Dodge to cease Viper production in July; all-new model slated for 2012

Prior to Fiat's acquisition of Chrysler, there were concerns the Viper would be discontinued for good. But one of Fiat's first announcements after taking the helm was the Viper would live on. Today, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles announced that the automaker's iconic high performance flagship will get a new lease on life for the 2012 model year when a fresh replacement bows.



To be designed with input from Chrysler's new Italian owner, Fiat, which owns Ferrari and Maserati among other brands, the new Viper will be the best of the breed, according to Gilles. Few details are known, including whether the car will retain a V10 powertrain or go with something cribbed from an Italian stable.

The current Viper will go out of production in July 2010, but not before 500 special edition models are introduced. Gilles didn't clarify what will set these new variants apart, but he did hint that they'd be unique in more than just styling.

The news comes after months of speculation - and various, conflicting announcements - over the future of the Viper. At one point, Chrysler announced that it intended to sell the Viper line, as well as its Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, but the automaker later rescinded the sale after little interest from bidders.