Baby Viper on the way?

Nikked · 20-12-2012, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Chrysler could produce a “baby Viper” using its alliance with parent company Fiat as a way to bring the muscle car look to a smaller, more affordable - and more fuel efficient - sports car.

Speaking at the international launch of the SRT Viper, the man who brought the V10-powered Viper back to life, SRT boss and Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles, hinted a smaller Viper could be in the wings.

“Going forward, of course, my dream is to continue making unique SRT products, something like a baby Viper or something like that,” said Gilles.

One obvious choice would be to use the existing underpinnings of a Fiat or Alfa Romeo product, in much the same way as the Dodge Dart has given the US brand a smaller, more environmentally-friendly vehicle in a short development timeframe; the Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a lightweight sports car powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 170kW of power that could be one option.

Alfa Romeo is also working with Mazda to produce the latter’s new MX-5 roadster, something that could also produce a viable baby sports car platform

Drive

DBourne · 20-12-2012, 08:00 AM

Unless they are going to shoe horn a v10 in to a fiat (DO IT!) then leave the viper name alone!!

Stagg · 20-12-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

Unless they are going to shoe horn a v10 in to a fiat (DO IT!) then leave the viper name alone!!

viper V10 in a fiat will get you many women

Yellow_Festiva · 20-12-2012, 10:18 AM

"Baby Viper" has been available for over 2 decades!

Buntz · 20-12-2012, 08:13 PM

It will probably be something Viper based... but smaller, and probably with the Hemi V8 in it.

Nikked · 20-12-2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz

It will probably be something Viper based... but smaller, and probably with the Hemi V8 in it.

The artical suggests a car based of the MX-5 platform...imagine that with a Hemi in it...

Buntz · 20-12-2012, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

The artical suggests a car based of the MX-5 platform...imagine that with a Hemi in it...

Nah... I don't think SRT wants to be associated with the Miata modifying crowd that just put V8's in MX-5's. Quite a following for that in the states.

Nah. I reckon it'd be something uniquely Dodge/Chrysler.

There having been grumblings about a concept SRT may be presently working on... hinted at being a Barracuda. Now they aren't sure if it will be a Dodge Challenger replacement, or new SRT, but maybe these words from Gilles have basis in fact.

http://digest.gadgetsradar.com/SRT-B...es-TV-segment/

SteveJH · 20-12-2012, 10:59 PM

Could the platform from the Crossfire be used?

Bossxr8 · 21-12-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz

Nah... I don't think SRT wants to be associated with the Miata modifying crowd that just put V8's in MX-5's. Quite a following for that in the states.

Nah. I reckon it'd be something uniquely Dodge/Chrysler.

There having been grumblings about a concept SRT may be presently working on... hinted at being a Barracuda. Now they aren't sure if it will be a Dodge Challenger replacement, or new SRT, but maybe these words from Gilles have basis in fact.

image

http://digest.gadgetsradar.com/SRT-B...es-TV-segment/

image

Can't see it being a Cuda because Plymouth no longer exists.

Buntz · 21-12-2012, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Can't see it being a Cuda because Plymouth no longer exists.

The Viper is no longer a Dodge. Clearly, if Chrysler owns the name, they don't care about the heritage.

bangm001 · 22-12-2012, 07:35 AM

I agree, leave the viper name alone. The reason for the viper in the first place was for real "car guys" that wanted a damn fast current model car. And not just people with gazillions of dollars who go out and buy ferraris/lambos etc and have no idea about cars.
The original Vipers had no ABS, no traction control, no launch control, no climate control and were lucky to even just have a CD player!! They in my opinion have already gone to far with it to try and keep with the Vettes over there anyway. Leave it be, and just work on performance upgrades!! Definately nio little viper.

SteveJH · 22-12-2012, 07:39 PM

Most supercars of the early 1990's didn't have tractioncontrol, ABS etc, the Viper was hardly alone.

Have a look at the McLaren F1 for example!!

**DJM83** · 22-12-2012, 07:56 PM

Baby Viper you say.... Not this bad boy is it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgajlVQDo4o&feature=plcp

Buntz · 27-12-2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Most supercars of the early 1990's didn't have tractioncontrol, ABS etc, the Viper was hardly alone.

Have a look at the McLaren F1 for example!!

Even in the early noughties it didn't either.