Will VIPER Continue? VOI Matters ! {long, please read for 'payoff')

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
Back in 1994, Dodge Division of Chrysler was skeptical that 100 people might pay $$ to attend a Viper Party in Detroit. Marty Levine and Ron Smith budgeted anyway, and CHRYSLER was blown away by the response, but most of all by the "Car Guys n Gals" that showed up and shared their passion. Or exceeded it. CHRYSLER EXECS LEARNED!.

At VOI-4, Jim Julow (Dodge Sr. VP and true Viper Hero) conducted a critical "Halo Survey" of all owners, and even hired Carlson Travel staff to stop us in public areas at VOI to be SURE we had completed our survey. Jim's goal was 100% survey compliance, and those few who left early for emergencies got a follow-up survey. Chrysler marketers were again blown away by our passion for our BRAND. We did not know it at the time, but the results were CRITICAL in the creation of the VGX-SRT10.

A bit later, Daimler-Benz purchased 57% of Chrysler and "everything changed" to accomodate the Germanic culture. Even the VCA bylaws were changed, cloned from the Mercedes-Benz Owners Club. Press releases were first written in GERMAN and then translated to English! - No Joke. The "WIPERS" (German accented "Vipers") were a curiosity, but the VIPER HALO was not yet understood. It did not translate well. VOI and VCA achieved a total madness immersion for German execs at VOI. The Germans learned about, and from "US" at VOI. They were blown away, and the Viper brand stayed alive, and the VCC grew, and the SRT-Coupe was born.

Fast-Forward to VOI-10, The Homecoming. Some passionate car exec guys and gal from Toyota, led by a BUSINESS GENIUS (but lukewarm car guy?) from Home Depot, have not met us. Yet. They have met a few VCA guys. But that is the TIP OF THE VIPER OWNER ICEBERG...... at VOI-10 we (YOU!) have the chance, and indeed the responsibility to BLOW CERBERUS AWAY with just how much we matter to their BRAND.

Our ID badges now say how many VOIs we have attended. Mine says TEN. I wish the registration survey asked us "How Many NEW Dodge-Chryslers has your immediate family purchased since you bought your first Viper?"

I would place that count as a "HALO NUMBER" on my VOI-ID badge for all to see! My Number is 22 NEW DODGE-CHRYSLERS in my family, of my Brothers/Sisters since 1993. So my VOI meatball would be 10, but my HALO # is 22. What was my family HALO # before 1992? ZERO. That's right, NO Chrysler Vehicles before 1992. {ex: Mitsu Stealth 1991)

I AM CONFIDENT THAT YOUR ATTENDANCE AND PASSION AT VOI-10 WILL BE ONE YARDSTICK BY WHICH THE LENGTH of the SRT-VIPER PROGRAM MAY BE MEASURED. YOUR ATTENDANCE MATTERS. And Its NOT TOO LATE !

I even BET you $1000.

PartsRack has arranged with our VOI-10 HQ Champions to give a $100 Gift Certificate to the NEXT 10 REGISTRATIONS for VOI-10. Regardless of how you register. (time begins NOON TODAY DTW TIME) 10 OWNERS get $100 as a "Share Our Passion" incentive. [Sorry to the hundreds who got in early, as we did....this gesture is to inspire some Jonny-b-late fence sitters..] But: YOU MUST ASK FOR THE $100 WHEN YOU REGISTER. Enter your request in the "SPECIAL NEEDS" area of the registration. "I NEED $100 PARTSRACK BUCKS" or some such. VOI-HQ will alert me to the next 10 winning a $100 certif here.

The MGM Grand is a BEAUTIFUL hotel and casino, almost world class (33 years in travel biz here) That is where the remaining VOI rooms are. With regular free shuttles, (or a $6 cab ride) from the convention/meeting facility at the Motor City Casino and Hotel.

We just returned from POI - 1 {PartsRack Owners Invitational} in Detroit. We had business in DTW, so Doris and I visited most VOI venues, and toured the 2 hotels. We discovered some NEAT highlights are still being ADDED by our VOI "Champions" (Accavetti's word) at JRT. No Viper in Detroit? The 2 hotels are SO close in time, you dont even need to rent a car. The venues are all motor-coaches and zero parking hassles. If you do have your VIPER your parking will be great at either hotel.

