By MacKenzie Swenning
After a brief hiatus the Dodge Viper will return in 2012 as a 2013 Model. Little is known about the 2013 Dodge Viper, but we do know that the V10 engine is here to stay! An interior spy shot leaked showing steering wheel controls; rumor has it they could be for cruise control (a first for the Viper) or, controls for the Electronic Stability Control (another first for the Viper). The ESC is rumored to have an “off” button, so don’t worry too much.
In September 2010, a prototype 2013 Dodge Viper was driven into the Chrysler Dealer Meeting. According to those who saw it, it is a big change from the previous generation, and offers a more “luxurious” feel. None the less it was applauded by all those who saw it. One person even said it was “dramatic and awesome”. The grille will remain basically the same, but using the new corporate grille with the black center surrounded by chrome. It also appears that the 2013 Viper will be slightly wider.
Some people are worried that the 2013 Viper will be a copy of a Maserati or Ferrari, it has been confirmed that the Viper will use “weight lightening expertise” from them but no parts. It is expected to use a retuned version of the 8.4L V10 always used in the Viper. Other rumors have circulated saying that a V10 version of the Pentastar V6 or HEMI V8 will be used. That is highly unlikely due to the costs to engineer it, unless Ferrari or Maserati used it also.
Look for the 2013 Dodge Viper to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2012, with a sales launch in Spring 2012.