So I Met a GTS Owner Today..

[Troublemaker]

I have to admit, this car has definitely grown on me. I am going to sit back and see if the prices tank this Fall like they have historically. I happened to be up at a dealer checking out a Dart for a work beater and saw a beautiful GTS inside for the bargain price of $154,800.

[Crotalidae]

I followed the Viper from 1992. Wish I could have purchased one when they came out. They were a lot of money back then for a working stiff.

Over the years I followed the car in the forums, magazines, and in person whenever I could. I sat in all the generations and wasted a bunch of salesman's time, but never could buy one.

I remember in certain forums people bashed other generation Vipers and I could never understand why. I thought to myself if I could only have one I'd never talk trash about it!!!

Well, I finally pulled the plug and bought a 2013 Gen5 in black. I was going to name it, but didn't have a clue what to call it. I thought of some pretty tough names but they all sounded silly, so I waited.

When I picked up the car from the dealer and drove it home 400+ miles the trip was amazing. I had old ladies giving me the thumbs up, kids jumping and waving, and cars chasing me down to get a peak. I felt like I was a one car parade for the 400 miles!! It was absolutely bizzare the positive attention the car drew. I can't believe the number of people driving beside me taking selfies with their phones and me seeing my car in the phone.

When I stopped it was the same. The number of average Joe's that approached me respectfully and asked questions I could not answer was boggling. They were just absolutely jacked about the car(as I am) and they could care less that I did not have the answers. They just let their eyes feed on the car.

It became clear why Lutz and Iacocca produced this car. What a lift for a car company to have this Viper out there back in the early 90's. I could not imagine what it was like for the earlier generation owners rolling up in there cars!

I know my generation lacks the appeal of some earlier generation owners cars, but to the general public who has an interest in the Viper or just a fascination about a cool car they think we're all a "Rock Star

Consequently, that is what I named my car. That is how it makes me feel like when I'm behind the wheel.

The wait and purchase was worth it after all these years.

Nice to see some positive posts & excitement for the car!!!

[05Commemorative]

This is what I think as well. For a car with not much more power and in my opinion not as nice exterior styling I wouldn't pay the difference to trade up from my Gen 4 just for nice interior. For me there is not enough bang for the buck difference to switch from the Gen 4 to Gen 5.

Curious, which is it, the styling or power? If power, I will ask like FLATOUT if you have driven the car. If styling, then it makes sense and you should keep your Gen4. Just trying to figure out which one is the issue as I would have to assume styling because if it had more power, you still wouldn't be interested because of styling, right?

[Newport Viper]

Is there a convertible yet? Don't care about coupes. Those are for chickens.

[mblgjr]

I don't understand what everyone's fascination is with cutting the roof off.

The car is stiffer and safer with the roof on. Ultimately, faster/aerodynamically cleaner with the fastback roofline as well.

[MI Viper]

I don't understand what everyone's fascination is with cutting the roof off.

The car is stiffer and safer with the roof on. Ultimately, faster/aerodynamically cleaner with the fastback roofline as well.

different strokes for different folks, and that is what we are waiting on is a GenV or VI vert', that is what the wife likes, and it is her toy. The only time our top is up is when I wash the car! In Fl., a Vert' can be used all the time, it's neat feeling going to the beach with top down, plus there is NO blind spot. In the mean time I'm looking at another Viper power toy!
BTW, I have been 170 with the top down, windy to say the least but still fun as he!!

[mnc2886]

I don't understand what everyone's fascination is with cutting the roof off.

The car is stiffer and safer with the roof on. Ultimately, faster/aerodynamically cleaner with the fastback roofline as well.

If you do any research on Vipers, you will learn your first statement does not apply to Vipers as they were always designed as verts first. The roof is not used for structural rigidity. People want a vert because there are many Viper owners that verts is all they have ever had. They enjoy the cruise if you will. Not all are track rats and for some, most really, going 180 MPH with the top down isn't of any interest. They simply put the top up at the mile events and drag races.

[mblgjr]

I fully understand the viper was originally designed as a roadster. I never liked them either.

Any vehicle with a roof structure has the potential to be stiffer than without it.

I'm not a total track rat, but not a convertible lover either.

However I'm surprised someone hasn't hacked one yet like the FGT targa cars that were done.

The gen2 GTS is still an iconic design with sex appeal. Again, just comes down to preference.