Viper Production To End in 2010, New Model Coming in 2012

At today's marathon six-hour long briefing on the future of Chrysler, perhaps the biggest news we haven't heard before was information about the future of Viper.

The car's future has been in doubt over the past year. Prior to bankruptcy, Chrysler deemed it as one of the assets it had worth selling. No buyers were found and the "brand", as Chrysler liked to call it, continued with the company throughout the bankruptcy process. Chrysler received only one offer for it, a lowball from Devon Motor Works (of GTX fame).

To the surprise of many, the Viper's Conner Avenue assembly plant was the first Chrysler plant to go online post-bankruptcy. The smart owners at Fiat realized the value of the Viper brand name and its place as a profitable halo for the Dodge brand. The next-generation of Viper vehicles was in question though until now.

Ralph Gilles, CEO of the newly-formed Dodge car brand, said that production of the current Viper generation will end in July of next year.  He says that a run of 500 final edition Vipers will be produced before that date, and that they will be the "most special Vipers ever."

According to Gilles, Dodge wants to preserve the value of the current generation cars by not continuing to produce them.  A gap between July 2010 and 2012 seems a bit long, but the important thing is that we are getting a new Viper at all.

An all-new car is being developed right now, with help from the company's Italian operations. Ferrari, anyone?! As long as Dodge makes sure it is in line with the car's unique set of characteristics, that is fine with me!