It's Alive! Chrysler Decides to Give Dodge Viper SRT10 a Second Chance

Here's some good news for muscle-car enthusiasts. The Chrysler Group announced today the company has decided to continue production of the Dodge Viper SRT10 after all. Following several failed attempts to sell off its Dodge Viper business unit, the Detroit automaker had originally made plans to cease production of the V10-powered sports car in December, 2009. Since the introduction of the first generation Viper in 1995, Dodge has built more than 25,000 Vipers.

"The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe," said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. "We're extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand."

Powered by an 8.4-liter V10 with 600HP that launches the sports car from standstill to 60 mph in under 4,0 seconds, the 2009MY Viper is offered in both coupe and convertible configurations with prices in the U.S. starting from $91,220.

Chrysler Resumes Production with the Dodge Viper at Detroit Plant

Having emerged from bankruptcy protection on June 9, the newly formed Chrysler Group LLC restarted production at one of its Detroit assembly plants on Monday, June 15. The first factory to reopen after the company shut down for a period of almost two months, is the Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit that builds the Dodge Viper sports car. Even though Chrysler did not state why it chose the Conner plant to reopen for business, we assume that its small size (it employs 115 people) had something to do with the automaker's decision.

Chrysler, which is now controlled by Italy's Fiat S.p.A, had previously attempted to sell off its Dodge Viper business unit but the firm did not receive any bids that met its initial requirements.

As for the rest of Chrysler's North American plants, for the time being, they will remain closed. "At this time, we cannot give exact timing in regards to the start of production at our other manufacturing facilities," Chrysler Group said in a statement.

Via: CNN

VIDEO: Jeep Wrangler with Twin-Turbocharged Viper SRT10 V10 Engine!

To say that 'das' creation is insane, is clearly an understatement. Having already fitted a Dodge Viper V10 engine under the hood of a 1991 Jeep Wrangler, the German owner of this custom build decided to proceed to 'Stage II' by turbocharging the massive V10! As you can see in the first video after the jump, the dyno showed that the beastly Wrangler 'SRT10' produces 714HP at the wheels along with a staggering 1,053Nm or 745-lbs/ft of torque. There's also a second video available showing the pre-turbocharged Wrangler SR10 running the quarter mile in 12.93 seconds.

Via: Streetfire & Cardomain

Dodge Viper ACR is (Unofficially) the new King of the Ring with 7’22’’, Slays Both GT-R and ZR1

The barely road-legal Dodge Viper ACR has shattered the Corvette ZR1’s Nurburgring time by a whopping 4.3 seconds according to the folks over at Motortrend – Dodge has yet to release an official announcement. On August 18, FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel, who pilots a Leon TFSi for SEAT Team Holland, managed to turn the ‘Ring in his fourth attempt in an amazing 7:22.10. The ‘Ring war began in May when Nissan announced that the 480 HP GT-R lapped the infamous German race track in 7:29.03. About a month later, GM came out and said that its 640 HP supercharged Corvette ZR1 was the new ‘King of the Ring’ with a time of 7:26.40. -Continued

The Dodge Viper ACR is essentially a race-track ready version of the stock Viper. While it retains the same 600 HP 8.4-liter V10 engine as the Viper SRT-10, it has undergone a strict diet and it features a racing suspension and clutch along with an aerodynamic bodykit.

According to the unofficial information provided by Motortrend, with the exception of the Racetech seat with a six-point harness, the ACRs (Dodge brought two vehicles to the ‘Ring) were factory stock and fitted with the no-cost option Hard Core package that sheds another 40 pounds with the elimination of the audio system, trunk carpet, rear cabin sound insulation, tire inflator kit, hood insulator, and steel battery cover.

Via: Motortrend

Breaking News: Chrysler’s Thinking of Selling the Dodge Viper unit!

The Dodge Viper could soon be history -at least for the Chrysler Group, as according to an official announcement that was made this morning, the third largest American automaker said that it is ‘preparing to explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business’. Here is what Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper to a third party:

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper. As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.” -Continued

“Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Picture Edited by Carscoop