AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — The 600-horsepower Dodge Viper SRT10 got a new lease on life on Friday with official confirmation that Chrysler will continue to build Dodge's signature product. The automaker also said that it is "no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets."
Chrysler said it intends to build the Dodge Viper SRT10 for the 2010 model year "and beyond." In a video posted on the corporate Web site, Dodge brand President and CEO Mike Accavitti said: "The new leadership gets it," a reference to new owner Fiat.
In response to an Inside Line query on Monday morning, asking if the new plans include continuing to build the roadster and coupe versions of the Dodge Viper SRT10, a Chrysler spokesman who asked not to be named replied: "My sense is that, since we did not mention any exceptions, we'll build both models, plus the ACR package."
The Dodge Viper SRT10 was originally slated to cease production in December 2009. But in mid-June, all Viper assets, including rights to the name, were turned over to Fiat after Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy. Chrysler had only received one bid for Viper, a lowball offer of $5.5 million from Devon MotorWorks.
"We're extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand," said Accavitti in a statement.
Inside Line says: More firepower for Fiat as Viper gets a reprieve. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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mmman2 says:
11:46 AM, 03/26/2010
YEA.................................................. THE VIPER LIVES................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!