The demise of the Viper is a rumor which seems to surface on this board every month or so. It is doubtful Dodge would be expending so many resources on a new version of the Viper just to kill it off. Everything we have heard from Dodge (at VOI6) indicates there is no truth to this rumor. The 2002 model year may be a limited run, but only due to retooling necessary to switch over to the Gen III Viper for MY 2003.
In light of the recent German takeover of Chrysler management and the past two quarters of losses, it is not inconceivable that a continued economic downturn could have an effect on the long term future of the Viper. But I think it would really take a prolonged and major drop in profits to jeopardize Viper production.
Of course, GM would love to see Viper production halted so they could once again have the American sports car market to themselves. The current issue of AutoWeek hints at a more powerful, 400 HP Corvette for MY 2003, the 50th anniversary year. But when the Gen III Viper debuts in the same year, the bowtie gang will still find themselves 125 HP behind the true American performance icon.
