2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Dealer Exclusive Program
The 2013 Dodge Viper, the third iteration of the iconic American supercar, is on track for a debut early next year, most likely at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The information was revealed recently by Ralph Gilles, the new head of Chrysler’s standalone SRT performance division and current design chief for the entire Chrysler group.
Gilles has spoken often of the new Viper, first confirming the car back in late 2010 and later revealing that its lines have been inspired by the silhouette of a “naked woman on the beach”.
Now he has revealed that designers are having a hard time securing suppliers for the new Viper, with most firms reluctant to sign on for such a low volume model. Even in its best year, 2003, Viper sales only managed to reach 2,103 units. In 2010, its last year of production, Dodge sold just 392 units.
"It has been tough to get low-volume suppliers," Gilles revealed to Automotive News. "We have had a few hiccups here and there as we get suppliers. That type of fringe business has really dwindled. A lot of people are looking for big accounts now, but now that is behind us."
The 2013 Dodge Viper is expected to be new from the ground up, including engines, chassis and interior. One major difference will be the introduction of more driver aids, including advanced stability and traction control systems, in order to make the car appeal more to a wider target audience.
For our full coverage on the 2013 Dodge Viper so far, click here.
[Automotive News, sub req’d]
