Newsbreak...Chrysler might sell Viper to a third party instead of killing it.

[EJ25RUN]

With desperate measures of stupidity like this

Autoblog writes REPORT: Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it


The Dodge Viper has been Chrysler's halo car since it was introduced back in 1992, but times are tough. Faced with the fact that it might not be able to continue making the brutish sports car, the Auburn Hills-based automaker is reportedly considering doing something that's never been done before by a domestic automaker (as for as we know): selling the Viper's future to a third party. Automotive News quotes Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli saying, "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." Nardelli claims that whatever happens, his company will work to make sure the best interests of Viper fanboys are served and that Chrysler would continue to offer "operational and financial" support for the car if a transaction takes place. We're honestly a little stunned that Chrysler would consider such a drastic action, though if it means the Viper won't be sacrificed at the altar of economic woes, we're all for it. On the other hand, how does one separate Dodge from the Viper? Can you imagine Ford selling the Mustang to ROUSH or GM selling the Corvette to Lingenfelter? Chrysler has not identified any of the Viper's suitors, so rather than a familiar tuning house, it could also be a conglomerate of investors or another automaker. Is a Viper sold by another brand still a Viper?



My Take.....

Even though some of you don't like the Viper, it is an important car for the U.S.
Without it, the Corvette is the only real American Sports car since the Mustang, Camaro, and Challanger are pony cars, and the Ford GT was a Supercar.

With all the news now about gas prices and emissions. It isn't impossible to develop the V10 into something much more efficient. Just look at Porsche's GT2 vs 911 Turbo. The GT2 makes more power but is a greener car. Dodge should take a hint from Chevy as the Z06 LS7 is the best pushrod powerplant in the world. High power and incredibly efficient.

Anyways. Here is my thought on the possible sale to a third party. It has to be a strong company like Roush, Saleen, Penske, or P&M. Someone that can develop that car to be a modern performer and make it profitable. I see this the same way i see brands like Lotus where even though they are owned by a foreign mark, they stay true to Colin Chapman's ideals. Viper could work the same way. Because if im honest, i never really saw Chrysler due as well with the Viper as it could have done. Just look at the racing front. It took a French chassis designer to see the Viper was a winner and never needed or cared for factory money to win at the highest level.

Give your opinion on that.

[OneSlow5pt0]

that sucks..........but i agree developing a V8 for the viper would be the ebst thing to save,to they could drop cost and get better MPG

i mean i always thought it was built loosely around the shelby 427 cobra...........

[EJ25RUN]

that sucks..........but i agree developing a V8 for the viper would be the ebst thing to save,to they could drop cost and get better MPG

i mean i always thought it was built loosely around the shelby 427 cobra...........

Im not saying go to a V8 necessarily. That V10 was based of a truck motor and just kept getting developed. Part of the problem with what i said earlier is it will take alot of money to make A. a performance engine and B. one that goes into a Viper sportscar. I guess in the end, i hope the Viper names survives. It just needs to be brought up to modern spec and it will be like 1996 again.

[OneSlow5pt0]

Im not saying go to a V8 necessarily. That V10 was based of a truck motor and just kept getting developed. Part of the problem with what i said earlier is it will take alot of money to make A. a performance engine and B. one that goes into a Viper sportscar. I guess in the end, i hope the Viper names survives. It just needs to be brought up to modern spec and it will be like 1996 again.

yea,ive never liked the SRT-10............i just think one of the keys is to get cost right with a Z06 or lower,since a Z06 is a better car alround

but i agree,i want it to stay......we need the Viper vs Corvette

[EJ25RUN]

yea,ive never liked the SRT-10............i just think one of the keys is to get cost right with a Z06 or lower,since a Z06 is a better car alround

but i agree,i want it to stay......we need the Viper vs Corvette

It is a good rivalry and in todays world. The Vette in ZO6 or ZR1 forum is 100x better. Even the new ACR doesn't stand a chance to Chevy's Porsche fighters.

But not too long ago, it was a much better comparison between the tow and that is where Chrysler has fallen down. Even in styling, the old Viper was so much better. I really hope the Viper can come back to the great rivalry that should be Viper vs Vette.

[OneSlow5pt0]

well we got mustang vs camaro back,which is fantastic

now dodge needs to revive this one back to the late 90s,i mean thier are tons of great viper race cars,so i mean u cant have a good race car with starting with a good road car,dodge just needs to rethink some thing..........Clarkson has always hated the viper's handling,its just not balanced anough.......i have feeling it would be like driving my car but with 500hp,since my car is like 60/40......its a deathtrap and even worse in rain

yea one of mag's reviewed the ACR vs Z06 vs GTR vs i believe 911 turbo but could
been GT2 or 3

and the Z06 was rigth with the ACR,im pretty sure the Z06 was still running the fastest 1/4 times

[alpine_aw11]

Good, Chrysler ruins everything. They have officially ruined Jeep, and the Viper definitely hasn't lived up to what it used to be. I'd still **** myself if I saw an ACR coming at me though.

