Dodge Viper gets personal

3877 Views 29 Replies 14 Participants Last post by BuickGNX, Jan 15, 2015

BlackGTP

Discussion Starter · Jan 9, 2015 (Edited by Moderator)

Dodge Viper gets personal
By Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Published January 09, 2015
High Gear Media

Having already addressed one of the Viper SRT’s key flaws, its overly optimistic pricing, Dodge has now alleviated another key issue hurting the car’s sales performance, the buying experience. Anyone dropping around 100 large on a car expects to be pampered, and they also expect to be able to personalize their car exactly how they want it.

That is why Dodge has now introduced an unprecedented level of exclusivity for Viper buyers, which includes a concierge-style service that gives them the opportunity to fully personalize their car, the ability to virtually follow along the build process, and an opportunity to visit the Viper’s the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The concierge service will be linked with a new Viper GTC model, which for the 2015 model year is priced from $94,995, or the same as the Viper GT. Not only does the Viper GTC have all of the same goodies as the Viper GT, such as Nappa and Alcantara trim, it also comes with an exclusive point of contact throughout the custom Viper build process.

From the time the order is placed in the system to the moment the car is delivered, a special ‘Viper Concierge’ will provide the buyer with behind-the-scenes stories and pictures about their car. For example, it takes between 140 and 160 hours to hand paint each Viper before it goes to assembly, and owners will get regular updates, including pictures of the meticulous paint process and each phase of the handcrafted assembly. Updates will come via a website which the buyer can log into.

More at link: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/01/09/dodge-viper-gets-personal/?intcmp=features

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BlackGTP

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 9, 2015

This might be an idea for Cadillac.....

Reactions: 5

BlackGTP

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 9, 2015

it wont let me fix the header - can anyone do that for me?

fastball

· #4 · Jan 9, 2015

Just a little while ago the Viper was on shaky ground. There were rumblings that FCI would kill it. Now they've made the sky the limit on options and configurations.

Someone must have had an "ah-ha" moment during those months in which killing the Viper was discussed.

b4z

· #5 · Jan 9, 2015

I saw a 2014 viper a few weeks ago, it was black with a dark tint and dark grey wheels. I couldn't stop looking at it. I don't feel that way about the Vette. I think the Vette is a better car, but the viper does look good.

Reactions: 2

Zydzik

· #6 · Jan 9, 2015

Sounds to me like Dodge is copying GM and Porsche with interacting with the production of a vehicle to create a bond. Not a bad thing to copy these programs are awesome for those who can afford it.

Toto

· #7 · Jan 9, 2015

BlackGTP said:
it wont let me fix the header - can anyone do that for me?

Done.

For those who have the same problems, that's my solution:
- mark your post and press CTRL + C
- press 'Edit Post'
- press CTRL + V
- now you can edit your post

Well, not the best solution but it works.

Reactions: 1

BlackGTP

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 9, 2015

b4z said:
I saw a 2014 viper a few weeks ago, it was black with a dark tint and dark grey wheels. I couldn't stop looking at it. I don't feel that way about the Vette. I think the Vette is a better car, but the viper does look good.

I aways feel a lot more passion for the Corvette where the Viper doesn't leave me as engauged. Maybe iits because the Vette has always been there my whole life while the Viper is a Johnny come lately, or because it doesn't look much different than the first Viper.... But that's why we have so many different cars - some people love a model, others don't.

Reactions: 1

BuickGNX

· #9 · Jan 9, 2015 (Edited)

BlackGTP said:
I aways feel a lot more passion for the Corvette where the Viper doesn't leave me as engauged. Maybe iits because the Vette has always been there my whole life while the Viper is a Johnny come lately, or because it doesn't look much different than the first Viper.... But that's why we have so many different cars - some people love a model, others don't.

I feel the complete opposite. I get passionate for the throwback muscle car, handbuilt Viper.... The current Corvette is a beautiful machine in its own right, but it feels a bit too sterile for me to get passionate about. I really think it depends on your age where the Viper sits on the scale of desirability. If you were a kid that grew up in the 1980's (like me) -- the Viper was the hot car to have when it debuted in '89... At that time, the C4 seemed like an also-ran that was cobbled together with an afterthought interior. Not to mention the sheer insanity of an 8.0+ liter motor under the hood in every one of them...... The first Corvette I ever drove had a crossfire V8 -- let's just say it left quite an impressive (or lack thereof).

Reactions: 2

63GrandSport001

· #10 · Jan 9, 2015

I love both the c7 corvette and the viper, they are both insane cars. If I would have said on this site a year ago that a $100,000 corvette can lap with a million dollar Porsche, Ferrari, or McLaren who would have believed it.

