Automatic Versus Manual

[johniew398]

A lot of talk about from some that SRT should be trying to build the next version with an automatic.

Just wonder how many really would want an automatic?

[99RT10]

A lot of talk about from some that SRT should be trying to build the next version with an automatic.

Just wonder how many really would want an automatic?

Just to make it clear, the Viper will not be solely auto ever, but simply have it as an option, correct? And it would have to be a paddle shifter, not just a shifter on the console..............


P.S. I vote for a manual......................

[johniew398]

Just to make it clear, the Viper will not be solely auto ever, but simply have it as an option, correct? And it would have to be a paddle shifter, not just a shifter on the console..............


P.S. I vote for a manual......................

Yes - both trannies and the paddle shifter for the auto.

[Newport Viper]

http://www.xtrac.com/sectors/motorsport/sportscar

It's good to have options but, in a low volume business how many options can you have?

[ViperGTS]

Learn driving if you think you need an automatic in a spors car...

[Shooter]

Once I drive a new C7 Z06 with the auto, I'll make a decision. I might want something like that for the track. For the street car.....no

[Policy Limits]

75% in favor of stick....on here. Experiment with the same pole on social media...suspect different results.

[johniew398]

75% in favor of stick....on here. Experiment with the same pole on social media...suspect different results.

Ok, I'll do that on FB.

[Allan]

Needs to stay a little raw to be a Viper.

Other sports cars can become champagne and fine wine.
The Viper should always be the Jack Daniels of the sports car world.

.............one of the new options should be bail money.

[VoodooRob]

On here the poll will be heavily in favor of manual trans. no doubt. If this was a poll where the general public could vote, the results would show much more interest in an automatic option. Personally I like the manual but would like auto as an option so the car is more attractive to a broader demographic. More sales = Viper lives on.

[Joel]

Having a manual only sounds good since we all already have manual transmissions but I suspect my wife, who can drive a manual, would much prefer an automatic. She won't drive the car because of the heavy feel of the Viper manual and I think both of us would enjoy the car more if we could both ride as passengers from time to time. I know long drives would be more enjoyable if she could feel comfortable driving the car. I prefer a manual but the option ought to be there for those who won't buy the car because it is a stick only.

[mnc2886]

On here the poll will be heavily in favor of manual trans. no doubt. If this was a poll where the general public could vote, the results would show much more interest in an automatic option. Personally I like the manual but would like auto as an option so the car is more attractive to a broader demographic. More sales = Viper lives on.

This should be the thought process.

[RedTanRT/10]

Learn driving if you think you need an automatic in a spors car...

I agree for a sports car on open roads, nothing like it, stick makes you learn to control the car. For the track, I'd take a clutchless trans in a heartbeat. Similarly, I can threshold brake but I'm faster w/abs.

[johniew398]

On here the poll will be heavily in favor of manual trans. no doubt. If this was a poll where the general public could vote, the results would show much more interest in an automatic option. Personally I like the manual but would like auto as an option so the car is more attractive to a broader demographic. More sales = Viper lives on.

Probably true but the general public aren't going to buy a Viper.

[ViperSmith]

I'd trade my '13 for one.

I don't mind driving a manual at all. But, in reality, shifting is pretty much second nature anyway, so I am not sure I get the "experience" that goes along with it.

Give me a DCT and I'll buy it.

[slitherv10]

This option of auto trans is just going to end up being another option a handful of people want to see on the car but never buy it with or without one. Same thing that happened to SRT when they took feedback from everyone about what the Viper was missing and when they came up with all the options that it lacked, those people that asked for the options never ended up buying one and the people that bought one wanted to have the option of adding whatever they wanted and not what the dealers or SRT handed out. Its a never ending battle of I want this but don't want it for myself.
Spending countless amounts of money on developing an auto trans/paddle shift option will make that car even more expensive and put it even further away from the Viper buyer who is complaining about the price now.
I don't think any of us really are asking for something we would buy, but, mostly something we would like to see. That kind of thinking does not sell cars.
I would love to see the car with 1500HP twin turbo paddle shifted boost controlled redesigned front nose carbon fibre everywhere car.....lol....but....when they make it for me....I won't or can't buy it. That does not make any sense.

SRT is trying to be practical and follow Govnmnt restrictions and regulations and at the same time make an affordable car with everything we all want that cost millions to make.....lol....Ya ok....what dream world are we all in.

[ViperGTS]

I dont need a leather dashboard,
I dont need cupholders,
I dont need computer gimmicks,
...
What I need (want) is raw power under my control.
The Gen-4 is already a big step backwards with the electronic gas pedal (I got used to it but prefer the Gen-2 in this respect).

Tranny?
It is all about control. With a clutch and a manual tranny, you, the driver has total control how much torque goes to the rear wheels.
Anytime.
An automatic tranny will be computer controlled. Taking away control from the driver. Not good.
IF you want an automatic tranny, buy a Porsche, a Corvette etc.

[VoodooRob]

Probably true but the general public aren't going to buy a Viper.

