New Dodge Viper might use shared platform
A new Dodge Viper after 2017 is a possibility according to Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne. Sergio spoke to the media at this year’s Detroit Motor Show and alluded that a follow-up model might carry on the legacy when production of the Dodge Viper ends next year.
The problem is that the Dodge sells less than 1000 Vipers annually – which is frankly very disappointing news for petrolheads – and the new Viper would need to increase that volume exponentially for Fiat Chrysler to consider it.
One way to do that would be to build the new Dodge Viper on a modular platform which might not be as terrible as sounds given the Viper’s fairly rudimentary design compared to the latest FCA underpinnings.
“Given the architectural development within the brand, there is a possibility that a new version of the Viper may surface,” Marchionne is quoted as saying. “Whether it will surface in time [to replace the current car] is unclear to me.”
Our opinion? This is not the first time that word of a new Dodge Viper has made media headlines and that came to naught. We think it will be a similar case here – the game has moved on too much and the Dodge Viper would need to be incredibly brilliant to make a dent against Porsche 911, Mercedes GT and Jaguar F Type. FCA has other more pertinent priorities it needs to address.
