Dodge’s final Viper to be produced was a one of a kind gold\orange stripes edition, with special Last Production Viper designations and a distinctive interior as well.

Viper’s production began in 1992, and quickly spawned a huge cult following along with its own NBC TV show, also called Viper. The original Dodge Viper “Roadster” contained a 400 horsepower powerplant. Current (and final) Vipers range in the 600-plus horsepower ACR engines.

We don’t know if Dodge will ever produce some kind of Viper replacement or futuristic sportscar anytime soon. For now, we look back fondly on our fallen Viper brethren, and look hopeful at tomorrow that a new generation will grow to appreciate that big grill front and and 600 American horsepower.

via | Dragtimes

Thanks for the info Jalop!

NASCAR will allow the Challenger to compete in four “New Car” races next season. For the other 31 races, both Allgaier and Keselowski will pilot their Dodge Charger stock cars. Challenger’s first race will be held at Daytona in July 2010, with a possible Talladega test run sometime soon.

via automobilemag

The Chrysler Division itself is headed up by Olivier Francois, the current head of Fiat’s Lancia unit. Jeep (yes, Jeep is still around) will stay under the control of Michael Manley. Gilles, best-known designs include the successful Chrysler 300 and the current Dodge Ram interior, will be in charge of expanding the Dodge lineup. Dodge will most likely take a more performance-oriented direction in the future.

Not only will we witness a new Dodge Ram for next year, but a 2011 Jeep Cherokee as well. Looks like everything is coming up Truck!

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Engine

According to World Car Fans: “New rumours have emerged suggesting that the next generation Dodge Viper may receive a Ferrari-designed V10 engine. While details are limited, the report indicates that Fiat’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, wants to take advantage of the fact that the Viper is Chrysler’s “halo” vehicle. The benefits seem pretty obvious, the engine sharing would reduce development costs (by spreading its use over multiple brands) and the engine pedigree might boost Viper sales.” Whatever the case, this is exciting news for Dodge fans who want to tear up the roads in an all new Viper.

Friends, we gather here today in order to pay respects to a car. Not just any car. A Dodge. In the words of Al Bundy, “A name that speaks power and glory…Dodge.” Guess the new Chrysler Fiat, owner of Dodge, doesn’t see any use for a supercharged 4-cyl. The Caliber SRT4 has been extinguished. Apparently, “Caliber SRT4 failed to live up to its Neon-based predecessor—a car which we once crowned king of the featherweights – much less any of its current competition. Indeed, even brand new, the front-drive hatch found itself last in a four-car comparison test.” This decision also means the death of the SRT4’s 285-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine survived for just two model years in a Chrysler product. PT Cruiser, your grandfather’s version of the Caliber, remains thru 2011.

From Chrysler LLC Blog:

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Connor 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

It’s nothing personal, all Chrysler plants will be going idle on July 13th, as they are prepped for retooling to produce new models and meet specifications of new owner Fiat. They also need to prepare for the 2010 model year.

According to US News: “A Chrysler spokesman confirmed Tuesday that 1,700 Belvidere Chrysler employees return to work Wednesday through Friday, but they’ll spend that time training in some new Fiat procedures.” Going back to work for three days before the plant retooling means that workers will have to dip into their vacation time if they want to get paid while the plant is quiet.”

Ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Cleveland, OH (pictured above) did not make the cut, and will be one of the almost 800 dealers closing up shop. Rumors say the top dealers at these lots will receive a new car, the second runner-ups…a set of steak knives. Ok, we stole that from Glengarry Glen Ross, but we’re trying to find a little humor here!

Dodgepedia welcomes our new Italian overlords with open arms. May we dine together over a hot plate of pasta and a bottle of red wine.

A recent post in Edmund’s Car blog brings up a misconception about what Chrysler incentives will be able to get you before June 9th, the day Chrysler dealers must stop selling cars. Many believe now is the time to get yourself a cheap Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle – and you’d be right…sort of.

If you walk into a Dodge dealer and check out a Caliber or Dakota pickup truck, chances are you’ll be able to purchase one for somewhere around 50% off MSRP. You see, Chrysler isn’t buy the cars back once their dealerships close, and selling the vehicles to other CDJ lots may be iffy, also dumping the cars off at auctions runs the chance that no one will make a profit. But you won’t be driving off in a brand new 2009 Challenger R/T at 50% off. Cars like the new Challenger are still a big draw, and can attract buyers willing to spend $10,000 under MSRP – even if that keeps the final costs to around $25K. A 50% profit loss on an American Muscle Car is not something any dealer, living or dead, will settle for. It will be interesting to see what Chrysler dealers decide to do with their overstocked and unable to be sold inventory after the first week of June.