VOI Venues are sponsored again this year, to help subsidize $$$ for the event. This year, PartsRack chose to SPONSOR the VOI CAAP TOURS, now scheduled for WED and THURS on the revised schedule. CAAP folks are very excited to show us around, and the CAAP store is laying in mass quantities of COOL stuff, from apparel to picnic baskets (We now have a SSG Viper Picnic-Cooler-Chair thingee!) So, 'be our guest'

BRING YOUR PASSION. Maybe we should be vociferous and even boisterous in our passionate conversations. Hey! We have a new word: 'VOICETERIOUS' to explain how we should show our feeings toward OUR BRAND.......

AND IF YOU NOTICE A SMALL "DOT" on my ID BADGE THAT SAYS: 22 You will know I stuck it there myself, and it is my HALO NUMBER since 1992. (If my neighbors and friends count, it would be 30+!)

What's Yours? BE SURE TO TELLEM AT VOI ! Your VOICETERIOUSNESS could tip the Cerberus Scale toward a longer life for OUR favorite Marque.........in OUR Brand.
 
Last edited:

Y2K10 SRT#39

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 21, 2000
Posts
1,715
Reaction score
0
Location
Olympia, WA, USA
Thanks JonB!!

Oh- I could......find those e-mail addresses again........(tee hee)

FOLKS- Get your registration in ASAP!! The party is going to be FUN!!!

(My halo number is only 18..but that's since 1996)

Cheers
PBR
 

Warfang

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 27, 2004
Posts
6,912
Reaction score
0
Location
California, East Bay
Darn awesome of you to do Jon. Too bad VOI won't be on a Monday, or we could've put you in a "PartsRack Monday Dunk Tank" with you in it. $100 per ball to charity... I'd bet you'd rake in some good money too! :D
 
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Posts
4,969
Reaction score
0
Location
Omaha NE.
I don't even own a Viper but since I started with Woodhouse working with all of you and the SRT products my family and friends number in the last 5 years would be 9! That does not include "friends" from work we have converted!

Great write up Jon and I hope everyone has a chance to read it and see how important it is that the new owners "feel" the passion for the Viper and SRT vehicles that we all have and support with other purchases.
 

ROCKET62

Has Left the Room!
Joined
Mar 6, 2003
Posts
2,392
Reaction score
0
Location
Phoenix, AZ bye-bye IOWA
Jon,

Thank you for the added incentive! I knew there was a good reason for my procrastination - just completed the registration and look forward to seeing you in Detroit!

Safe Travels!

John
 

doctorbob

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 20, 2002
Posts
1,606
Reaction score
0
Location
Washington
Damn, could you have done this yesterday....I will take some JonB a day early bucks.
 

dave6666

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Posts
14,975
Reaction score
0
Location
Explaining Viper things to you
Good information and a nice write up. But do the execs look for the exception or the rule? I wanted a Viper and personally feel other products by Dodge are junk. Halo = zero.
 

Slypopsracing

Viper Owner
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Posts
143
Reaction score
0
Location
Pace Fla
Actually, Dave 666, the finest Dodge product Ive ever owned was a 1990Dodge Ramcharger 318 roller with Holley FI. And my grandfather's finest vehicle (his words) was a slant six Valiant and you kinda xxxxx me off because you included my 70 Challenger in your remarks about Dodge. Be thankful I have no say about this website or you would be gone. PS What a class act Jon B , for the incentive. I wasn t on board wi Detroit, but will discuss wi fiancee and attend since you clarified the importance.
 
Last edited:

dave6666

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Posts
14,975
Reaction score
0
Location
Explaining Viper things to you
Actually, Dave 666, the finest Dodge product Ive ever owned was a 1990Dodge Ramcharger 318 roller with Holley FI. And my grandfather's finest vehicle (his words) was a slant six Valiant and you kinda xxxxx me off because you included my 70 Challenger in your remarks about Dodge. Be thankful I have no say about this website or you would be gone. PS What a class act Jon B , for the incentive. I wasn t on board wi Detroit, but will discuss wi fiancee and attend since you clarified the importance.

Your reference to the Antichrist is interesting. Is he a VCA member?
 

chimazo

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 15, 2007
Posts
421
Reaction score
0
Location
Clarksburg, MD
I'm pretty sure that Dave was actually referring to Mopar products produced recently (though I could be wrong). Saying the best Mopar stuff you owned was from 20 to 40 years ago isn't the most glowing recommendation...
 

Slypopsracing

Viper Owner
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Posts
143
Reaction score
0
Location
Pace Fla
I had the great experience of going to the SRT Experience in Charlotte in June! Wow, let me tell you about the new Dodges!
 

Andrew2KRT10

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 25, 2001
Posts
2,886
Reaction score
0
Location
New York, where else?
A shame we have to lobby so hard for the Viper to continue in production, same with what almost happened to Chuck. Something is missing for so much effort to have to go into something we all think is so great.

