It was reported earlier this year that the revision of the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring would put the Viper program in jeopardy, but that is not the case. Jim Press — co-president and vice chairman of Chrysler — told Leftlane the revamp of the cars’ interiors will have no ill financial effects on the Viper.
Moreover, Press says that the revised cars will hit the market much sooner than expected, bowing in late February of this year. Earlier reports indicated that the new cars wouldn’t hit the market for one or two years.
The reason for this drastic move is the particularly poor reception of the public and the press to the interiors of the Sebring and Avenger, which have been described as ugly and cheap. Both cars are virtually brand new to the market, making the a 2010 redesign very costly. The source said the cars are “dying on the vine” and they’re only a year old.
Chrysler is also said to be considering a major redesign to the 300 sedan for the 2011 model year — a move that will likely aim to maintain the successful car’s momentum.
