Chrysler Reviewing Halo Cars, Viper's Future In Question

Supplier sources familiar with the product cycle plans at Chrysler tell Inside Line that the automaker is "trying to move investment up" in the effort to improve the Sebring, Avenger and Sebring Convertible even earlier than originally planned.

With new owner Cerberus accounting for every penny, there apparently is mounting concern about the future of the Dodge Viper. Sources say Chrysler is prepared to "make an instantaneous decision" to discontinue the Viper, especially if it "no longer can deliver the desired halo effect."

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EvoAudi - 1/10/2008 10:18:25 AM

+2 Boost

How can the viper "no longer can deliver the desired halo effect."

lewishamiltonpimp - 1/10/2008 10:44:12 AM

+4 Boost

They need to do something with the Sebring. The Mailbu is by all accounts doing well up against the Camry and Accord.

The Sebring is a nightmare. Who would buy one, especially the rag top for nearly $40K.

sold2early - 1/10/2008 1:36:31 PM

0 Boost

A while back I had the misfortune of riding in a rental Sebring. The interior was easily the worst I've seen in any car.

BigShow50 - 1/10/2008 12:52:49 PM

0 Boost

The Viper was suppose to be the "Halo" vehicle?!?!?... Since when other models besides any gas guzzling SRT8 Hemi is looked around a "Viper"? From the looks of it the "Halo" was simply the Hemi engine and what's built around it...ohh well whatever tickles Chrysler's fancy.

sold2early - 1/10/2008 1:31:36 PM

0 Boost

I'd be surprised if they kept the Viper. It's probably a money loser for the company despite it's hefty price.

TTRaceRR - 1/10/2008 5:08:11 PM

0 Boost

I'll miss the Viper, but if they're not going to go the next step a beat the upcoming Vette (which wouldn't take much more than a supercharger) they might as well discontinue it. Most people can't afford one anyway, and I'd rather them put the bucks into making thew Challenger king of the pony cars. As for the Sebring, kill it and start over! I nice midsize rear-drive sedan would set them apart from the Malibu and the Japaneses appliances.

Porschinator - 1/10/2008 8:38:28 PM

0 Boost

The biggest flaw on the Viper is that it is only a toy. Very fun to drive but impractical and a Ferrari makes a better daily driver (The Viper is too loud and hard riding which gets old extremely fast if driven continually). This is why Corvettes have succeeded; due to its daily driving civility.

When a Auto company is doing well it can spare $$$ towards Halo cars or low production Sports cars. When things are not going so well its a different story.

njshift - 1/11/2008 9:24:08 AM

+1 Boost

A base Corevette can make a decent daily driver but not the Z06 which the Viper directly competes against. I agree, the Viper is not a practical car nor was it ever intended to be. But calling the Viper a "toy" is plain ridiculous. Bad choice of words, IMO.

AMGC55 - 1/11/2008 2:29:52 AM

0 Boost

maybe they should make it a real interior for real people not just a barbie car