How will Viper Nation and the VOA change with production ending

[Bruce H.]

New generations of Viper have likely always stimulated great interest in the past, and I know many owners have enjoyed looking forward to the next upcoming Viper, and have upgraded or added to their collection through the years. Dodge/SRT were also a huge part of VOA NVE 1 in Detroit, and again a part of NVE 2 in New Orleans. Not sure what involvement they'll have now.

I only joined the scene in 2013 after the Gen V was released, and was already focused on what was coming out next even before ordering my '14 TA. I had hopes for a Gen 5 vert, and dared to dream of a Gen 6 that I'd just have to own as well. I feel a sense of loss (which actually started the day Tim took over from Ralph and then killed the race program), I wonder if Viper will ever make a comeback, and more likely what other brands might feed my addiction for something new and exciting.

So what changes do you all see for Viper Nation?

Bruce

[plumcrazy]

<<--- agrees viper lost some flavor when ralph left it

[ACRSNK]

I think there are a lot of great Viper owners out there who will keep things going strong. There will always be used Vipers for those who weren't able to pull the trigger before production ended. I think the Viper community will continue to flourish moving forward. I

[ViperGeorge]

Ralph had a vision for the Viper program for sure but he left the marketing of the Gen 5 to a bunch of idiots. I do believe had it been properly marketed it wouldn't have been killed. Too bad. As far as the club goes, our region will remain very active until our cars are too old to drive.

[swexlin]

<<--- agrees viper lost some flavor when ralph left it

Agree. Several years in a row, Ralph came to Carlisle, and hung out all day with the Viper, Challenger, Charger, and all us who were showing SRT vehicles. Must have signed 100+ valve covers, and spoke with us all.

While I'm happy he keeps moving up within FCA, the Viper program started dying the day he left, IMO. I do agree that his one mistake was the atrocious (non-existent) marketing for the Gen 5. Only when the ACR came out did Viper start appearing in Dodge commercials on TV.

[Martin]

I see the club actually getting much more tight-knit now that no new cars are coming out. Let's face it, except for the Gen I and Gen II days, every time a new car came out people had something to bitch about it. I think the Gen V is the best one yet, especially the ACR-E, yet look how many threads disintegrate into a Viper or FCA bashing session.

That said, when meeting with club members in person, it's a whole different story - everyone shares a love for the car. I think that, once the cars that we have on the road are the perpetual gene pool, the club will get closer and the love for the car will grow.

As far as what comes next, who knows. I don't think we'll ever see another big V-10 monster made in the US (unless Trump does away with the EPA, which I'm kind of keeping my fingers crossed for...). If that happens, we'll see some wild rides come back while manufacturers can get away with things and not be throttled and smothered by regulations.

[ViperTony]

Changes? Honestly? All of the Viper value discussions disappear and the people behind the "my dealer edition is more special than your final edition" or vice-versa threads disappear and die. Seriously. Call it the new breed of Viper owner but Viper Nation's future can't be hinged on value debates. Otherwise the pussification of the Viper Nation is assured.

[uberpube]

While I'm happy he keeps moving up within FCA, the Viper program started dying the day he left, IMO. I do agree that his one mistake was the atrocious (non-existent) marketing for the Gen 5. Only when the ACR came out did Viper start appearing in Dodge commercials on TV.

Yup.. They should have had some cars put together just to put on tour through dealers so people could see the car at least, Making it such a shit show to order one didn't help.. At least if they had one car go to each dealer for a week , maybe some of the dealership sales people would actually know what a Viper is and that Dodge made it... Yes I ran into those kind of sales people, the word Viper just elicited blank puzzled stares....

[Martin]

Yup.. They should have had some cars put together just to put on tour through dealers so people could see the car at least, Making it such a shit show to order one didn't help.. At least if they had one car go to each dealer for a week , maybe some of the dealership sales people would actually know what a Viper is and that Dodge made it... Yes I ran into those kind of sales people, the word Viper just elicited blank puzzled stares....

Hahaha - you're right, and add to that the general public. To counter that, I often go up to new Vette owners and say "wow, that's a really cool Viper - but I thought they looked a lot more exotic and unique." It's kind of fun, although I've almost been punched a few times.

