Dodge announces end of Viper production on model's 25th anniversary
The Dodge Viper lived fast and will die young.
Dodge announced Tuesday morning that it has created five new special-edition Viper models to mark the car's 25th anniversary. It also announced that 2017 will be the last year of Viper production.
When a rumor broke out last October that a new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) labor deal might terminate the Viper in 2017, Dodge denied it. Now, it turns out, the rumor was true.
You May Also Like
Fans of the car still have reason to be excited. The new limited-edition Vipers are the 1:28 Edition ACR (American Club Racer), GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR, VoooDoo II Edition ACR, Snakeskin Edition GTC and the Dodge Dealer Edition. Interested buyers can order them beginning June 24, 2016.
The Vipers are powered by a 8.4-liter V10 engine that churns out 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.
Although they're undoubtedly fast, speed isn't everything. Compared to similarly priced sports cars, the Viper (especially the current one) was small inside and unwieldy for most drivers. For these reasons, despite some love from the public, it makes sense for Dodge to kill it off.
So, what might Dodge replace the Viper with? The likely answer is "nothing." If it does create a new supercar, though, let's hope it's something a little more practical. Dodge might be better off leaving the sports cars to its Italian stablemate, Alfa Romeo, while it continues to focus on fat-bodied muscle cars like the Challenger and Charger.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Topics Cars
