Marchionne: New Dodge Viper "Not In the Plan"
There's a rumor circulating that the Dodge Viper was set to make a comeback in 2021, possibly without its trademark V10, and instead, a V8. Speaking to media today after Fiat Chrysler's Capital Markets presentation, Sergio Marchionne didn't totally close the door on a new Viper, but he didn't give us much hope for one either.
Both Automobile magazine's Todd Lassa and Eric Lawrence of the Detroit Free Press report Marchionne as saying a new Viper is "not in the plan." Marchionne added the last Viper didn't sell well and make much money. He also said the Viper wouldn't work with a "cute" European engine, which we're going to guess means a twin-turbo V6 or V8 from Alfa Romeo or Maserati.
New @Dodge Viper? Marchionne: "That's a great question. ... It's not in the plan, if that's what you're asking." Didn't make money, and wouldn't work with a "cute" Euro-style engine...@fcagroup #FCAFiveYearPlan @automobilemag
- Todd Lassa (@AM_Lassa) June 1, 2018
Return of the Dodge Viper? Marchionne says it's not in the plan, but if FCA could find a way to get it done he would be happy. Says it never really made any money for the company. Didn't sell enough. #FCAFiveYearPlan #FCACapitalMarketsDay
- Eric D. Lawrence (@_ericdlawrence) June 1, 2018
Viper production ended last August with the closing of Dodge's Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit.
Later during the same press conference, Marchionne offered some details on a few future Dodge and RAM models.
First, he said the next Challenger and Charger won't use the rear-drive Alfa Romeo platform that underpins the current Giulia, as was previously reported. Instead, the Charger and Challenger will get a heavily reworked version of their current platform. Marchionne said the reworked platform will be so different, "[y]ou would not recognize it." Today's Charger and Challenger ride on a platform originally developed during the DaimlerChrysler days, which itself is based on the chassis of the 1995-2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Marchionne also confirmed RAM would create a new mid-size pickup to compete with the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger, and that it'll come to the US. That pickup will be built in Mexico, and it hasn't been announced if it'll revive the name of Dodge's old mid-sizer, the Dakota.
Fiat Chrysler's presentations today didn't offer much about the Dodge, Fiat, and Chrysler brands, leaving many wondering what the future holds for each. We'll have to wait to find out.
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