Is Dodge Bringing Back the Viper in 2020?
We thought we’d be mourning the Viper for years before Dodge readied its return. Fortunately, that might not be the case. Fiat Chrysler has apparently green-lit the model’s return for 2020. But, with production ending in 2017 and FCA’s subsequent closure of Conner Avenue Assembly, it’s still a little difficult to believe any of this is real.
And yet, here we are.
Typically, we’d expect details on something this huge to be razor thin and parsed out over an extended period of time. However, Car and Driver has already reported that the new Viper will use a space frame with fully independent suspension and retain the long-nosed structure we’ve become accustomed to. But it will not be equipped with a V10.
Instead, the rumor mill has the model working with a naturally aspirated V8 slotted behind the front axle. The prospective downgrade in power is expected to be offset by a plethora of aluminum and carbon fiber. However, the publication expects later examples of the new Viper to see ludicrous amounts of horsepower.
Initial offerings are said to be convertible-only with a high-powered SRT variant and hard-top coupes coming a year or two later. Anything else is pure speculation. In fact, Dodge hasn’t even confirmed any of the above, though Car and Driver sounds pretty sure. We hope they’re right because, while we really like the Corvette, we don’t want it getting too comfortable.
[Image: FCA]
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It sounds a lot like the Chrysler Firepower concept sports car which was based on the old Dodge Viper platform, but used Chrysler's hemi V-8 engine. The Firepower was positioned as a more luxurious GT alternative to the Viper. I often thought it disappointing that Fiat-Chrysler did not use the Maserati GranTurismo platform, probably with a shorter wheelbase, for a new Viper. I would really like one with a Hellcat V-8, but one with a normally aspirated version might be a competent rival to the base version Corvettes.
I really, really hope that somewhere in Auburn Hills, there's Fiat Spider with a big ole honking hemi stuffed in it. Dodge engineers have been known to do crazy stuff like that. Think of it as a mini-Viper. Or FCA could spend $4.83 and have the valve covers say "Maserati" and charge 60k for a baby Maserati. MOPAR drive train and HVAC (Americans kick ass at HVAC), Italian interior and and Japanese body shell. Do it Sergio.
This is cool and all But doesn't Dodge need real cars and SUV's? How does a car that will sell a few hundred cars a year help Dodge? Wouldn't a new Journey, Charger, and some really small CUV make far more sense?
I'd love a little of what they're smokin over at Car and Driver if they are serious that Viper will return in just two years time. Maybe in like five years after the new platform for a flagship coupe Maserati(Alfieri concept)arrives and gets shared with Alfa Romeo and Dodge. I would think the Maserati will likely get here in next two years or so, and then development will begin for the Dodge. FCA has it's hands full with many new vehicle launches to come ahead of any Viper. So pass the pipe Car and Driver, we want some of that stuff too.