Dear Daimler (PVO and Sales/Marketing),

I am writing to thank you for such a great idea and product such as the Neon SRT-4. The subtle looks, the aggressive powertrain, and the functionality of a "standard" Neon - What a great idea!

However... I must say I am a bit disappointed with your marketing techniques on such a fine automobile. Recently I attended a cruise/car show in St. Ignace, Michigan with my 2004 Electric Blue SRT-4. I was highly anticipating this show because of my new car, and the abilities and features it has. Upon arriving to the show the traditional cruise night began. Myself and friends in the SRT-4, with two Ford Mustangs in our group of cars as well. To my surprise (and disappointment) I was only met with jeers and snide comments about a "stupid Neon" and "It's still just a Neon", etc, etc, etc. These comments made no sense to me?? A small car with tremendous power and handling, yet it is the subject of insult?? With this being my first new car, and my first "nice/fast/cool" car I was hurt by these comments and ended my night of cruising early. Unfortunately the next night of cruising was only worse when even more insults and hatred were shown and yelled... Again, ending my night of cruising early.

The idea of jealously first entered my mind, but following a bright yellow 2001 Mustang Cobra which received no jeers only solitified my notions that - PEOPLE JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS CAR IS!!! They see the wing, and the hood scope and think we are just silly "imports" or "ricers". A few times through the cruise I would hear "What is that blue car behind the Mustang?" To my disappointment someone would reply "It's just a stupid Neon"...

Maybe if people knew about the 230 hp, or the 13.9 sec. quarter mile times there wouldn't be this problem. Maybe if the Neon hadn't been banished to the "cheap economy car" status that is has this would have been avoided. Either way, I find it disheartening.

I can only hope the next cruise/car show I attend will not be met with such hostility to such a great car. In the future, I encourage DaimlerChrysler to celebrate such achievements as the SRT product line, not just the Viper and the truck, but also such products as the Neon and other affordable products.

Sincerely (but disheartened),

- Jeremy

 

I will tell you what. if anybody as if my car is fast. i just tell them no. "Its just a slow neon." then when i pull up the line with them. i will shock the hell out of them. let them think what they want and when you beat the crap out of them from a neon. they will shut up or have question. Power to the SRT-4

David[

 

You also need to look at the source of where the comments are coming from. A bunch of Rustclang morons in their 15+ second V8's, now isn't that impressive. If you want to stick it to them it's fairly easy, even without racing them and making them limp home with their tails between their legs. Simply print out a copy of the Car and Driver review complete with performance data on the SRT-4 and do the same with the Mustang GT and persent them side by side when showing the car off, that ought to **** them off and start up their cryin'[sm=smiley19.gif].

 

yeah that would be really funny. i would have to bring my camera for that.

 

RR, I did just that!! I printed out the C&D review and ran xerox copies at work and put them in all the officer's "inboxes"....nothing but flattering comments since....(and nobody wants to race me, either).......[sm=smiley36.gif]

 

I take quite a bit of **** for mine too from a lot of guys at work. Even from people that know they cant touch me, sometimes it pisses me off but i dont show it, and when asked if its fast i just smile. im just waiting till i have enough power to take this one guys 3000gt then ill ask him to run cause he gives me quite a bit of ****, and i used to have a 95 3000gtvr4 just like his and those are some nice cars. but any who try not to let it get u down, if the car makes u happy then who gives a shiza what the dumb guys that dont know are saying.

 

Very true. One of my biggest "detractors" suddenly shut up after I showed him the DF website and the performance numbers for the SRT-4 and the comments from happy owners...[&:]

 

"The subtle looks, the aggressive powertrain, and the functionality of a "standard" Neon - What a great idea!"
Remember the economical Dodge Dart? I remember my economical Dodge Dart GTS (340-4 bbl). Same idea with the SRT-4.

"I must say I am a bit disappointed with your marketing techniques on such a fine automobile."
I wouldn't worry too much about their marketing, they have spent their time wisely...MP upgrades!

"Maybe if people knew about the 230 hp, or the 13.9 sec. quarter mile times..."
Believe me, they know. That's is one of the biggest reasons many still call it just a Neon , what else can they say bad about it? They cannot find any cons, so they try to put the 4-door economy label on it. Let them continue to try to find any negatives about the SRT-4.

Please look at my 0-60 times & 1/4 mile times post. You'll see all the respect you need to see when you compare this "Neon" to some other great muscle cars from the past and present.

Just enjoy your ride...you're fortunate.

 

i got a bunch of crap too the first day i drove the srt to work.everyone said i was stupid for getting rid of my civic.then i let them go for a ride and they all changed their minds and they all love it now,plus they were gripping the car like little girls when i floored it.

 

Here are 2 actual pictures of these Rustclang owners after being faced with the truth about how the SRT-4 performs as opposed to their dung heaps, while they run away from the truth back to their mommys:

[IMG]local://upfiles/193/Bz772738630.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/193/Xs577237403.gif[/IMG]