoilers, splitters. Just buy the car for your best deal, that other stuff is easily changed/added.

Good news. I think that rear panel in carbon looks great.
 

Jack B

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 5, 2000
Posts
3,483
Reaction score
0
Location
NE Ohio
The 2014 already has the spacer removed. I am approx your size and have a lot of room. I have a 13 and removed the spacer.


Thanks Dave, cool to hear about the lowering bracket being a possible option. I am moving to Galveston next week.
 

Bruce H.

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 3, 2013
Posts
646
Reaction score
19
Location
Near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I don't know what model you are considering buying but I can tell you most of those Motor Trend comments are completely inaccurate based on my street and road course experience with the TA model. Never having owned a Viper before, I was intimidated like Carlos for the first week, and the second week I was flying around a difficult road course in the pouring rain in complete control. Soon after I was running with the fastest production cars on the track. Never spun, no hairy moments, no sudden snap, never had a wheel off the track. At the extremes you have progressive loss of grip at the limit that's easy to maintain control of and no sudden snap where you end up out of control. I run with a lot of 911 GT3's and the brakes are at least the equal to theirs in brake zones as I usually close the gap there, as well as on the straightaways. My wife and I find the TA seats and the whole car comfortable, even on multiple 7-8.5 hour stints on a 10 day road trip. I enjoy the exhaust note when cruising, love it when tracking. I see great value in the car...and none in Motor Trend as they seem to get it wrong frequently. We give them far too much credit, and they're clearly out of their element at this level of performance. Randy Pobst was quite impressed with the GTS when he later tested a full production version, and just loved the TA.

An extremely powerful car like this demands respect and skill from the driver when pushed. I'd highly recommend learning car control at a driving school if you're completely new to this level of performance, and even if you are. Every car is different, and a driver that has become familiar with the car's feedback and handling characteristics will be able to keep it under control, and regain control should he push beyond the limits.

Good luck with your purchase!
 
Last edited:

pathoguy

Enthusiast
Joined
May 16, 2010
Posts
191
Reaction score
0
Location
Gulf of Mexico
I have a different viewpoint from Bruce, Nineball, and others that actually have the knowledge and skills to properly drive the Gen V. I have no such skills and still managed to thoroughly enjoy 3 vipers (02, 06, 13). The Gen V in particular is splendid fun even in the hands of an unskilled driver. Know your driving limits and stick to them.
 

Jack B

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 5, 2000
Posts
3,483
Reaction score
0
Location
NE Ohio
[The G5 specifically has reined in a lot of the hazards.

QUOTE=pathoguy;3264216]I have a different viewpoint from Bruce, Nineball, and others that actually have the knowledge and skills to properly drive the Gen V. I have no such skills and still managed to thoroughly enjoy 3 vipers (02, 06, 13). The Gen V in particular is splendid fun even in the hands of an unskilled driver. Know your driving limits and stick to them.[/QUOTE]
 

Forum statistics

Threads
153,139
Posts
1,681,567
Members
17,640
Latest member
SDViper
Top