Things are not looking so well for the upcoming 2013 Dodge Viper. Early testing and production has been littered with complications. It seems there are few, if any, suppliers who wish to build components for the next-gen supercar.

Dodge officials stated, “We have had a few hiccups here and there as we get suppliers. That type of fringe business [low production vehicles] has really dwindled. A lot of people are looking for big accounts now, but now that is behind us.”

Will the automotive economy kill Viper before it’s launch in late 2012?

According to Jalopnik – Ralph Gillies, Chrysler’s top designer, said this week the next Viper will be inspired by “a naked woman on the beach” and will be “drop-dead beautiful.” Now that Fiat, the Italian auto maker, owns Chrysler expect nude women to inspire all future models.

In addition, Chrysler says the new Dodge Viper will be “drop-dead beautiful” and is meant to draw buyers away from Porsche and the Corvette. The car will be released as a 2013 model-year vehicle, Gilles told reporters at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit.

While details are limited, the Wall Street Journal says the concept was more upscale than its predecessor. This seems to jive with previous reports that the Mercedes SLS AMG actually started out as the next-generation Viper. If that doesn’t sound impressive enough, dealers said Chrysler’s “new product committee took one look at the Viper and unanimously approved its production within five minutes.”

Pictures: 2009 Dodge Viper

Under the hood, the 8.4-liter V10 engine is expected to carryover. It produced 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque in the Viper SRT10 Final Edition, but rumors have suggested the engine could feature Ferrari technology which might increase output.

Source: WCF | Wall St Journal

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

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

From Wikipedia: The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler LLC. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, as well as numerous variations of it, has made countless appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos. All generations had the same 6-speed manual transmission.

First Generation Dodge Viper – a great success for Chrysler, and the concept behind the classic TV Series Viper.

Second Generation Dodge Viper added horse power and various hood scoops.

Third Generation Vipers had an SRT 10 enhanced engine as an option.

The fourth and final gen Viper added a slimmer grill, but kept much of its previous body styling.

Dodge Viper ACR is a race car that not only took the World Famous Nurburgring track at just around 7 seconds, but will also set you back a cool $98K.

The Viper Copperhead concept never made it into production, and may have been the next generation of Viper vehicles.

Viper’s latest model (and final?) showing off at 2008′s Montreal Auto Show.

Viper GTS-R used by Zakspeed Racing.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR

According to RideLust: What distinguishes the ACR from the regular Viper is not horsepower, both have the same 8.4 liter V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound feet of torque. The ACR includes mostly handling, braking, suspension and weight upgrades to enhance its cornering abilities. This is not just lip service. Purportedly at 150 mph, the regular Viper coupe generates 100 pounds of downforce; at the same speed, the Viper ACR generates 1000 pounds of downforce. Therefore, the giant carbon-fiber rear wing is clearly not meant for show. There’s also a new carbon-fiber front splitter that extends way back under the car and incorporates seven steps to diffuse the airflow. The new hood louvers unveiled with the 600-horsepower engine upgrade a year ago play a part, too. Suspension changes include race-style KW shocks all around that can be adjusted for stiffness and ride height, springs twice as stiff as those in a normal Viper, and a larger front stabilizer bar. Forged “Sidewinder” alloy wheels save 30 pounds of unsprung weight, and new two-piece StopTech brake rotors save a further 30. The standard ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the regular Viper coupe.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR

All of the upgrades result in the SRT10 Viper ACR getting to 60 mph in around 3.7 seconds, but more importantly stops it in less than 100 feet. Impressive as it is, the Viper will probably go the same way as the RX-7, NSX or anything else that is too expensive and inefficient for the world we live in. With Chrysler on the brink of bankruptcy and the executives having to justify every business decision they make to Congress, we should all enjoy it while it lasts.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Interior

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Engine

Rafael started with sketches and took it to the computer with 3-D graphics, giving lifelike curves to this version of a vehicle that never was, but should have been. At the time, a vehicle like this would have sold for roughly $4,110 to compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette. If only…

Both Saleen and Roush Performance have talked with Chrysler/Dodge about picking up Viper and making it their own. Saleen is already somewhat involved in Viper’s production, they paint each vehicles after they roll off the assembly line. But that’s no guarantee they’ll get it, especially with Roush wanting a piece of the snake. Who will Dodge sell the car tag to? Well, with parent company Chrysler possibly making anywhere from $50 to $150 million before 2011′s final Dodge Viper sale this will come down to the highest bidder.