Zydzik

· #11 · Jan 9, 2015

Dodge Viper its all in the name you should dodge on the dealer once they draw up the financing. In my opinion it is not worth it GTR, Z06, GT3, R8, 911 Turbo S, so many other options that provide better performance, better livability and value. Ralph Gilles needs to get the next gen pushed ahead asap. When you launch a new vehicle and in its first test it runs slower than an established and wrung out to the max swan song ZR-1 you have a credibility issue. Especially after you then bitch about it and create a special model just to save face. VIPER TA (Try-Again)

sfbreh

· #12 · Jan 9, 2015

Zydzik said:
Sounds to me like Dodge is copying GM and Porsche with interacting with the production of a vehicle to create a bond. Not a bad thing to copy these programs are awesome for those who can afford it.

GM should definitely do a similar build program for Cadillacs, at least for the V-series cars.

A Cadillac museum... yes, please. A bespoke center, a build center, a delivery center, a heritage center, and maybe even a small track all rolled into one? Yes please.

Do them one better and offer some type of accommodations. Partner with Ritz Carlton for it. Something.

69gtsdart

· #13 · Jan 10, 2015

sfbreh said:
GM should definitely do a similar build program for Cadillacs, at least for the V-series cars.

A Cadillac museum... yes, please. A bespoke center, a build center, a delivery center, a heritage center, and maybe even a small track all rolled into one? Yes please.

Do them one better and offer some type of accommodations. Partner with Ritz Carlton for it. Something.

Won't be easy for assembly line cars.

Speedjerk

· #14 · Jan 10, 2015

63GrandSport001 said:
I love both the c7 corvette and the viper, they are both insane cars. If I would have said on this site a year ago that a $100,000 corvette can lap with a million dollar Porsche, Ferrari, or McLaren who would have believed it.

Just one lap. Don't go pushing your luck.

Speedjerk

· #15 · Jan 10, 2015 (Edited)

Zydzik said:
Dodge Viper its all in the name you should dodge on the dealer once they draw up the financing. In my opinion it is not worth it GTR, Z06, GT3, R8, 911 Turbo S, so many other options that provide better performance, better livability and value. Ralph Gilles needs to get the next gen pushed ahead asap. When you launch a new vehicle and in its first test it runs slower than an established and wrung out to the max swan song ZR-1 you have a credibility issue. Especially after you then bitch about it and create a special model just to save face. VIPER TA (Try-Again)

Tell that to all the Viper owners who are whooping ass on C7 Z06's. Trap speeds for the Viper are 130--135 MPH, whereas with the new Z...125-130 MPH. Big difference!

The C7Z is not any quicker than a ZR1. Around VIR, both cars driven by Jim Mero posted within 4 seconds of each other. The delta is due to the new Cup tires (two seconds per Michelin testing) and the fact VIR's Grand Course was resurfaced and then widened in critical areas last spring. VIR claims the 4.1 mile FULL course is now two seconds per lap faster. I have no doubt the Viper TA would run within a second of the new Z at VIR equally tired. After the second to third lap, however, I have no doubt the Viper would be ahead....and stay ahead.

1/4 Mile drag times for Viper, Z06, ZR1 and Hellcat
http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...drag-times-for-viper-z06-zr1-and-hellcat.html

Road tests conducted by automotive MSM indicate the same delta of 5 MPH.

Tadge Comments on Nurburgring and VIR
http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...14-tadge-comments-on-nurburgring-and-vir.html

Read all the comments at the above links.

Speedjerk

· #16 · Jan 10, 2015

I personally think GM dropped the ball with the new Z by taking it down a road more suited for a GT car, which it ultimately is. As for the Viper, it just needs more power and an AT. The price is competitive now and if I were looking to upgrade to something brand new, that is the vehicle I'd buy (unless the new GT4 is truly a performance bargain).

BTW, the Viper is sex on wheels in the flesh. It will also age gracefully due to its classic design.

Novak454

· #17 · Jan 10, 2015

All I see when I see this article is that Corvette has no reason NOT to offer some kind of factory ordered customization. 911 has it, now Viper (varying degrees, I know). I can only imagine if there were some sub-shops nearby Bowling Green that could custom dye and stich interior panels / seats.... ah the money GM could make. And if it piloted well, move out into Cadillac and/or GMC as well.
IMHO.

69gtsdart

· #18 · Jan 10, 2015

Question is, Can they do this type of service for Machine built cars like the Corvette other GM Cars?

JimmyDiablo

· #19 · Jan 10, 2015

How do you go through life so clueless. Everything but the pictures are already offered to Corvette buyers.

BlackGTP

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jan 10, 2015

Does the Corvette need to have such customization? While nice, it already has strong sales. That's why I was thinking to apply this to Cadillac where it can use little extras like this to help sales (just like the Viper).

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