Gen 5 owners: What has pleasantly surprised your about your car?

FinalEd357

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My 5th Viper arrives tomorrow, a new 2013 SRT Track Pack. Have owned 2 Gen II GTS, a Gen II ACR and a Gen IV coupe. For those who have taken delivery of a Gen 5, what has been the best 'surprise' or unexpected option/characteristic/option/feature of your car? I love every generations Viper - they all rock, can't wait for the new car. Thanks.
 

Bobpantax

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The surprise is that it is a whole different level of car in just about all aspects. But if I had to pick just one thing it would be the enormous improvement in fit and finish. MY TA's body panels are perfect ( and I measured the gaps) and the paint system now used is spectacular. The interior is on par with any car in its class no matter what it costs. The attention to detail and the little design cues throughout the car are great.

As you sit in the driver's seat, look at the hood closely. It is hard to see in photos but the sculpting of the hood is pure art or should I say pure Ralph. Take the time to walk around the car slowly and notice all the little things they did design wise. They really put alot of thought, heart and soul into the car. You can see the same subtle touches on the interior.

After you drive it 500 miles or so, report back and let us know whether you agree with this.
 

johniew398

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The quality is definitely better than any American car I have purchased in the past.

I finally got a chance to do a couple of WOT runs this morning. This beast is amazing and for everyone's whining about the nannies they definitely help the car hook up.
 

Nine Ball

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I really like the digital gauges and the tach is very accurate. I also like the clamshell opening hood, and how light it and the hatch are, compared with my Gen 3 coupe. It is just a better car in every aspect, I was mostly expecting just a re-skinned car on a previous chassis. Not even close to that, much better.
 

640bhpV10

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The part that shocked me most was the handling, specifically the turn in response. I live in a place that is paradise for the Lotus Elise owner, but the GenV handles so remarkably well that I have no interest in other cars at the moment. It feels so much more agile than I expected or my recollection of the Gen2. Plus, this car can actually use it's power in the lower gears, even when laterally loaded - amazing!

But one of the best parts - it looks so much better in person than pictures. Every time I see it, I'm amazed - so beautiful and the perfect modernization of the Gen2 (can you tell that I like this thing!).

Enjoy your car! Mine has totally exceeded my expectations!

-Nick

PS - is yours also a Red SRT Trackpack (the SRT "Launch Edition")?
 

rollymohan

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I love my orange TA .I still have my gen 2 which i love how menacing it looks but boy this TA is such a drivers car it has improve in every aspect .It is a pleasure to wash and wax .The car drives perfectly turns quickly and accelerates in a more linear way than the previous vipers.In my opinion this is the best american sports car .Get one you would not be disappointed.
 

09 Venom

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I actually expected the better quality, better fit and finish, upscale interior (which still shocked me with the upgrades), better performance but what SURPRISED me was the much, much improved everyday drivability. I also agree whole heartedly the car and its angle and curves looks MUCH better in person. Enjoy!
 

ferraritoviper

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As you sit in the driver's seat, look at the hood closely. It is hard to see in photos but the sculpting of the hood is pure art or should I say pure Ralph. Take the time to walk around the car slowly and notice all the little things they did design wise. They really put alot of thought, heart and soul into the car. You can see the same subtle touches on the interior.

I agree Bob...the photo below is my favorite from a recent shoot.

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FinalEd357

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yes, mine is a Red 13 SRT Track Pack. I love it! Took delivery Friday, have about 40-50 miles this weekend and I couldn't be happier. Seems like a tight fit and I'm only 6'0", 170, def have to get used to the reduced visabillity. I like the feature how I can see my HP and TQ #s instantly as I'm accelerating. The car feels CRAZY fast! I've only taken it up to 3,000 rpm or so in 2nd and 3rd gear and you can just feel it starting to come alive. Brakes are unreal, even better than my '08. Looking forward to more spirited driving when I've got more miles on her and warmer weather with more sticky pavement... Come on Summer..... Interior is like a fighter jet compared to my past Vipers, although I love them too and all Vipers rock!
 

640bhpV10

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yes, mine is a Red 13 SRT Track Pack. I love it! Took delivery Friday, have about 40-50 miles this weekend and I couldn't be happier. Seems like a tight fit and I'm only 6'0", 170, def have to get used to the reduced visabillity. I like the feature how I can see my HP and TQ #s instantly as I'm accelerating. The car feels CRAZY fast! I've only taken it up to 3,000 rpm or so in 2nd and 3rd gear and you can just feel it starting to come alive. Brakes are unreal, even better than my '08. Looking forward to more spirited driving when I've got more miles on her and warmer weather with more sticky pavement... Come on Summer..... Interior is like a fighter jet compared to my past Vipers, although I love them too and all Vipers rock!

I love the Red SRT Trackpack - for me it's the perfect configuration (everything you need, nothing you don't). I thought that I wanted a black car, but the adrenaline red looks awesome in person. Beautiful car and post some pictures!

I broke in my engine last week and finally started exploring the upper RPMs, this car is insane! I haven't been able to use the 5000+ range much because it's still coolish around here for the tires (50s-60s) and I keep losing traction as the tach swings past 5k (in both 1st and 2nd). When it hooks, it feels like armageddon. That said this thing is so quick even without using the power band.

BTW, it doesn't take long to get used to the visibility. I'm 5'11" and got totally used to it after an hour or two of driving. I don't even think about it anymore, but it does bother me a little bit at night (my buddies Diablo is the same way, visibility problem is much more noticeable at night).

I hope the weather cooperates and enjoy the car. I enjoy it more every time I drive it.

Congrats!

-Nick
 

bluesrt

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the car is way more comfortable, way better handleing. apples and oranges to the previous gen cars. period- if you drive one,you will need to own one. dodge dealers need to let viper owners test drive these cars, they will sell more
 

pathoguy

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I also have a 2013 with track pack. I don't street race and car will never see a strip/track and I actually have no use for the track package, but that's the way the car was offered.
There are too many ways that this car surprised to mention. From its looks, to comfort, to its daily driveability, it is a most splendid vehicle. Coming from a Gen 3, the increased performance (hp+gearing) is a tad intimidating and I have to thank traction/stability controls for saving me from a few overspirited moments.

I curse every time the weather forecast is for thunderstorms or heavy rains, and I am forced into my true daily driver.
 

05Commemorative

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Two things have stood out to me more since owning the car:
1) the electronics and features are great and more than I expected
2) the design lets better each time I look at it as you notice all the details. rather it be outside at the angles or inside looking over the hood or the rearview mirror seeing the carbon fiber. Each scoop is sculptured to be both functional and great looking.
 

Texas1

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I have to echo what everyone else has said...car is amazing!!! I love the fit & finish, interior, electronics, ease of driving, & true beauty of this vehicle!!! I too have a 2013 Red track pack w/ the addition of Wayne's splitters/spoiler package and can't put into words how awesome this car is!!! Long live the Viper!!!

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FinalEd357

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just drove her again last night. I love how you can see instant reading of HP and TQ output as you accelerate!
 

PeerBlock

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What surprised me was that despite having driven cars with equal or greater power levels (and similar weight), the Viper still felt more visceral and thrilling...a feeling that is just as strong almost a year later as it was when the car was new. Also, the stereo...did not expect it to be as awesome as it is - I got the upgraded system that was only $1,000 extra. It's power and sound quality blow away some "custom" systems I've heard where the owner spent a lot more than $1K on components alone.
 

Mike Adams

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From previous vipers. i like the auto headlights, seats more comfortable, side sills not as hot. List goes on still raw enough to say is a viper. Oh yea and love the orange colour
 
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