Currently reading: New Dodge Viper set for 2012
A new Dodge Viper will be launched in 2012; already shown to dealers

An all-new Dodge Viper set to be launched in 2012 was shown at a private Chrysler dealer conference this week.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne presented next year’s model offerings from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Fiat to dealers, before showcasing the new Viper as a ‘surprise’ at the end of the presentation.

Insiders at the event told The Wall Street Journal the next Viper’s design is “aggressive”, featuring all-new bodywork painted 25 times in candy-apple red. Insiders also said the car’s look had moved away from its race-car roots and evolved into a more traditional sports car.

Andrew Frankel blog: Farewell to the Dodge Viper

Dealers at the event were told the Viper’s product team had unanimously approved the design within just five minutes of seeing it.

It is expected to use an 8.4-litre V10 engine incorporating Fiat’s innovative Multiair technology; an entry-level V8 engine is also rumoured to be under consideration.

Dodge is said to be working alongside Ferrari to develop the next Viper.

Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO, confirmed the launch of the new Viper for 2012 when revealing production of the current car would end this year.

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Dan McNeil v2 16 September 2010

Re: New Dodge Viper set for 2012

jackjflash wrote:
Making high performance money no object cars is not a difficult endeavor; making something accessible to most with similar performance is in fact a more complicated task.

Very good point, Jack.

Away from the racetrack (and the drivers that make their living on them), I suspect that very few "normal" drivers would seriously notice the difference in driving dynamics terms between a European high performance car and a U.S. one on a public highway.

Sure, the interior plastics of the U.S. supercars are a bit low rent (personally, I find this adds to the charm and character).

In real world terms though, the performance and handling of U.S. supercars is every bit the equal of Euro supercars; mechanical reliability of U.S. supercars is every bit the equal of Euro supercars; longevity, engineering robustness and long-term running costs in everyday usage is markedly superior to any Euro supercar I can think of, apart from Porsche (a decades-long honed to perfection design) and Bristol (like Porsche, another engineering-driven company whose cars utilise ultra-reliable Chrysler powerplants).

As you point out, for U.S. supercar manufacturers to achieve this for less bucks is no mean achievement, and one I'd sacrifice the dubious dual privilege of soft-touch plastics and a poncy badge any day of the week.

Handsome Guy 16 September 2010

Re: New Dodge Viper set for 2012

jackjflash wrote:
It depends on how much you are willing to spend for sophistication, overall ability, quality and build.
How about a Nissan GT-R? With the introduction of multi-air, are we going to see a 700bhp Viper? Will the Viper name be reinstated in Europe? I'd like to see the styling edge more towards the Mark I's curvier shape. If this improves on the ZR-1, then it will be epic. The possible V8 version is a smart move as the Corvette and the Mustang GT500 have it too easy.

GaryW 16 September 2010

Re: New Dodge Viper set for 2012

Lanehogger wrote:

Although the Viper (and Corvettes) have no problems performance wise, and are probably fun in a crude sort of way, they will never be taken seriously outside North America until they match the levels of sophistication, overall ability, quality and build of their rivals. If Nissan can produce a bargain bucket, but devastating and credible, rival to a 911, 458 or a R8 at a fraction of the price, then surely so can Chrysler and GM.

To add to jackjflash's comments. A Vette is a pretty sophisticated and able vehicle. I've owned two Vettes in the last 10 years and the quality and reliability has been a match for any European vehicle I've owned (including BMW). The materials can be a bit low-rent sometimes, but they work as daily-drivers and are cheap to run. People seem to see Vettes and Vipers as easy targets, but seem to ignore the almost legendary fragility and unreliability of Ferraris (for example).