[Camfab]

Honestly, the last time this happened in '10, it got quiet. The forums became a bit boring because new blood wasn't coming in. Look at the Gen II or other forums, the cars change hands and the same questions that have been hashed out 100x before, get asked over and over again. The reality is that a new car has to come around, because I'd guess unlike past generations the Gen V has brought in a bunch of new owners that were not previous Gen owners. That being said, my guess is that many of those owners will likely jump to the next greatest car. Vendors like Viper Exchange aren't in the business of developing parts for a car that is out of production. Again the Gen II is a perfect example of that. Guys used to brag about the high end parts that they bought for their Gen II's, it could have been a $4K set of Titanium headers or a 50K turbo build. Now guys are bragging about the $700 Chinese knock off parts they bought on Fleabay. It's a cycle. Nothing wrong that, it's just the way life works. Expect the forums to change.

[Martin]

Honestly, the last time this happened in '10, it got quiet. The forums became a bit boring because new blood wasn't coming in. Look at the Gen II or other forums, the cars change hands and the same questions that have been hashed out 100x before, get asked over and over again. The reality is that a new car has to come around, because I'd guess unlike past generations the Gen V has brought in a bunch of new owners that were not previous Gen owners. That being said, my guess is that many of those owners will likely jump to the next greatest car. Vendors like Viper Exchange aren't in the business of developing parts for a car that is out of production. Again the Gen II is a perfect example of that. Guys used to brag about the high end parts that they bought for their Gen II's, it could have been a $4K set of Titanium headers or a 50K turbo build. Now guys are bragging about the $700 Chinese knock off parts they bought on Fleabay. It's a cycle. Nothing wrong that, it's just the way life works. Expect the forums to change.

The end of the Gen IV was kind of a weird time. There was this frenzy about the '08 ACR, they were really hard to order, and then Chrysler went into bankruptcy and everyone was talking about how someone would swoop in and buy up the brand - to no avail (thank God). Then, '10 rolled around and dealers went nuts ordering everything possible - and prices fell through the floor for most. At the same time, we had all the drama around the "old club" and that turned a lot of people off (me included). I think this time will be different - but that's just me. These days seem "better" than times did back then, and despite the bitching and moaning that goes with quality control on some cars, people tend to fall in love with these things anyhow.

[rnj]

I see the club actually getting much more tight-knit now that no new cars are coming out. Let's face it, except for the Gen I and Gen II days, every time a new car came out people had something to bitch about it. I think the Gen V is the best one yet, especially the ACR-E, yet look how many threads disintegrate into a Viper or FCA bashing session.

That said, when meeting with club members in person, it's a whole different story - everyone shares a love for the car. I think that, once the cars that we have on the road are the perpetual gene pool, the club will get closer and the love for the car will grow.

As far as what comes next, who knows. I don't think we'll ever see another big V-10 monster made in the US (unless Trump does away with the EPA, which I'm kind of keeping my fingers crossed for...). If that happens, we'll see some wild rides come back while manufacturers can get away with things and not be throttled and smothered by regulations.

I bought my second viper end of last summer. With my first I never joined a Viper club, with my second, my wife and I went to a local meeting and were very much amazed by the enthusiasm exhibited by the members. Pulling onto a parking lot full of Vipers is a lot of fun, especially for the first time.
As long as people value the uniqueness and individuality of there vehicles.. I think the Viper Club will remain strong. A Viper is an eye catcher, other brands are cookie cutter common, Vipers still exhibit the draw that is relegated to the 'super-car'. As new members join upon achieving their dream of obtaining a Viper, I expect the diversity will keep it interesting. In my never so humble opinion, the Viper remains true to the closest thing to a real 'sports car' , the electronics and technology enhanced vehicles are inching closer and closer to 'push a button' and take a fast ride around the track. Vipers will always be the raw essence of driving a sports car... as in it's predecessors; the Cobra, early Corvettes.

[Stealth78]

I truly don't understand how the Viper can be axed. How is it that every one of us realizes how horrible or just simply the lack of marketing the GenV received but yet FCA didn't? They finally get the ball rolling and then end production, stupid. For me it is complete disappointment. I started years back with an SRT Ram, bought a GenIII, now have a GenIV, and would certainly be looking for my first brand new Viper purchase within the next year or two. After having two Viper powered pick-up trucks and two Vipers I am absolutely hooked. I have always been a huge fan of the NA monster, and if they ever did come out with a GenVI and was a smaller displacement FI setup I think I would be disappointed. If FCA decided to build a GenVI similar to what the GenV is they can count me in as a future customer.

