Review: Dodge Viper Survives

By Casey Williams – MyCarData

Before Chrysler entered, and then exited, bankruptcy, Chrysler made it clear that it intended to sell the Dodge Viper business to anybody with a big checkbook. Then, Fiat and Uncle Sam took control of the company. It seems there’s been a change of heart. Like the many times Chevrolet’s Corvette has narrowly escaped the grim reaper, Viper may be getting another lease on life.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “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.”

Viper was introduced as a concept car during the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a modern interpretation of the iconic Shelby Cobra. It was simple, but roared down the road with a V-10 engine. New models rove Interstates with an 8.4-litre V-10 that generates a scary 600-horsepower, can rip off 0-60 mph runs in under four seconds, and take the quarter-mile in the low 12-second range. GM builds nearly 35,000 Corvettes annually, but the exclusive Viper has been replicated only about 25,000 times since its debut.

The Viper was originally developed in the days of K-cars to prove Chrysler could not only design beautiful cars, but cars that could run with the world’s best. The styling and passion that surrounded Viper spread to other models like the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Crossfire, and Dodge Challenger. Chrysler is again going through tough times – times that need a boost from a V-10-powered supercar. For now, the Viper survives. Apparently, the Italian leaders at Fiat have some gasoline in their veins.