2012 Dodge Viper: Ideal Versus Reality


When Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled the 2012 Dodge Viper to dealers at this week’s Florida dealer meeting, he introduced it with the following words [via Automotive News [sub]]
We had been debating this particular nameplate for a long time, and every time I just could not get there. And then one morning the product committee went into the dome and saw it, and we all knew we were in front of something magic, unique. It took less than five minutes for the committee to fund the initiative. Not a negative comment, not a remark, not a single question. And so I leave you with this. The 17th car in the lineup, in select dealers in 2012.
Based on Marchionne’s words as well as dealer reports that the concept “resembled the Alfa 8C Competizione, we’d like to believe that the 2012 Dodge Viper will look something like the recent Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa concept (above). In reality, however, it will probably more closely resemble the image after the jump.

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I gotta think that it will simply be a refresh of the existing car if they are going to keep the costs in line (and therefore the price point similar to the current car) and get it done in time to be ready for 2012.
Considering the state that Chrysler is in, what the hell are they doing focusing money/engineers on a low-production, potentially zero-profit mobile like the Viper? The Viper always had a rather timeless look to it and people love it for what it is. I liken this to when I'm supposed to be studying for a test and instead I find myself killing an hour watching videos on youtube, or hell...scouring comments on ttac! Sure, I'll probably learn something while I'm here, but I'm relatively certain it won't benefit my over-all goal of passing my test!