Dodge Viper /

The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car made by the Dodge division of Chrysler. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1991 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, and numerous variations, has made many appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos. The replacement for the fourth generation Dodge Viper formed the basis for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Although Chrysler considered ending production because of financial problems, chief executive Sergio Marchionne announced and showed on September 14, 2010 a redesign of the Viper for 2012. The Viper was conceived as a historical take on the classic American sports car. The iconic AC Cobra was a source of inspiration, and the final version of the Viper bears this out with its powerful engine, minimalist straightforward design, muscular and aggressive styling, and high performances. Some saw claims to kinship with the Cobra as a marketing exercise, ignoring that Carroll Shelby was heavily involved in the initial design of the Viper, and subsequent design of the Viper GTS coupe.