End May Be Near for Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper SRT was intended to be one of the fastest cars ever produced in Detroit. But you couldn’t tell by the way it’s moving on dealer lots. Despite a big price cut, the two-seat sports car just can’t seem to build much momentum.

So, after launching an all-new version of the Viper in 2012, production is apparently set to wrap up in two years, at least according to a document provided to the United Auto Workers Union as part of recently concluded contract talks.

The last Dodge Viper is expect to roll down the line at the special, low-volume Connor Assembly Plant in Detroit in 2017, the letter indicated, adding that, “No future product has yet been identified beyond the product life cycle.”

While plans could change, it would take a miracle to save the Viper, several sources close to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles suggest. Asked for comment on the letter provided the UAW, a spokesman for FCA wrote, “As part of the tentative agreement reached with the UAW last week, a letter was included which outlined potential future plans for our manufacturing facilities. Connor was included in that letter.

“However, because the ratification process is currently underway, we can offer no further comment on any aspect of the tentative agreement.”

The current Dodge Viper SRT entered a market loaded with sports cars, from the little Subaru BRZ to the mighty offerings from makers like Ferrari and Lamborghini. Closer to home, it debuted just before Chevrolet weighed in with the seventh-generation Corvette. But while the ‘Vette has scored big, Chevy struggling to meet demand, the Viper was all but dead on arrival.