Who developed the Dodge Viper?

The Dodge Viper was developed by Chrysler Corporation. The idea for the Viper came from Chrysler’s then-president Bob Lutz, who wanted the brand to build its own sports car in the vein of the Shelby Cobra. The project was greenlighted by Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca, and the world first saw the Dodge Viper as a concept at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show. The production Viper RT/10 was displayed in 1992 with styling that remained in line with the previous concept. The Viper featured a 400-hp, 8.0-liter V-10 engine co-developed by Chrysler-owned Lamborghini and a six-speed manual transmission. The Dodge Viper was known for its powerful performance and aggressive design, and it became one of America’s greatest performance legends.
Please note that the Dodge Viper has been discontinued. The last Dodge Viper rolled off the production line in 2010, and there have been no plans announced for its return .

Did Lamborghini design the Viper engine?

The Viper engine is a high-performance naturally-aspirated pushrod 2 valves-per-cylinder 90° V10 engine designed by Chrysler but with aluminum block castings designed by Lamborghini for use in the Dodge Viper.

What was the Dodge Viper based on?

The car is as raw as a modern vehicle could be, just as the Shelby Cobra that inspired it was in the 1960s. Most aspects of the Dodge two-seater seem designed to force comparisons to that classic Shelby: The Viper lacks door-mounted windows and exterior door handles but does have side-exit exhaust outlets.

Did Carroll Shelby have anything to do with the Dodge Viper?

While Chrysler handled production of the original Viper, Carroll Shelby played a major part during the development process. By the time the 1992 Viper was ready to be unveiled to the public, it was just as raw of a car as its spiritual predecessor.

Why was the Viper discontinued?

Only 630 were sold in 2016. New safety regulations regarding side curtain airbags came into effect, which was not something the automaker was willing to spend the extra money on, so Fiat Chrysler (FCA) decided to put the Viper to bed and closed its Conner Assembly Plant in Michigan in August of 2017.

Did Carroll Shelby create the Viper?

Most saw claims to kinship with the cobra as a marketing exercise, although Carroll Shelby was involved in the initial design of the Viper. The Viper was initially conceived in late 1987 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios.

Does Dodge still build the Viper?

The Dodge Viper is no longer in production, but you may be able to purchase a pre-owned vehicle through your local dealer. Contact your dealer to learn more.

What company owns the Viper?

As part of this restructuring, Chrysler sold the rights to the Dodge Viper to the newly formed sports-car manufacturer, the Viper Motor Company LLC, which was owned by the investment firm, Renovo Group.

Who created Dodge Viper?

Shortly after, Chrysler designer Tom Gale had produced a clay model of what would become the Viper, and plans for a V-10 engine that would be shared with Ram pickups were underway. Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca greenlighted the project and the world first saw the Dodge Viper as a concept at the 1989 Detroit auto show.

Was the Viper engine a Hemi?

It’s actually a modification of the old Chrysler LA small block V8. It is to a large degree a Chrysler LA 360 (5.9) with two extra cylinders. You heard me right. The Viper engine is really just a version of the engine the Hemi replaced.

Did Shelby help make Dodge Viper?

Shelby was also involved in several prototype/concept cars that never made it to production. He had early involvement with the Dodge Viper, which did make it to production. He became ill shortly after the project started and had little involvement after that.