They are a way to create excitement about the brand, showcase new technology, and market the maker's other offerings. with the limited number of vipers dodge makes there is no way they are making much money on them when you consider the cost of tooling and manufacturing. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to maximize the market for a vehicle through adding expensive options. you're ignoring basic rules of economics. At this time dodge had decided that they do not derive enough utility from offering the viper with an automatic to bring it to market. as stated above, Dodge will only offer an automatic of it improves performance, which it would with a dual clutch sequential gearbox