2013 Dodge Viper won’t have any Ferrari or Alfa, Fiat will just provide expertise

Chrysler Group LLC is preparing the next-generation Dodge Viper, which is due back into the lineup in the summer of 2012 as a 2013 model year. Production of the all-American supercar ended last summer after 18 years but Ralph Gilles, head of the Dodge brand, has confirmed the Chrysler board has given the new Viper final approval and development is on schedule.

Gilles said that the new Dodge Viper “is not based on anything else,” clearing up speculation that it will share its underpinnings with a Ferrari model or the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

“Where the cabin is, relative to the wheels, is unique,” Gilles said. “The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore.”

As for whatever’s going to be under the hood, Gilles said he has not ruled out a new engine for the car, which previously carried a 640-hp V10.

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“There won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched,” he said. As far as Fiat influence goes, Gilles said that the Italian company will provide expertise in dynamics.

Fiat, he said, will lend expertise in dynamics.

“We will use their expertise to open the performance envelope in the Viper,” Gilles said. “Fiat has an awesome ability to tune cars. I want the new Viper to be a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people. We’ve never had stability control on a high-performance car, which is about to happen on the new car.”

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News