Marchionne shoots down rumors of born-again Viper

Bringing the Viper back \"isn\'t in the plan.\"

That didn't last long.

A week ago, we covered a rumor that claimed Dodge would launch a brand-new Viper around the turn of the decade. Speaking to journalists after presenting Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) five-year plan, company boss Sergio Marchionne confirmed the nameplate isn't going to make a comeback anytime soon.

Automobile Magazine's Todd Lassa and Eric Lawrence from the Detroit Free Press reported the news in separate tweets. Both quote Marchionne. He said the a born-again Viper isn't in Dodge's future because the model never sold in high enough volumes to make money.

New @Dodge Viper? Marchionne: "That's a great question. ... It's not in the plan, if that's what you're asking." Didn't make money, and wouldn't work with a "cute" Euro-style engine...@fcagroup #FCAFiveYearPlan @automobilemag

— Todd Lassa (@AM_Lassa) June 1, 2018

Return of the Dodge Viper? Marchionne says it's not in the plan, but if FCA could find a way to get it done he would be happy. Says it never really made any money for the company. Didn't sell enough. #FCAFiveYearPlan #FCACapitalMarketsDay

— Eric D. Lawrence (@_ericdlawrence) June 1, 2018

FCA didn't include Dodge in its presentation so we don't know what future holds for the brand. But while Marchionne will stop down from his position next year, he'll continue to keep a close eye on the auto-maker he saved from collapse and he added he would be happy if his successor finds a way to make another Viper.