The recent spike in Corvette sales numbers may have upset the folks in Auburn Hills, as the transformation of the Dodge Viper continues. The company has let dribs and drabs of information come out, the most recent being the photo above. While it really shows nothing concrete, it is intended to keep the faithful from jumping ship.
Over the past months, there have been some tantalizing suggestions made both by Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles and Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler/Fiat CEO. Two items of note did come out with the current photo.
First is a mention of the car returning in late 2012, which remains consistent with this being a 2013 model year release. However, it doesn’t quite line up well with a previous statement to our Editors from Gilles, who said, “You’ll see the new Viper June 2012 as a 2013 model. That’s a promise.”
Second is another mention of stability control testing, that being what is going on in the photo. No Dodge Viper has been delivered with electronic stability control (ESC) before, but its not like Chrysler has a choice in the matter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires the safety feature to be available on all vehicles by the 2012 model year, so in reality, there is nothing to be speculated about by having ESC.
The absolute dearth of concrete information is likely to be wearing thin on those who are less than ravenously committed to the marque. Even if some buyers are heading into Bowtie territory to pass this summer with a new Grand Sport or ZR1, it is to be expected. You can get into a decent two or three year old Corvette (base) for around $40K, so why not enjoy the summer instead of waiting for the next pop-up hint or oblique reference to something “really cool.”
When the Snake does arrive, you’ll not lose much by flipping the ‘Vette and heading to the local Dodge dealership. From what I’ve seen before, Viper guys are pretty level-headed, so such could just be their way of marking time.