Coming competition
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,260
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From: Chapel Hill NC
Coming competition
I am very glad to see the Viper back in production - coming. I am also glad to see it is declared as the halo car for the SRT line. I am glad to see the rumors aiming it to more mainstream. Also the rumors that it will go racing. All this is good for the Corvette as I believe there's nothing like competition to motivate GM to make Corvette better. Even the person who heads GM understands that - I hope.
The announced NSX will have little if any impact on the sales of either the Vett or the Viper - IMO. Honda did impact everyone with the original NSX by showing you could build a high performance car that was not a garage queen. But that time is long past. Honda sport cars are always low on torque, so it will be interesting to see if the new NSX has the rumored battery augmented awd and that if that augmentation is used to make up for the low torque from the gasoline engine. If priced correctly, it looks like competiton for the Porsche, Audi and Ferrari buyer. I guess it that sense it fits the luxury market where the Vett competes. But I can't see a Vett buyer cross shopping the NXS.
I do see a Vett buyer cross shopping a Viper if the Viper has the announced move toward the mainstream driver.
The announced NSX will have little if any impact on the sales of either the Vett or the Viper - IMO. Honda did impact everyone with the original NSX by showing you could build a high performance car that was not a garage queen. But that time is long past. Honda sport cars are always low on torque, so it will be interesting to see if the new NSX has the rumored battery augmented awd and that if that augmentation is used to make up for the low torque from the gasoline engine. If priced correctly, it looks like competiton for the Porsche, Audi and Ferrari buyer. I guess it that sense it fits the luxury market where the Vett competes. But I can't see a Vett buyer cross shopping the NXS.
I do see a Vett buyer cross shopping a Viper if the Viper has the announced move toward the mainstream driver.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 15
At one point they were talking about Viper as being another modified Alpha Romeo with Chrysler badge on it. But the recent news indicate, that it's still from the viper generation now. So I wonder if it's still the same engine design just larger or new engine?
As far as NSX goes, as you said, the low torq is huge turn off to anyone who has had big torq cars before. Torq is very addictive and it's hard to forget and settle for something that doesn't have that kick-in-the-butt feeling.
But I think many Corvette owners will be looking/considering the new Viper.
As far as NSX goes, as you said, the low torq is huge turn off to anyone who has had big torq cars before. Torq is very addictive and it's hard to forget and settle for something that doesn't have that kick-in-the-butt feeling.
But I think many Corvette owners will be looking/considering the new Viper.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 871
Likes: 3
From: Alpha/Coopersburg NJ/PA
Yeah, the Viper needs a rethink. With the C6Z and ZR1 the only viper really worth buying is the ACR.
That said, the viper definitely has more presence than the Vette. You see a Vette ZR1, and you're like "Super car....?"
You see a Viper base model, and it's "SUPER CAR!"
Performance doesn't factor in as much as price and exclusivity. Just ask Aston Martin.
That said, they're going to have to step up the Viper if they want to run with us now. The old one is just a skittery over-priced battleship.
That said, the viper definitely has more presence than the Vette. You see a Vette ZR1, and you're like "Super car....?"
You see a Viper base model, and it's "SUPER CAR!"
Performance doesn't factor in as much as price and exclusivity. Just ask Aston Martin.
That said, they're going to have to step up the Viper if they want to run with us now. The old one is just a skittery over-priced battleship.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 8
The upcoming Jaguar CX-16 will be direct competition not only in price range but power too. Suppose to be around $60K-$100K.
Ford is rumor to be bringing back the GT-150 too with the new Mustang Shelby GT500 engine in it too. Could be direct competition in the ZR1!
Ford is rumor to be bringing back the GT-150 too with the new Mustang Shelby GT500 engine in it too. Could be direct competition in the ZR1!
Last edited by HarryWild; Jan 3, 2012 at 09:04 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 15
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Yeah, the Viper needs a rethink. With the C6Z and ZR1 the only viper really worth buying is the ACR.
That said, the viper definitely has more presence than the Vette. You see a Vette ZR1, and you're like "Super car....?"
