LEAKED: The Viper Is On Its Deathbed, While The Fiat 500 Will Be Making Its Way Into Production By End Of 2010

LEAKED: The Viper Is On Its Deathbed, While The Fiat 500 Will Be Making Its Way Into Production By End Of 2010
The Detroit News reports:

"Chrysler Group LLC will start production of the final run of 500 Dodge Vipers on March 29 and wind up the year with the launch of the tiny Fiat 500, leaked production schedule dates show.

Chrysler officials would not verify the dates that appeared on a third-party Web site devoted to Chrysler matters. But company and union officials confirmed some of the dates including the launch of the iconic sports car, the all-new Jeep Cherokee and a family of rear-drive sedans.

Importantly, the schedule shows the automaker on track, if not ahead, of promises to get some new or improved cars and trucks to market this calendar year. In the competitive automotive market, the dearth of new products under Chrysler's previous owners has put the Auburn Hills company at a disadvantage. Its share of the market dropped to 11 percent at the end of 2009, with sales having fallen by 36 percent. In February, however, Chrysler's share was up to 12.2 percent, and sales were up 0.5 percent.

Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne, from partner Fiat SpA, has promised 75 percent of the lineup will be updated by the end of this year, but the company continues to face criticism because most of the launches are in the second half of the year, and many vehicles won't be upgraded until the fourth quarter..."








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bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 3/7/2010 8:09:36 PM
+3 Boost
This is just the final assembly of the last of this generation Viper. The next Gen Viper will have a lighter body frame and other goodies that I cannot mention at this time. I am glad they will leave the 500 as a Fiat. It may even have a number change as not to colflict with the Chrysler 300 or 200C but it will stay a Fiat.


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 3/7/2010 8:17:39 PM
+2 Boost
Ralph Gilles did mention the next generation Viper would be an 8.4 liter v10 and will not use Ferrari parts with a possible V8 version. Viper is not dead.


Agent00RAgent00R - 3/7/2010 8:56:52 PM
+1 Boost
Well, considering Chrysler's abysmal sales numbers I wouldn't be as concerned about the next-gen Dodge Viper as much as Chrysler's survival.


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 3/7/2010 9:06:24 PM
+1 Boost
Abysmal sales numbers? Well yes they aren't as big as they used to be, but look at the facts, they still sold more cars in the states then Honda, a couple thousand less than Toyota (minus lexus), 20000 more vehicles than Hyundai/Kia.


Agent00RAgent00R - 3/7/2010 11:17:16 PM
+2 Boost
@Joe

Two things, Joe:

1) profit margins
2) year-over-year sales

There is no way Chrysler can remain competitive when its profits margins are still being eroded compared to the cheaper labor of the Asian brands you mentioned.


uaw_laxuaw_lax - 3/8/2010 2:30:58 AM
+1 Boost
Why do you guys thin Asian labor is so much cheaper? In the States yes but not by a lot and cars made in Japan cost a lot more.

I have posted about a dozen links to credit this. All you have to do is Google it and see for yourself,


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 3/8/2010 10:48:42 AM
+3 Boost
Agent00R.. Here is what your forgetting or possibly ignoring. Considering Chryslers new line-up won't be here for a few more months, and the fact there current sales are positive is proof the customers are there and will be even better. Re-read Joe Limons comment. Chrysler has done an amasing job of turning this around. Nice attempt in trying to beat up Chrysler with the Viper Deathbed title though.


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 3/7/2010 9:23:35 PM
-1 Boost
Oh god, could you imagine the maintenance/repair costs and fuel economy of a high revving or turbocharged 8.4 liter V10?


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 3/7/2010 10:08:57 PM
+1 Boost
although... an 840hp high revving v10 with the ability to clutch (bmw tech) and run off of 2 cylinders for 30-40mpg fuel economy ratings would be pretty sweet.


uaw_laxuaw_lax - 3/8/2010 2:32:44 AM
+2 Boost
People that buy cars such as this are prepared to pay to service them,


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 3/8/2010 2:41:06 AM
+2 Boost
The viper isn't a Ferrari, it starts at $91,220


uaw_laxuaw_lax - 3/8/2010 9:36:01 AM
+2 Boost
Wich makes it a poor mans super car and leaving one with more money for rplacing parts etc over a Ferrari.


veyron1001veyron1001 - 3/8/2010 12:04:17 PM
-1 Boost
Its a sports car. Nothing super about it.


theman440theman440 - 3/8/2010 6:57:11 PM
+1 Boost
More haters...


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 3/8/2010 7:35:55 PM
+2 Boost
"Wich makes it a poor mans super car"

A poor man can't afford to keep up the maintenance on a Ferrari, so why would he want to do it on a viper?


theman440theman440 - 3/8/2010 11:58:14 AM
+1 Boost
UAW - your reaching now...
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