[J TNT]

I can foresee regions coming together for events .

[Coloviper]

Club will be fine! The Viper however will be RIP, never to return after 2017. Hey no tears as it is 23 years longer than anyone gave it in the beginning years anyway. Chrysler ME is FCAs only direction now and that should be a new brand name anyway. Just let the snake die with dignity even if it has no champions in FCA to move it forth.

[SilveRT8]

I can foresee regions coming together for events .

Looking forward to meeting you guys !

[FSTENUF]

Car clubs have been around since well the invention of the car so this is no different. People will buy, trade and sell their cars just like all the ones before our Viper. What everyone need to realize is that the "people" in the clubs is what makes a club GREAT. The car is only one part of the equation and I mite add the smallest part. You don't go to a event to hang out with people you don't like you go to see friends and have a good time. While to production may have ended the friendships will last a life time and that is what the VOA has been for my wife and I. If my car fades away into the dust the people we have met across the country will last forever. I am sorry to see the Viper end its run but it went out on TOP as the baddest ride to ever come out of Detroit !!!
Just my 2 cents
John

[Bill Pemberton]

I have to believe we will all become more close knit and to some degree we are seeing it in our own Region now. More folks are showing up for meetings and chatting together, so there is a very real feeling out there that the owners and the Club could become tighter -- the realities of only 32-33,000 Vipers ever built will hit the automotive psyche in my humble opinion.

Also , just my personal opinion, but I firmly believe the Viper will be back , though likely more in name only. To me it is analogous to the " Hemi" name , which is likely to persevere even if on smaller motors , due to the name recognition. I find it hard to believe with the FCA prevailing thought of Manufacturer integration to build more models , less expensively , that we won't see a Viper in the future that is a redesign of an Alfa based sports car , or use of that platform? With Ralph , hopefully, still in charge of design, the long hood , short deck flow of the Viper should emerge, but I don't believe it will be the same as now. The big block and especially the manual , is going to be super rare ----- just look at the pricing of manual Ferraris, can not believe we will see many three pedal machines in the coming years!?

[Stealth78]

I have to believe we will all become more close knit and to some degree we are seeing it in our own Region now. More folks are showing up for meetings and chatting together, so there is a very real feeling out there that the owners and the Club could become tighter -- the realities of only 32-33,000 Vipers ever built will hit the automotive psyche in my humble opinion.

Also , just my personal opinion, but I firmly believe the Viper will be back , though likely more in name only. To me it is analogous to the " Hemi" name , which is likely to persevere even if on smaller motors , due to the name recognition. I find it hard to believe with the FCA prevailing thought of Manufacturer integration to build more models , less expensively , that we won't see a Viper in the future that is a redesign of an Alfa based sports car , or use of that platform? With Ralph , hopefully, still in charge of design, the long hood , short deck flow of the Viper should emerge, but I don't believe it will be the same as now. The big block and especially the manual , is going to be super rare ----- just look at the pricing of manual Ferraris, can not believe we will see many three pedal machines in the coming years!?

I hope you are right... and wrong, Lol! I have accepted the fact that the future is not likely, meanwhile I will keep my fingers crossed for a 2020 Viper. "If you build it, they will come"

[Bill Pemberton]

Oh I wouldn't bet on anything , with my fuzzy crystal ball, before 2023!

[Martin]

Oh I wouldn't bet on anything , with my fuzzy crystal ball, before 2023!

Ugh, just don't let it come back as the Dodge Charger of the early/mid 80's. That was kind of a fun car, but definitely not what I was hoping for... If they let the Viper come back, at least do it with some dignity and not just a nameplate to sell crappy cars.

[ACRSNK]

Ugh, just don't let it come back as the Dodge Charger of the early/mid 80's. That was kind of a fun car, but definitely not what I was hoping for... If they let the Viper come back, at least do it with some dignity and not just a nameplate to sell crappy cars.

Agreed!

[Stealth78]

Agreed!

Hello Sir! Did you get a haircut?

[viper04]

<<--- agrees viper lost some flavor when ralph left it

+1 to that!!

[slysnake]

I wonder if there is any change in thinking now that Trump is going to reduce EPA regulations.