The Dodge Viper will be coming back in 2020, on the model’s 30th anniversary, but with a new 558hp naturally aspirated V8 engine, instead of the old V10. The series will get manual gearboxes, with the range-topper expected to be a 710hp V8 unit – shared with the brand’s future Hellcat muscle cars – that is expected to come later.
The Viper will retain its distinctive shape, so a front-engine, rear-drive set-up is inevitable. The lower power means weight-saving will be a priority – an aluminium spaceframe and carbonfibre bodywork is expected.
The Viper will be launched as a convertible, with a coupé following some time after. The 710hp version will arrive later, likely in the form of a hardcore variant akin to the Viper ACR of 2016. A motorsport challenger is also expected to bring the Dodge brand back to the GT3 championships.
The introduction of the new Viper would be unusual, given FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne’s streamlining approach, under which less profitable models have been, and will continue to be, axed.