AC
 

dave6666

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Posts
14,975
Reaction score
0
Location
Explaining Viper things to you
I'm pretty sure that Dave was actually referring to Mopar products produced recently (though I could be wrong). Saying the best Mopar stuff you owned was from 20 to 40 years ago isn't the most glowing recommendation...

My memories of Dodge products that are the basis for my comment are late 80's, 90's, and early '00.

And ya'll should know by now I don't tailor what I say to what people might think. We're adults. Get over it. I said I think Dodge products are junk just like people tell me all the time Ford trucks are junk. Like my Super Duty.

Look. I'm over it.
 
OP
OP
J

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
Rocket-John, e-me your REAL name and Ill place $100 credit in your PartsRack account. See You Soon

Sly, THANKS for astute analysis, and for reconsidering VOI! and hope to see you there.

Warfang: Ill be there Monday til noon (just so I dont have to answer PHONES!) If you rent the Dunk Tank, Ill do it for charity !

Andrew, at least the new bosses can meet our famous CHUCK T. at VOI ?

Shel, (Jim?) who is the Genius referenced to? Jim Julow was the HALO genius......Mr Nardelli? smart enuf to buy me 250+ times! .....................PS whats YOUR HALO # ?!
 
Last edited:

Viperless

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 28, 2006
Posts
1,367
Reaction score
2
Location
MN
Registered yesterday after reading this thread. Good things come to those who wait. ;)

Thanks Jon! :usa:
 

Kevan

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Posts
2,556
Reaction score
1
Location
New Albany, OH
Jon- I love that your heart (and your wallet!) are in it, but I'd be surprised if Cerberus still owns Dodge 12 months from now. Rumor is that since they have no real idea on how to own a car company, they're looking to get out of the game ASAFP (As Soon As Financially Possible).

I believe that dropping the Viper line would be the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. I was trying to come up with a witty analogy or Dennis Miller-sized obscure referene, but couldn't think of one that would properly befit the suicide of an entire Big 3 automaker in one single move.

Cerberus is about the bottom line. If it doesn't have a "$", they're not interested. That's not a bad thing; it's just how they work. Unfortunately, that's not how a car company works.

I would *LOVE* to go to VOI-X and talk with the Cerberus folks (and any potential new owners); I'd even buy the adult beverages.
While I certainly don't have all the answers, I'm sure the pen and paper I bring will help.
 

Shelby3

Enthusiast
Joined
May 14, 2002
Posts
1,869
Reaction score
0
Location
liu;g
Shel, (Jim?) who is the Genius referenced to? Jim Julow was the HALO genius......Mr Nardelli? smart enuf to buy me 250+ times! .....................PS whats YOUR HALO # ?!

Nardelli, have you been in a Home Depot lately? HALO #4 I love Dodge styling and products but think a combination of Cerberus (bean counters) and oil prices will kill the guzzlers.
 

kcobean

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Posts
5,675
Reaction score
0
Location
Sterling, VA
My Halo number is just 1, though I've only owned a Viper for 2 years. I LOVE my Charger SRT8 SuperBee, and we're looking at a Caliber SRT-4 or Charger R/T for Tammy early next year. I think Chrysler/Dodge is making some fantastic cars these days, but, and I'm being completely honest when I say this...I probably would never have looked at a Charger or any other Dodge car had I not been a Viper owner first.
 
OP
OP
J

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
.....Registered yesterday after reading this thread. Good things come to those who wait. ...........Thanks Jon! :usa:

But not wait too long............half are GONE!

You are WELCOME Keith..... I was gratified to see that the FIRST FIVE registrants to receive the $100 PartsRack Bucks are all multiple-time customers like YOU!

C U at VOI-10.

Rumor has it that some COOL MEMORABILIA, long-stored, has been waiting to be SOLD AT VOI-10. Stuff may be coming out of the woodwork.....
 

RoadiJeff

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 25, 2006
Posts
954
Reaction score
0
Location
Wildwood, MO
With Chrysler overall June sales down 36% from the same period last year I doubt that keeping the Viper program going is anywhere near the top of the list of priorities for Cerberus. They relied on their big profit truck and SUV models way too long and now are paying the price.

Having a car in their lineup that gets maybe 12 mpg on a good day with a tail wind and costs over $90k is probably not what the majority of consumers are interested in buying right now, given $4+/gal gas prices and today's economy. The big problem is I see absolutely nothing hitting the Chrysler showrooms in the next year or two that will meet the demands of the dramatic shift toward high mpg vehicles.

