Does Dodge still own Viper?
The Dodge Viper, an iconic American sports car known for its raw power and aggressive styling, has a storied history that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. However, questions about its ownership and production status have arisen over the years. Let’s dive into the current state of the Dodge Viper and its connection to Dodge.
The History of the Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper was first introduced in 1992 as a high-performance sports car under the Dodge brand, which is part of the Chrysler Corporation. Over the years, the Viper became synonymous with American muscle and engineering prowess, featuring a massive V10 engine and a no-frills driving experience. It was produced in several generations, with the last model rolling off the assembly line in 2017.
Ownership of the Dodge Viper
As of today, Dodge no longer produces the Viper, and the model has been discontinued since 2017. However, Dodge, as a brand under Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), still retains the rights to the Viper name and its legacy. This means that while the Viper is not currently in production, Dodge technically still "owns" the Viper in terms of intellectual property and branding.
Why Was the Dodge Viper Discontinued?
The discontinuation of the Dodge Viper was primarily due to several factors:
- Declining Sales: The Viper, being a niche sports car, struggled to maintain strong sales figures in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and more practical vehicles.
- Stringent Safety Regulations: New safety standards, such as side-curtain airbags, were difficult to implement in the Viper's design without significant re-engineering costs.
- High Production Costs: The hand-built nature of the Viper and its specialized components made it expensive to produce, further impacting its profitability.
Could the Dodge Viper Make a Comeback?
While there are no official announcements about the return of the Dodge Viper, the automotive industry is no stranger to reviving iconic models. With advancements in technology and a growing interest in electric and hybrid sports cars, there is always a possibility that Dodge could reintroduce the Viper in a new, modernized form. For now, though, the Viper remains a cherished part of Dodge's history.
In conclusion, Dodge still owns the rights to the Viper, but the car itself is no longer in production. Enthusiasts can only hope that this legendary sports car might one day roar back to life on the roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Viper get discontinued?
Only 630 were sold in 2016. New safety regulations regarding side curtain airbags came into effect, which was not something the automaker was willing to spend the extra money on, so Fiat Chrysler (FCA) decided to put the Viper to bed and closed its Conner Assembly Plant in Michigan in August of 2017.
Who owns the rights to the Viper?
Yes, Chrysler sold the Dodge Viper production rights to a company called "Fiat Chrysler Automobiles" (FCA) in 2010, which later became known as "Stellantis" after the merger of FCA and PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) in 2021.
Is Viper or Hellcat faster?
With top speeds at 199 mph, the Viper accelerates from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. But when you compare it to its rival: A Challenger SRT Hellcat with an automatic transmission goes 0 – 60 miles per hour within three points six rather than fifty-eight.
Who owns Viper now?
The common units sold to the public represent an approximate 8% limited partner interest in Viper. Diamondback owns the remaining approximate 92% limited partner interest in Viper and the general partner of Viper. Viper intends to distribute the net proceeds from the offering to Diamondback.
Does Johnny Depp still own the Viper?
Ownership. As part of the settlement of a lawsuit against Johnny Depp and four others, involving allegations of mismanagement of profits, Depp relinquished his ownership of the Viper Room in 2004. The club changed hands multiple times between 2004 and 2016; the club is currently owned by Viper Room Holdings, Ltd.
Does Dodge still sell Vipers?
DODGE VIPER FAQ
Unfortunately, the Dodge Viper has been discontinued and is no longer in production.
Is Dodge making a 2025 Viper?
The reason you haven't officially seen anything from Dodge is because there isn't a 2025 Viper. The 2025 model year started months ago. Even if all of us missed something, the best we could get now is a 2025½, but more likely, a 2026 Viper.
Will there be a 2024 Dodge Viper?
As reported by Jalopnik, Dodge managed to sell a new Viper in 2024, despite the iconic sports car being out of production since 2017. According to the company's sales figures, Dodge sold a single Viper in the first quarter of 2024, adding it to the roster of Hornets, Chargers, and Challengers shipped during the year.
Does Dodge own Viper?
The Dodge Viper (SR I) is the first-generation Viper sports car, manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Dodge.
What does SRT stand for?
Street & Racing TechnologyStreet and Racing Technology / Full name
SRT stands for “Street and Racing Technology,” but the SRT meaning goes deeper than that. Dodge SRT automobiles are made with the highest quality Dodge parts designed for high-octane performance. You'll reach 0-60 in seconds in any one of our SRT vehicles.