Viper was always a great car among good and ok cars. Now the Viper is a better car among better cars. Options will get people interested in putting down a deposit.

[Joel]

So does your SRT-8 Jeep have a manual? I agree with your "don't needs" but an automatic won't take away from a Viper. We have older members in the club who have sold their cars because they can't drive it. Just sayin' - one way ain't always the right way.

I dont need a leather dashboard,
I dont need cupholders,
I dont need computer gimmicks,
...
What I need (want) is raw power under my control.
The Gen-4 is already a big step backwards with the electronic gas pedal (I got used to it but prefer the Gen-2 in this respect).

Tranny?
It is all about control. With a clutch and a manual tranny, you, the driver has total control how much torque goes to the rear wheels.
Anytime.
An automatic tranny will be computer controlled. Taking away control from the driver. Not good.
IF you want an automatic tranny, buy a Porsche, a Corvette etc.

[ViperGTS]

:-)

The whole discussion should not be about disabled or eldery people who cant push the clutch anymore...not fair.
The Viper is definitely a car for a 'different' group of people.

My SRT-8 Jeep has an automatic and it is one of my DDs. In a DD it is ok.
At least I can select a single gear. And the automatic downshifting when I brake very hard is OK too :-)
But, I hate the ESP in that car!

[Bill Pemberton]

Like ViperGTS my heart says manual only, but Joel has discussed what we are seeing more and more in the Viper World. The discussion maybe should not be about older folks and the disabled, as
ViperGTS mentioned, but it is a natural fact of the life of a specialty car -- the buying group ages with the machine. We have to realize that a car that has been around since 1992, now has many
owners in their 70s and some even in their 80s. The question we all must honestly ask, is as we get older , do we want to be in a position we can no longer have a Viper because of arthritis or other
health concerns. I know there are customers already who due to sports injuries, age, and yes , war, can not get a Viper and it is a strong desire that can no longer be obtained. For years I had two
parapalegic soldiers who were hoping for a Viper and the dream of an automatic possibly coming was enough to hold them off for awhile. They have moved on to another sportscar ( one is in a Porsche, the
other in a Corvette), but more common now are customers who have had 2-5 Vipers but the next one will not occur unless there is an automatic. So it is a very difficult decision and one that
will have to be addressed in the future, because there will be those of us on this very Forum who will no longer be able to drive a manual in comfort, and yet our passion for the Snake will not be any less.

[ViperSmith]

I dont need a leather dashboard,
I dont need cupholders,

The base SRT has neither

I dont need computer gimmicks,
...l

SRT can do nothing about federal law

[VYPR BYT]

Personally I vote stick...

but if it means selling more cars then I'm ok with automatic as an option

[commandomatt]

Like ViperGTS my heart says manual only, but Joel has discussed what we are seeing more and more in the Viper World. The discussion maybe should not be about older folks and the disabled, as
ViperGTS mentioned, but it is a natural fact of the life of a specialty car -- the buying group ages with the machine. We have to realize that a car that has been around since 1992, now has many
owners in their 70s and some even in their 80s. The question we all must honestly ask, is as we get older , do we want to be in a position we can no longer have a Viper because of arthritis or other
health concerns. I know there are customers already who due to sports injuries, age, and yes , war, can not get a Viper and it is a strong desire that can no longer be obtained. For years I had two
parapalegic soldiers who were hoping for a Viper and the dream of an automatic possibly coming was enough to hold them off for awhile. They have moved on to another sportscar ( one is in a Porsche, the
other in a Corvette), but more common now are customers who have had 2-5 Vipers but the next one will not occur unless there is an automatic. So it is a very difficult decision and one that
will have to be addressed in the future, because there will be those of us on this very Forum who will no longer be able to drive a manual in comfort, and yet our passion for the Snake will not be any less.

I can see your point but I don't think we can expect the Viper to change just because the current owner is getting older or less able to drive the car as it is. This car will never 'fit' everyone.

Its really hard to get in and out of the car...even for someone in good shape. Does this mean that we should ask for a different design that allows for easier entry and exit ? I don't think so.

The key is to attract a 'new' buyer. Not just rely on those that are currently owners. Look at what is happening to H-D. 10 years ago the average age of a H-D owner was 50. Today that number is 60. This is a really bad stat since it essentially means that the bike is not getting the attention of a new, younger buyer. With this trend it will fade away. We can not let this happen to the Viper

It needs to evolve and be as good as it can be ....without loosing its heritage and soul

Do I think it needs a performance version of an Auto ? Yes....but make it an option. I think a customer that wants it will jump for 15-20 K option just like they did a 14K paint job

Matt

[slitherv10]

Putting it in a demographic point of view, looking at it in a business perspective (SRT), it does not make sense to cater to a few (older folk) over the larger market (35-55) give or take some years if I offended anyone.....
We all know that we have to opt out of some things that our hearts desire. Its just the fact of getting older.
Getting a Challenger or SRT Jeep or maybe even a CTS-V may make more sense at that point.

You can make some people happy some of the time but not all people all of the time