DODGE VIPER

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The Dodge Viper, previously called SRT Viper (2012-2014), is a two-seat sports car manufactured by Dodge (SRT for 2013 and 2014), a division of Chrysler. Production started at New Mack Assembly in 1991, moving to Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. Despite contemplating discontinuation due to financial issues, CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled a new Viper model for 2012. In 2014, the car ranked 10th on the Most American Cars list, with 75% or more of its parts made in the U.S. Conceived at Chrysler's Advanced Design Studios in late 1988, the Viper was inspired by a modern Cobra. The positive reception at the 1989 North American International Auto Show led chief engineer Roy Sjoberg to develop it as a standard production vehicle. Team Viper, consisting of 85 engineers, began development in March 1989. Lamborghini cast a prototype aluminum block for the sports car in May, and the production body was completed by fall with a chassis prototype running in December. The V10 engine, meant for the production car, was ready in February 1990, receiving official approval from Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca in May. A pre-production car piloted by Carroll Shelby served as the pace vehicle in the Indianapolis 500 race in 1991, and the vehicle was released to reviewers in November with first retail shipments beginning in January 1992.