Since it’s introduction back in 1992 the Dodge Viper has been an American icon, but the latest generation of Viper’s have seen sluggish sales, which has led to rampant speculation for its eventual demise. The Viper’s major issue is, or shall we say was its price tag – $135,000 simply was too much for the majority of buyers. Dodge took notice and reduced pricing to $100,000 on average and sales grew, but not by much. Fast forward to present day and Dodge is now giving the Viper’s MSRP a significant hair-cut in an all in a bid in order to provide a boost in sales for its supercar. While many will consider this a last ditch effort it certainly isn’t that.
The brand will cut $15,000 from the sticker price of the more than 600 unsold Vipers on dealer lots. It also will offer $15,000 coupons to recent Viper buyers to trade in their 2013 or 2014 Viper on a brand new one, or to buy an additional Viper, and it will open Viper sales to all Dodge dealers. – Automotive News
All of this is producing results, as reports value the sales at 108 Vipers in September, a big increase compared to earlier months where they sold 30 to 70 of the Viper on average. On the Viper’s best month before this one, they sold a mere 97 copies.
When you consider that for $85,000 you are now getting a V10 powered car that comes with manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and a lot of fun in it, it’s no wonder Dodge are selling them in numbers. Dodge Viper is powered by an aluminum 8.4 L V10 that produces 645 horsepower (477 kW; 649 PS) and at 600 lb•ft (813 N•m). All of this is good for a 0-62mph time of under 3.0 seconds. It is a muscle car in all its aspects. The reduced pricing may well put it ahead of the competition.
When Viper was first introduced, the U.S. MSRP was $50,700. Adjusted or inflation — that equates to $86,130 in today’s dollars. In a world of strict guidelines, rules and everything in between, a Dodge Viper is certainly needed. It bends them, produces a hair-standing effect on anyone who admires cars entirely, while also proving to us it’s just more than sheer numbers and luxurious interior (which Viper both has) which drive owners to it. While some may argue the whole philosophy with the Viper is outdated, that beauty is just what many of us are attracted to it by as well.
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