Dodge Viper Rumored to be Retired?
If you’ve always wanted to own a Dodge Viper, your opportunities may be dwindling. A recent report suggested that the car might be headed towards a quick retirement, which would certainly be a heartbreaker for fans of the sports car.
_Read more after the break to learn about the whispers. If you’ve considered the Viper and its impressive engine, you’ll likely be inclined to rush to a * Dodge dealer in Miami * and make a purchase as soon as possible… _
Jason Siu of AutoGuide.com reports that Viper, which has been around since 1992, is set to meet its demise in 2017. As the writer notes, a proposed contract between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and United Auto Workers says the car will be “built out” over the next two years, with no future product planned for production. While that doesn’t give a definitive answer regarding the future of the vehicle, we can’t say that things are looking too bright. In fact, they’re looking pretty bleak.
Furthermore, the Connor Avenue Assembly Plant (where the Viper is produced) is rumored to be among the company’s future shutdowns, another indication that this rumor may be less smoke and more fire.
The company sold 760 Vipers in 2014 and another 503 units through September of this year, which are solid numbers for a vehicle that caters to a niche market (although the brand was admittedly seeking better numbers). The 2015 Viper’s price was cut down to $86,990, a fair value considering the 8.4-liter V10 engine (capable of producing 645 horsepower and 600 ft-lbs of torque).
Among the biggest changes to the most recent model was the exclusion of the SRT brand, which was replaced by the Dodge Viper SRT. A new GT package was also offered, sliding in between the base Viper and GTS model. The VX era (essentially the third generation of the car) began back in 2013, with the company brushing aside a 2011 model in favor of a revamped nameplate.
The first Viper prototype made it’s testing debut early in 1989, and it was available for purchase two years later. The V10 was particularly innovative for the time, as the blocks and heads were recasted in aluminum alloy. The 711-pound motor was capable of pumping out 400 horsepower and 465 ft-lbs of torque, and it delivered a 12 mile per gallon city and 20 mile per gallon highway fuel economy.
As always with rumors like this, we’d take them with a grain of salt. However, we can’t say we’re not a little worried about the future of the Viper. If you’ve been looking to purchase a Dodge sports car, head down to Miami Lakes Automall now before it’s too late!
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