Here’s Why Dodge Cut Off the Head of the Viper
The Dodge Viper is one of the best American sports cars of all time. Dating back to the early 1990s, this is a vehicle that has been pretty controversial from the start. Safety issues plagued the first model and continued until Dodge discontinued the car. Still, the Dodge Viper is a highly sought after nameplate, but many wonder why there hasn’t been a new model since 2017.
Here’s why Dodge cut the head off of the Viper.
Why isn’t there a new Viper?
There is no question that the iconic Dodge Viper is among the best sports cars. Even for nongearheads, the car has a reputation that sits above other vehicles. Perhaps this is partly because the Viper has always been more rare and mysterious than options like the Mustang or the Camaro. However, it’s been noticeably absent from the market for the last several years.
So, why did Dodge discontinue the Viper? Well, as with many vehicles that come to mind, one reason is low sales. According to GoodCarBadCar, the car only sold 630 units in 2016. The Viper is also one of the least practical models ever, so it makes sense fewer people would buy it. Additionally, this isn’t an inexpensive car, as the price for the 2017 Dodge Viper started at $87,895.
However, the automaker couldn’t entirely blame low sales for production coming to an end. Perhaps the biggest reason has to do with safety. Unfortunately, the automaker was unable to make the car comply with safety regulations at the time. Safety regulation number FMVSS 226 required side curtain airbags. Unfortunately, the design team couldn’t include side curtain airbags with the Viper.
The 2017 Dodge Viper isn’t among the best sports cars
The Viper nameplate rings bells around the automotive industry. It’s one of the best sports cars for performance and capability. However, the Viper has never been the most reliable option on the market. The same is true for the 2017 Dodge Viper, as it has less-than-stellar ratings in this regard. Car buyers of the past were more willing to accept a fast car with high maintenance costs. However, buyers of today want something closer to the total package.
Still, the 2017 Dodge Viper has much to offer when it comes to power. It comes standard with an 8.4-liter V10 with a maximum output of 645 horsepower and a torque of 600 lb-ft. This is a rear-wheel drive vehicle that uses a six-speed manual transmission. It takes around 3.5 seconds for the 2017 Viper to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
Truthfully, Dodge needs a new Viper. The industry is changing, which has forced the automaker to evolve. Still, its lineup is pretty sparse in comparison to options like Ford and Chevy. Dodge could really benefit from bringing back the Viper. Sure, it would need to be a different car that complies with regulations, but it’s not impossible.
