 Originally slated to cease production in December
2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant - the exclusive
home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 - will continue to build the V-10
powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper
business assets.
“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." Introduced
as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction
to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production
sports car.
The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even
before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to
determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge
Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three
years. In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler
Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminum V-10 was
a “go.” Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack
Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10
engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly
in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge
Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior
and interior color combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the
performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customization
options than before.
For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter,
600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration
(0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range),
setting an American sports car benchmark. To date, more than 25,000 Dodge
Vipers have been built.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with
Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric
Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology
and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale,
the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first
established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary
technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899. Headquartered
in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features
some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300,
Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology,
platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler
Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly
vehicles. Vipers have been built.
About Dodge
 With a work-hard, play-hard attitude,
the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial
vehicles and a sales-leading, fifth-generation minivan in 2009. Dodge will
soon add to its award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of its all-new
2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks. Dodge introduced several
new vehicles last year, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009
Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrated the 25th
anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65
minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler
minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment.
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with
more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including
unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind-Spot
Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems. Also in 2008, the
Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the
Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume
vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008. Vipers have been built.
Follow Dodge and Chrysler Group LLC news and
video on:
Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chryslercom and www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo
Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm |
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