I have serious doubts about whether Chrysler will even exist in two years, much less the Viper. Having owned Home Depot stock for a number of years I finally gave up waiting for it to start making money and sold it. I should have seem the light when Cerberus brought Nardelli aboard.
 
OP
OP
J

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
....................Having a car in their lineup that gets maybe 12 mpg on a good day with a tail wind and costs over $90k is probably not what the majority of consumers are interested in buying right now, given $4+/gal gas prices and today's economy. The big problem is I see absolutely nothing hitting the Chrysler showrooms in the next year or two that will meet the demands of the dramatic shift toward high mpg vehicles............

Even IF your whole premise, and 1-2 more above were CORRECT - I wanna go down swinging face-to-face at VOI-10.....

Consider: Europe and Canada has had these fuel prices for many years. The super-exotics are on a bull market the past 3-4 years, worldwide and even in USA now. Sales ++

Chrysler survived the 80s Chapter 11. Assuming Chrysler does survive beyond 2009:
Chrysler Dodge only needs to build 1200-1500/year to have the "HALO"effect at work for Calibers, Sebrings, Challengers, Avengers, Dakotas, Chargers, Jeeps etc. There WILL be 1200/year Vipers sold at 600HP at 25 mph hiway at $90K. A 2000-2500 number is untenable....the Halo works for the brand at 1000 units.

But again, my goal is to enjoy a heck of a party at VOI-10, V-10 V-10 V-10....It is worth the admission: Tour places, Viper races, parade laps, Auto-Xing, Proving-Grounded, Saleen-certified, memorabilia collectioned, Passion cocktailed, River Boatin,..even if it is CAAPed at TEN and OUT. I dont want to miss #10.

Leave the VIPER at home and save the expense-hit to bring it. You DONT need ANY car at this VOI, not even a rental.... I will likley be car-less too, for the 4th time of 10.

Did you think 'we' could save Tator? I think 'we' can save Viper! But not from home, and not by email......... If it is a Last Gasp for Asps, then Ill be the one holding the paddles and yelling "CLEAR!" Hope to see you there.
 
Last edited:

George Murray

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 3, 2000
Posts
883
Reaction score
0
Location
Norfolk, VA, USA
Crap. Just registered for VOI X at 9 PM last night. Didn't read this post until today.

In any event, I've been well-served by Jon over the years, and his incentive for this VOI and his overall Viper enthusiasm are to be admired!
 

RTTTTed

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Posts
6,438
Reaction score
0
I'm expecting that the Viper will continue.

"9mpg" Better take your car in for a tune-up. Reality is that my 720rwhp Viper gets better mileage than the wife's V6 Escape! And my old pickup, and my 500hp 440 Duster (see the 33% improvement and 50% HP improvement - Dave)? Handling improvements speak for themselves.

Dave, you could have bought an SRT10 Dodge Pickup!

I'd rather have an SRT4 than a Cobalt poser or a ricer.

Audi lied about their Halo car. Nissan lied about their Halo car. Looks like GM is playing their game with the ZR1 spanking the GTR at Nuremburg. Dodge doesn't need to lie ... and I don't think they lose money building their Halo car, like the Posers.

Chrysler has always had engineers develop racing programs, parts and helped make Dodge the "fastest kid" on every block. The Viper is not an exception to this, merely carrying on the tradition. V0I is funded by Dodge, no other company has spent the money on their customers like this, like Husltle Stuff, like Direct connection and Mopar Performance. All this company supplied customer support is the Hallmark of Dodge.

Dave, I remember the Mustang II, the Chevette, R 'whatever' trans, 10 bolt rear axles, 400 Balancers exploding, wheels with short axle pieces attached leaving the car at high speeds, 81 Ford pu frames bending, etc. etc. Thankfully Dodge didn't make any of those "Historical" Blunders. Dodge isn't famous for building Pintos to 'burn their customers' and their pickups never exploded if hit from the side. But ... to each his own, I guess.

The Viper is just a continuation of the Max wedges, the Hurst Hemi 'cudas and darts, the Daytona 500 and Superbirds. Dodge continues as before. If they felt that dropping the Viper and SRTs was necessary ... then they would be like GM and obviously a different company, perhaps worthy of the little respect I have for GM?

Ted
 

ViperJay

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Posts
705
Reaction score
6
Location
Rhode Island
not to throw cold rain on the party but i do have a question. i feared voi 10 might be a light turnout due to the dismal economy. there have been several incentives thrown in as time goes on. sorry to say, i can not make it to the voi although i would love to go. what percent is the voi attendance at now? is it so low they might cxl it?

thanks
 
Top