The Viper

Podcast Episode: 0057
​How it came to be and how it all ended!
(life and times of the Dodge Viper)

    Born from a still born Lamborghini engine, the Viper was a car that changed the way we saw Chrysler Corporation.  Although it would not last through the ages, the Viper still made its mark.  Follow AutoLooks as we take you back to how it all started and what went wrong with this amazing piece of American power.

   
​      The Viper was born from a need to bring back the Dodge brand.  With failed attempts in the 80's, to bring back the Charger and Challenger nameplates, Chrysler was in need of a new halo product for their lineup.  ​With some help from Carroll Shelby and new engine from their new supercar brand, Chrysler was off to races.
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           Wanting to bring back the fun of the original Cobra, Shelby and Iacocca set to work on their new power model for Dodge.  By 1989 the world got to see what a new Cobra could look like, as the Viper concept was unleashed onto the world.  Becoming an instant hit at auto shows, Chrysler knew they had to make this model.
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       Over the next twenty-five (25) years the Viper would go through a few changes and by the end of its life it would become one of the most well known Dodge products.   Having lost its raw unassisted power by the end, the true Viper may never return to its true form. 
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       With new owners and a new lease on life, there still may be hope for this once great car.  But don't expect to be the same as the original, as safety features are what truly killed off this once great model.

Everett J.
​#autolooks