You see a Viper base model, and it's "SUPER CAR!"
Performance doesn't factor in as much as price and exclusivity. Just ask Aston Martin.
That said, they're going to have to step up the Viper if they want to run with us now. The old one is just a skittery over-priced battleship.
That said, the viper definitely has more presence than the Vette. You see a Vette ZR1, and you're like "Super car....?"
You see a Viper base model, and it's "SUPER CAR!"
Performance doesn't factor in as much as price and exclusivity. Just ask Aston Martin.
That said, they're going to have to step up the Viper if they want to run with us now. The old one is just a skittery over-priced battleship.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 871
Likes: 3
From: Alpha/Coopersburg NJ/PA
The "old" Viper ACR holds every road course record it chooses to grab.
Last edited by Endeka; Jan 5, 2012 at 04:14 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Pittsburg KS
interesting
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 448
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From: Dallas, TX
The standard Viper is very stiff competition for a Z06, and I think a bunch of folks on here think it's better on a track.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: USA
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
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From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Is the viper ACR even street legal? I mean, it has a gigantic wing in the back, racing tires, a proper, 1 inch off the ground front splitter, etc. So, yeah, sure, it may hold every single lap record there is for a non "race" car, but that's about all you can do with it. You're not going to see a viper ACR on the freeway, or around town, and theres a reason for that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
Is the viper ACR even street legal? I mean, it has a gigantic wing in the back, racing tires, a proper, 1 inch off the ground front splitter, etc. So, yeah, sure, it may hold every single lap record there is for a non "race" car, but that's about all you can do with it. You're not going to see a viper ACR on the freeway, or around town, and theres a reason for that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Is the viper ACR even street legal? I mean, it has a gigantic wing in the back, racing tires, a proper, 1 inch off the ground front splitter, etc. So, yeah, sure, it may hold every single lap record there is for a non "race" car, but that's about all you can do with it. You're not going to see a viper ACR on the freeway, or around town, and theres a reason for that.
Heck, the Viper base coupe has no electronic driver aids, is rough and radical for daily use, the seats pinch your ***, and entry and exit is hard if you are big. Most ACRs may be difficult for larger drivers.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 8
I like Corvetttes but if Lexus actually makes this sport car for $60-$100K and it still looks like this; I may jump ship!
It called the Lexus LF-LC sport coupe design and will be shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto show starting on Monday!
I take that back; it has an ugly front end; the same one used on their 2012 GS350!
Last edited by HarryWild; Jan 8, 2012 at 04:15 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,861
Likes: 8
From: DC Metro
DC Area Events Coordinator
Some will consider a new Viper for the "Buy American" impact. But I'd like to see a C7 that doesn't need the "Buy American" pitch to win Corvette buyers. 
Corvette competes with cars selling from $45K to >$130K. It's a tall order. The ZR1 competitors are wildly different from a Corvette base 1LT.
The Acura brand is a mess right now, sales down, poor styling choices, and no halo car. Honda has deep pockets and they won't let it go on for long. I could see Acura reintroducing the NSX, and if they do it won't have flaws of the past. Lexus is trying to put some sizzle in their brand with the LFA. I saw one yesterday at Cars & Coffee, it attracted a big crowd and was awesome looking.
Cheers,
JB
Corvette competes with cars selling from $45K to >$130K. It's a tall order. The ZR1 competitors are wildly different from a Corvette base 1LT.
The Acura brand is a mess right now, sales down, poor styling choices, and no halo car. Honda has deep pockets and they won't let it go on for long. I could see Acura reintroducing the NSX, and if they do it won't have flaws of the past. Lexus is trying to put some sizzle in their brand with the LFA. I saw one yesterday at Cars & Coffee, it attracted a big crowd and was awesome looking.
Cheers,
JB
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 22,998
Likes: 6,045
From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
It's seems like it's the same carp or fish-like mouth that adorns a lot of Japanese styled cars lately.
And the badge on the side of the car isn't great either.
Agree with the OP, the Viper coming back is a good thing. Competition always improves the breed.