[RL...]

Daimler Chrysler sucks...

The 300c/300srt8 are badass cars

the viper is outclassed by the vette.....

Why buy a dodge?

[EJ25RUN]

Daimler Chrysler sucks...

The 300c/300srt8 are badass cars

the viper is outclassed by the vette.....

Why buy a dodge?

Daimler Chrysler doesn't exist. 1998 - August 3 2007.

Viper is NOW outclassed. Chrysler is to blame for that but it is not all bad though as sales have risen 11 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. I don't know if that is because the ACR is bringing excitment back toi the car and therefore other Vipers are selling or some other factor.

Why buy a dodge you ask?

Real Muscle


Real Sport


Real Cummins

[OneSlow5pt0]

i like the charger SRT8 too

[EJ25RUN]

i like the charger SRT8 too

you forget the SRT 300 and SRT Magnum.

And, it's not my cup of tea but the SRT/4 more than served for a good purpose.

[OneSlow5pt0]

you forget the SRT 300 and SRT Avenger.

And, it's not my cup of tea but the SRT/4 more than served for a good purpose.

nah just the charger...but id really like a Crossfire SRT-6,but then again id just buy a SLK

and Prowler are awesome,or were.............and Daytona IROC R/Ts were the ****

[EJ25RUN]

A member on Finalgear.com brought up a good point.

Yea the Lotus 7 / Westfield / Caterham 7 of America.

These cars are still going, upgraded but still available and very similar to their designers concept - well done Chrysler, keeps the legend of the Viper alive.

He's right. It was 1973 that Caterham bought the right to the 7 from Colin Chapman. And 35 years later,they are still selling and being put in kit boxes.

The problem with that is the Caterham has changed......almost nothing since 1973.

And well a 2008 Viper wont be so popular in 2044. Actually, there's no way it will make it to that point. This is not gonna be easy to do.

[OneSlow5pt0]

one thing viper has really against it,is it doesnt have the history or the soul of the vette......its basicly just another sport car

but i really hope it stays around in some form

[RL...]

Daimler Chrysler doesn't exist. 1998 - August 3 2007.

Viper is NOW outclassed. Chrysler is to blame for that but it is not all bad though as sales have risen 11 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. I don't know if that is because the ACR is bringing excitment back toi the car and therefore other Vipers are selling or some other factor.

Why buy a dodge you ask?

Real Muscle


Real Sport


Real Cummins

EJ, you misinterprete what I mean. Viper's, rams, srt4's, and challenger's are nice, but there are better cars I'd rather buy in those classes. I'd rather have a wrx, evo over srt4, vette, GT-R, m3, over a viper. The only muscle car I'd really want is one in the early 70's and/or 60's.

the only dodge I'd buy:

[1SICKLEX]

Very sad, b/c the current Viper kicks much ass.

[Atlblkz06]

Sad, very sad. The new one is one sexy snake.

[EJ25RUN]

Very sad, b/c the current Viper kicks much ass.

im sure you have seen either of the good news threads i made today.

And im not usually happy to eat my words but today, i was very happy to do so.

But not too long ago, it was a much better comparison between the tow and that is where Chrysler has fallen down. Even in styling, the old Viper was so much better. I really hope the Viper can come back to the great rivalry that should be Viper vs Vette. - 24 hours later lol

Viper is NOW outclassed. 24 hours later lol

7:22!!!!


Viper is back!

[OneSlow5pt0]

yep...lol

yay viper,then the 09 SRT-10 is gonna be 600bhp

[josh green]

I really dont see why they cant make the v10 more eco friendly, its got the new variable cam and they keep improving its efficiency but the mileage never goes up and you get the gas guzzler tax. There is NO good reason that thing shouldnt get 30mpg's on the hwy and 15-18 in the city.
The crossfire is a JOKE, I have driven them when I worked at the Dodge dealer here and I was far from impresses with ANYTHING on the car. The interior on all Dodge vehicles is the turnoff. EVERY car/truck in their lineup has cheap plasticy interior which may be fine for the general dumbass public, but for the same price as a 300 go see how nice the interior is in a new 3 series or a C class. But this statement goes for all American automakers.

Dodge seems to put truck engines in their sports cars and then just improve on them. srt-4, viper.... What they should have done with the body change is an engine ground up. Drop the displacement to 8 litres and rev higher, its not like your going to miss the torque... I am going to be bold with this statement, but maybe Honda can show Dodge how the v10 sports car should be done with the new sports car coming out.....

[OneSlow5pt0]

hate to tell u but american cars are far from joke now quick list:

Z06
SRT-10
ACR
ZR1
CTS-V
Sky Redline
cobalt SS
Mustang GT
Challenger SRT-8
Camaro SS
G8 GXP
Ford GT

these are fantastic cars,that compete with anyy other cars on the road