Swift demand for the fifth-generation 2013 Dodge Viper led for the initial allotment of 800 cars to sell out quickly. Next month, eager buyers will start receiving their cars, WardsAuto reported.
This installment of the storied speedster from the Chrysler Group marks a change in production launch patterns for the Viper, which is being released initially as a a fixed-top coupe, the article stated. The four previous generations of the Viper were released as drop-top convertibles, with the fixed-top coupe models coming later.
When the fourth-generation Viper was launched it took another four years before a hardtop was added to the line up, WardsAuto reported.
But news from the Chicago Auto Show indicate that customers and fans alike will not have to wait as long for the fifth-generation Vipers.
Ralph Gilles, president of Chrysler's SRT performance division, told WardsAuto, "we won't wait that long," before making the convertible version of the fifth-generation Viper available. Gilles said he hopes the convertible Viper will be available in a few years and when that time comes, removing the top will be simple, WardsAuto reported.
"The car was designed to be a convertible," Gilles said, according to WardsAuto. "Under the skin is a convertible chassis. It's already there - the stiffness is there. It's extremely easy should that come, but we're not in any rush.
"The Viper is 640 horsepower, two-seat speed machine. The cars, equipped with V-10 engines, are hand-built in Detroit's Connor Avenue assembly plant and have a loyal following of enthusiasts," he said. "Some of them will buy the coupe, and then when the convertible comes out, buy another one, or switch. And a handful of them say, 'I'll wait for the convertible.'"
According to WardsAuto, the Viper development team chose to launch the car as a hardtop so the car could quality for ALMS racing events.
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