Stealth
08-14-2014, 01:38 AM
As many continue to debate the attributes of the Gen V, I thought I would point out a few reasons why it was the choice for me. (Which does not mean or imply that it will be the choice for you). I have owned many sportscars and sportbikes and have tracked most of them moderately. Most recently, I owned a Gen IV which I thought was a great car. I was looking for both more comfort and of course more performance in my next car!
First, I already started a thread regarding initial observations regarding moving from a Gen IV to a Gen V, so I will not cover it again here.
Second, here are some reasons that led me to a Gen V--even before I drove one.
1. Once I accepted the facts that the Volado concept was not going to happen and that power was not going to be 700, I began to look at the car and the competition more closely.
2. The Gen V is a refinement of Gen III and Gen IV, so Dodge had time to work on perfecting the handling, performance and design. There is something to be said for making the car better and better--many cars work this way--vs. starting with a first-year, clean slate design. The early pre-production GTS cars given to the mags are not indicative of the later producton cars.
3. The 991 TTs is $200k and is very boring looking and closely resembles the lower-line cars. Over priced and weak road course performance. GT3 is over-priced and does not have enough power. The GT2 will be $240k+.
4. The Audi R8 underperforms and is over priced. The older year models are even worse. The R8 is aging and is due to be replaced It also has some weird relationship with with the Gallardo in terms of chassis and powertrain.
5. I had no desire to have a older Ferrari or Lambo. Marginal performance, no torque, high poser factor, fragile and astronomical ownership costs.
6. This brings us to the Vette. I had 3 of these (2 modded Z06s). At first when I saw the C7, I was actually proud of GM for taking a bold new direction (unlike Dodge). However, the more I looked at the C7 in anticipation of the C7Z, the less I liked it. It felt cheap and looked cobbled together; the C7Z really looks cobbled together like a kit car. In addition, the C7Z: will have an auto tranny and not a DCT (but it will also have a M7); will have a supercharged V8 which looks a lot like the C7 V8 (I much prefer N/A or twin turbo); will likely be superseded by the C7ZR1; will not be available until next summer unless you are in a priority ordering positon with a major dealer; will be priced at or above MSRP for some time; will be $100k+ for a loaded up aero version; and will look much like any C7 with an aero kit.
7. Didn't like the looks, joke-of-a-back seat or V6 in the GTR. It is also set to be replaced with a new model.
8. Didn't want a heavy muscle car for my toy--707hp or otherwise. Of course, I think it is awesome that Dodge will have the Hellcat Challenger and Charger.
In contrast, for the Gen V: it is rock-solid dependable; it is more refined and comfortable than past Gens; it is more powerful than past Gens; there are smoking great deals available; with the right color and equipment conbinations it looks exotic and bada@@; and cost of ownership (after purchase) is quite reasonable.
So, for me (and only me), it became an easy decision to purchase a Gen V. Anyone on the fence should seriously try to get a ride in one or drive one in a spirted manner--preferrably an adjustible suspension model. The prices and choices are excellent now!
First, I already started a thread regarding initial observations regarding moving from a Gen IV to a Gen V, so I will not cover it again here.
Second, here are some reasons that led me to a Gen V--even before I drove one.
1. Once I accepted the facts that the Volado concept was not going to happen and that power was not going to be 700, I began to look at the car and the competition more closely.
2. The Gen V is a refinement of Gen III and Gen IV, so Dodge had time to work on perfecting the handling, performance and design. There is something to be said for making the car better and better--many cars work this way--vs. starting with a first-year, clean slate design. The early pre-production GTS cars given to the mags are not indicative of the later producton cars.
3. The 991 TTs is $200k and is very boring looking and closely resembles the lower-line cars. Over priced and weak road course performance. GT3 is over-priced and does not have enough power. The GT2 will be $240k+.
4. The Audi R8 underperforms and is over priced. The older year models are even worse. The R8 is aging and is due to be replaced It also has some weird relationship with with the Gallardo in terms of chassis and powertrain.
5. I had no desire to have a older Ferrari or Lambo. Marginal performance, no torque, high poser factor, fragile and astronomical ownership costs.
6. This brings us to the Vette. I had 3 of these (2 modded Z06s). At first when I saw the C7, I was actually proud of GM for taking a bold new direction (unlike Dodge). However, the more I looked at the C7 in anticipation of the C7Z, the less I liked it. It felt cheap and looked cobbled together; the C7Z really looks cobbled together like a kit car. In addition, the C7Z: will have an auto tranny and not a DCT (but it will also have a M7); will have a supercharged V8 which looks a lot like the C7 V8 (I much prefer N/A or twin turbo); will likely be superseded by the C7ZR1; will not be available until next summer unless you are in a priority ordering positon with a major dealer; will be priced at or above MSRP for some time; will be $100k+ for a loaded up aero version; and will look much like any C7 with an aero kit.
7. Didn't like the looks, joke-of-a-back seat or V6 in the GTR. It is also set to be replaced with a new model.
8. Didn't want a heavy muscle car for my toy--707hp or otherwise. Of course, I think it is awesome that Dodge will have the Hellcat Challenger and Charger.
In contrast, for the Gen V: it is rock-solid dependable; it is more refined and comfortable than past Gens; it is more powerful than past Gens; there are smoking great deals available; with the right color and equipment conbinations it looks exotic and bada@@; and cost of ownership (after purchase) is quite reasonable.
So, for me (and only me), it became an easy decision to purchase a Gen V. Anyone on the fence should seriously try to get a ride in one or drive one in a spirted manner--preferrably an adjustible suspension model. The prices and choices are excellent now!