It still looks like a cheap POS, IMNSHO. Who cares if it's noisy and fast? It is such a misguided hybrid of raw power and cheap plastic with zero aesthetic appeal. The GTS model is the only one that makes any sense. The RT-10 is Frankestein's monster.

Also, the start button IS a rip-off of the s2000. I guess you could call start buttons a "trend" now, but the Viper's is way, way too similar to ours. Also, the seats, the console, the glove box, etc. It's all way too familiar, but done in that cheap dollar-and-fifty-cent whore style that only a company like Dodge can achieve.

To quote Johnny Storm: "Flame off."

 

yeah sunchild!!!!

I love their use of the word "yestertech" too. Like it's hip to borrow from the ram truck parts bin and have no fany technology in your cars...

 

The hood is EXPENSIVE (I know, because a friend has his 95 RT/10 hood replaced)...

Same story on the C4 Corvette -- expensive clamshell hood... Think about it. If you get into a mishap that damages the right front "fender", you basically toast the entire hood...

Thats the reason the C5 ditched the clamshell hood and also the single piece rear clip. The C4's left rear fender and right rear fender were a single piece along with a panel that housed the gas tank door behind the hatch... EXPENSIVE to fix.

Thats why the C5 costs less to insure than the C4... I imagine Viper owners will have the same benefit (although most people that can own a Viper don't worry about the insurance costs)...

 

Have you seen the new Cirrus? One came up behind me and I thought it was a stook with a cross on the grill.

 

Yes, that new cirrus made me look twice and put on my glasses!

 

The new 2003 Viper a freaking beast. 500/500/500 is the magic number. 500 HP, 500 lb-ft of torque, 500 cubic inch V10.

 

Pretty impressive when next to the S2K. Yesterday, a 97 blue Viper with the 2 white racing stripes came out of a side street next to me on a 4 lane. I swear to God he was waiting on me. Lots of cars around but none around the two of us. He romped on it a little and pulled over into my lane. We came up to a stoplight and I could see his eyes looking in the driver's rearview. Well, the light turned green and he put down about 5 feet of double big tires, kickass, sound good, I wish I coulda done that rubber and smoke that I had to run through. I did and the rest of the driving public was now looking at me. Man, even now I just can't figure out the best response I could have given. I gave him a big smile and a thumbs up and thought to myself, just go on down the road.

 

STL, My old Viper hood had to be replaced due to flaws in the fiberglass sealant. The total cost under warrantee was $13,000.00 Can. It is the largest single plastic/fiberglass piece made in the auto industry and DC doesn't even make it. It's farmed out.
Sunchild, It don't matter if you think it's a POS. There is no doublt that when you put one of these in a parking lot with any number of other cars including our S2K, the Viper will get the most people (of all ages) gathered around it taking pictures. It DOES generate excitement. People from 6 to 96 know exactly what a Viper is. I've had people look at my S and ask, "what is that?" "Is it one of those new Mercedes or is it a BMW?"

 

The BMW Z8 has a starter button also.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]Sunchild, It don't matter if you think it's a POS.