Quote:
Originally Posted by McRat
I'm not going to bet on that. More likely would be Dodge cutting the head off the Viper. It's not a money maker like the Vette is.
What is missing? Dodge can't field a LeMans competitor to the C7R. In March they pulled the plug. The 5th gen Viper GTS-R racecar did not do well against the competition.
Without LeMans (or at least other RR victories), it will be harder to sell Vipers against the competition.
The Viper has enjoyed a power-to-weight advantage over it's competition for most it's years of production. But that might not be the case in 2015.
The new Z06 will come in many flavors, unlike earlier versions. There will be track focused aero package options. The hot version of the Z06 is probably going pummel the 2014 Viper TA. Like the Z06's before it, they tend to be game changers.
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SRT didn't go to Le Mans because the race budget didn't increase over last year and they want to concentrate on GTLM class at TUDOR. Le Mans isn't a points race. SRT came 2nd and 3rd with two podium finishes last week. Very close race between the C7R and GTS-R.
The Viper TA is #1 right now. I would be severely disappointed if the next Z06 doesn't eclipse the Gen V TA's performance. I hope it does. It will only push SRT to develop an even more wild ACR. The Viper has a really good platform to work with, and the old ACR-X is a good teaser of the potential of the next ACR. It is a great time to be a car guy.
According to Chrysler's 5 year plan, 2015MY is a mid-cycle refresh and the gen V will last until 2018.
The Gen V's engineering goals were the following:
1. Build a lighter Viper
2. Provide modern refinement and an optional NVH package(GTS trim)
3. Provide the best handling Viper ever
4. Build a more powerful Viper
5. Optimize gear ratios for top performance and around-town drivability
6. Improve ergonomics and comfort
7. Provide world-class fit and finish
8. Update Viper to meet new safety standards
9. Collaborate with Viper race program to share street and racing technology
10. Build the fastest street-legal track car in the world
P.S. Corvette ZR1 and Z06 didn't exactly light the world on fire based on sales.
805 SRT Vipers built for 2013MY
471 Chevrolet Corvette Z06s built for 2013MY
482 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s built for 2013MY
Viper:
2008MY — 1579
2009MY — 482
2010MY — 392
The Viper never exactly sold well.... Keep in mind the 2008-2010 numbers include convertible and ACR. 2013+ is coupe only. SRT was successful in getting higher transaction prices for the Viper.*