Has Cerberus killed the Viper?
Filed under: Supercars, Chrysler, Dodge

click above to view more high-res shots of the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

According to Jalopnik, yes. We reported yesterday that as a part of Project Genesis, Chrysler was planning to cut more models in addition to the PT Cruiser Convertible, Pacifica, Crossfire and Magnum. Jalopnik is reporting that, according to several of its sources, the decision has already been made that the Dodge Viper SRT10 will be cancelled, as well. The decision was reportedly made after Cerberus took control of Chrysler and was not part of the automaker's future product plans prior to its split with Daimler.

While the current 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 just received an update for 2008 that includes a new version of its iconic V10 engine capable of producing 600 horsepower and a track-ready ACR model, it was only ever meant to be on the market for another two years until the fully redesigned next-gen Viper bowed. Since that's reportedly not going to happen, the Viper will reportedly be sold as is through the 2011 model year.

The Viper has never been a cheap car to build, being assembled by hand at the automaker's Connor Avenue Assembly Plant. The obvious argument for killing the halo car is that money spent on developing the next-generation Viper could go towards better interiors and more appealing designs for bread and butter models, the sales of which keep the lights on at the company's Auburn Hills, MI headquarters. The Viper, however, has always been more than just a halo car for Chrysler, it's been a symbol of what the company can do when it's firing on all cylinders. If this report is true, to see it cancelled indicates just how lean these times really are for Chrysler under its new management.

[Source: Jalopnik]

 

If so then Challenger is KING!!!

 

I think your right on that.. any word floating around elsewhere about Ford's GT40? They still putting money into that project?

 

Killed the Viper? Big deal. Sorry. I never thought much of them. Now a Dodge Stealth, that was a cool car.

 

If its true, sorry to see it go. But keep we can keep the snake skin green. Im sure the challenger can make use of it.

 

With the financial problems Ford is having and having cancelled production a few years a go, there is absolutely no reason for them to bring the Ford GT back.

Regarding the Viper being obsoleted, like I said before, I think it is a good idea.

1. For me, I would not want to pay for this expensive of a car.

2. Even if I could afford it, I could not see out of this car very good.

3. This eliminates putting a HP cap on the Challenger. With the Viper gone, they can put what ever HP of engine on the Challenger they wanted.

How about a MOPAR 540 ALUMINUM HEMI CRATE ENGINE—650+ HORSEPOWER for dinner?

 

Would that make the Challenger a SuperMuscleSports Car... Something... Uhh? make up your own word.

How a new catigory of car. Ultramuscle car.

It would be that just with a 426.

 

Too bad they never built the Copperhead. That was a sweet ride, a Viper for the masses. Why not that. Certainly more aesthetically pleasing than the new Demon

 

While I myself like the Viper, it's an impractical car for the brand. Unlike the Corvette, that is a literal icon in the auto world, Chrysler could better spend the money on advancing the technology they learned from the Viper program across all the product lines. Dodge was never intended to be in the arena that they put the Viper in, and while it is a very good automobile for the track, it just doesn't fit within their line of vehicles with it's price range. Heck, while the 'Vette carries the Chevy name, it really has nothing to do with Chevy at all. I won't miss it if it is indeed cut.

 

Just for clarification, I always stop and admire this car. It looks great on the outside and the engine compartment is a mechnical marvel and a great engineering feat.

Just not a practical car for me.......kinda like my favorite car the Ford GT.