Fiat kills Viper
#32
11-07-2009, 06:49 AM
It's not a permanent death. The Viper will only miss one model year and be back in 2012
Dodge to cease Viper production in July; all-new model slated for 2012
http://www.leftlanenews.com/dodge-to...-for-2012.html
Next-Gen Dodge Viper Due in 2012, No 2011 Model Will Be Built
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6573...ilt/index.html
Dodge to cease Viper production in July; all-new model slated for 2012
http://www.leftlanenews.com/dodge-to...-for-2012.html
Prior to Fiat’s acquisition of Chrysler, there were concerns the Viper would be discontinued for good. But one of Fiat’s first announcements after taking the helm was the Viper would live on. Today, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles announced that the automaker’s iconic high performance flagship will get a new lease on life for the 2012 model year when a fresh replacement bows.
To be designed with input from Chrysler’s new Italian owner, Fiat, which owns Ferrari and Maserati among other brands, the new Viper will be the best of the breed, according to Gilles. Few details are known, including whether the car will retain a V10 powertrain or go with something cribbed from an Italian stable.
The current Viper will go out of production in July 2010, but not before 500 special edition models are introduced. Gilles didn’t clarify what will set these new variants apart, but he did hint that they’d be unique in more than just styling.
The news comes after months of speculation – and various, conflicting announcements – over the future of the Viper. At one point, Chrysler announced that it intended to sell the Viper line, as well as its Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, but the automaker later rescinded the sale after little interest from bidders.
To be designed with input from Chrysler’s new Italian owner, Fiat, which owns Ferrari and Maserati among other brands, the new Viper will be the best of the breed, according to Gilles. Few details are known, including whether the car will retain a V10 powertrain or go with something cribbed from an Italian stable.
The current Viper will go out of production in July 2010, but not before 500 special edition models are introduced. Gilles didn’t clarify what will set these new variants apart, but he did hint that they’d be unique in more than just styling.
The news comes after months of speculation – and various, conflicting announcements – over the future of the Viper. At one point, Chrysler announced that it intended to sell the Viper line, as well as its Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, but the automaker later rescinded the sale after little interest from bidders.
Next-Gen Dodge Viper Due in 2012, No 2011 Model Will Be Built
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6573...ilt/index.html
Chrysler’s only about a third of the way through unveiling its extensive five-year business plan to investors and the media, but sports car enthusiasts will likely be interested in this note: The current Dodge Viper will be no more after July 2010.
Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand, revealed production of the Viper (one of the first product lines to resume production post-bankruptcy) would cease next summer. Between now and then, only 500 cars will roll off the assembly line in Detroit, Michigan.
This isn’t the end of the line for the Viper altogether. A next-generation model is scheduled to launch in 2012, although details of the future snake are still sketchy. Could the new Viper bear some influence with Fiat’s halo brand, Ferrari? Possibly, but very unlikely. Some Fiat influence will possibly be seen, but we’d be a little surprised if the folks in Maranello were tapped to supply Auburn Hills’ latest serpent.
Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand, revealed production of the Viper (one of the first product lines to resume production post-bankruptcy) would cease next summer. Between now and then, only 500 cars will roll off the assembly line in Detroit, Michigan.
This isn’t the end of the line for the Viper altogether. A next-generation model is scheduled to launch in 2012, although details of the future snake are still sketchy. Could the new Viper bear some influence with Fiat’s halo brand, Ferrari? Possibly, but very unlikely. Some Fiat influence will possibly be seen, but we’d be a little surprised if the folks in Maranello were tapped to supply Auburn Hills’ latest serpent.
#34
11-07-2009, 01:42 PM
Yeah...Hoping its not a rebodied older Ferrari/Maserati platform like they did with the Crossfire [older Merc chassis with Chrysler body]
#35
11-07-2009, 09:17 PM
For an all new Viper in 2012. Makes sense. Fiat will want to make a big splash. I have never liked driving the Viper. But I give Dodge a lot of respect for building it & refining it along the way. I love the looks of the GTS model. The current model is a bit bland. Fiat may build an American Ferrari.
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