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Dodge Viper on the Auction Block

Dodge Viper on the Auction Block

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett August 27th, 2008

2006 Dodge Viper 2dr Cpe exterior front upper left

2006 Dodge Viper 2dr Cpe exterior front upper left

Enlarge Photo
Chrysler says it will explore options to sell the Dodge Viper--not as a 2009 model, but as a business unit that presumably no longer makes sense in its strategic plan.

The company says it's been approached by potential partners, which means it's been poking around and floating the idea of spinning off the Viper business for a while. While not axing the Viper--yet--a sale would give Dodge and Chrysler more money and brainpower to devote to core products like mid-size sedans, minivans, and hybrids.

Chrysler chief Bob Nardelli says in a release that it's pursuing talks over the Viper, "keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts," adding that the company would offer financial support during a transaction.

How soon will it take the Viper to join the ranks of HUMMER, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover? Chrysler only confirms there's no official timetable involved, but it has retained financial advisors Lazard to shop the Viper business unit.

The Viper was introduced as a concept in 1989, went into production in 1992 and is currently built in downtown Detroit.

Do you think Dodge is making a fatal mistake in sawing off the Viper from its lineup? Tell us in a comment below. 2006 Dodge Viper 2dr Cpe exterior front upper leftEnlarge PhotoChrysler says it will explore options to sell the Dodge Viper--not as a 2009 model, but as a business unit that presumably no longer makes sense in its strategic plan. The company says it's been approached by potential partners, which means it's been poking around and floating the idea of spinning off the Viper business for a while. While not axing the Viper--yet--a sale would give Dodge and Chrysler more money and brainpower to devote to core products like mid-size sedans, minivans, and hybrids. Chrysler chief Bob Nardelli says in a release that it's pursuing talks over the Viper, "keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts," adding that the company would offer financial support during a transaction. How soon will it take the Viper to join the ranks of HUMMER, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover? Chrysler only confirms there's no official timetable involved, but it has retained financial advisors Lazard to shop the Viper business unit. The Viper was introduced as a concept in 1989, went into production in 1992 and is currently built in downtown Detroit. Do you think Dodge is making a fatal mistake in sawing off the Viper from its lineup? Tell us in a comment below.

Posted in: 2008, Dodge, Viper



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Responses (5 total)

  1. By AC #1, Posted: 8/27/2008

    I forgot they even still made that thing.

  2. By gas #2, Posted: 8/27/2008

    That would be a big mistake. The Viper is like the space program: You don't build Vipers because you need them, you build them because you can, and such endeavors demonstrate leadership. Not many people fly into space or own Vipers, but the rest of us are glad that someone can. We want to know that the Caravan/Caliber/Challenger aren't the ultimate best that Chrysler can produce.
    Keep the Viper at Chrysler!

  3. By Bob #3, Posted: 8/27/2008

    @AC, yeah it's a real forgettable car. 600hp, 202mph, low 11 second 1/4 mile times, and a factory track package available. What a yawn...

  4. By Ron #4, Posted: 8/27/2008

    It is a shame. I really showed it value at the racetracks. I think one car like that does more for a brand than an add with George Clooney etc.

  5. By Bob #5, Posted: 8/28/2008

    Apparently Dodge felt they needed to remind people like AC that the car still exists, so they went off and set a 7:22 lap time at the 'ring:
    http://www.motortrend.com/av/features/112_0811_2009_dodge_viper_acr_nurburgring_record_video/index.html

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