REPORT: Next-Gen Dodge Viper could get Ferrari-derived V10
Dodge Viper SRT-10 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Way back in 1987, Chrysler bought up a troubled Lamborghini, and within two years put it to work developing a V10 engine program that would eventually give birth to both the Dodge Viper and the Lamborghini Gallardo – two of the first ten-cylinder engines on the modern market. Two decades later, the tables have turned: instead of buying up struggling Italian automakers, it's Chrysler that's troubled and the Italians are coming to the rescue. And now reports suggest that the replacement for the Viper's V10 could be derived from Ferrari's next-generation engine program.
Chrysler's original plan was to sell of the Viper business, but since no serious offers came through, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is reportedly keen on taking advantage of the sportscar's standing as the company's halo vehicle. But rather than have Chrysler shoulder the entire burden of developing the next-generation Viper, the engine program could be derived from the same modular powerplant that will propel upcoming Ferraris and Maseratis.
Ferrari has essentially had four engine designs in its history: the Colombo design was in use from the company's beginnings all the way through the '90s. The Lampredi engine was used on a handful of vehicles in the 50's before being phased out. The Dino engine spawned V6, V8 and V12 versions and was in use until just a few years ago, while the current Ferrari/Maserati engine powers everything in the both companies' current ranges as well as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Its 90-degree replacement will likewise offer variable configurations: a flat-plane crank V8 for Ferrari, a cross-plane crank for Maserati and a pushrod V10 for the Viper.
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Mr.Oak 1:29PM (8/10/2009)
NOOOOOOOOOO!! How about a Hemi-phied DI V10?? Ferrari engine would take the soul of this car away.
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Saheed 2:16PM (8/10/2009)
yeah, seriously! I agree it would really take away it's personality :(
Adam Marcello 2:12PM (8/10/2009)
I wouldn't write Hemi on a viper.
But a Ferrari engine is a bad idea. The dodge V10 is a torque monster and I dont think any Ferrari motor is up to that task.
BrianFL 2:22PM (8/10/2009)
+1 I guess its bye bye torque
Adam Bruce 3:12PM (8/10/2009)
I would rather have "bye bye Torque" than "bye bye Viper"
Phillip 3:14PM (8/10/2009)
I've always read that Lamborghini was somehow supposedly involved in the development of the V10.
I believe that this was all BS made up for marketing reasons.
The V10 was just an Chysler LA small block with 2 extra cylinders. It shared nothing in common with any Lamborghini engine.
Frank 3:50PM (8/10/2009)
No it's not marketing BS. The cast iron version was for the trucks was Chrysler (like you said the 360 LA block with 2 added cylinders). But to do the all aluminum one for the Viper they got engineering assistance from Lambo.
Valentino Amoro 4:27PM (8/10/2009)
A SURE way to ruin this car.
Rather kill it off than change the heart.
Here's what I recommend:
The Viper looses sales seemingly because it's too raw for a larger audience (like TVR) and not refined enough.
Keeping the essential personality the same, suggestions include:
1) Fiat up the interior (they are good at making nice looking interiors)
2) Fit in ESP
3) Update the exhaust note to make it sound more 'American', not 'Italian'. Think LS3, Mustang GT.
4) Race the Vipers in GT2.
5) Drop another 200 pounds.
That way you have Ferrari, exotic, expensive, more race car revving and high quality interiors. Competes with Lambos.
Viper which is more acceisble, very fast, different natured. Competes with 911 and Vettes.
Alfar Romeo flagship that's more eye candy but also performance focused, like an Aston.
Benfolio 1:29PM (8/10/2009)
Wait, what? Why? Surely there are limits the current engine hasn't reached yet.
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KanewJj 1:34PM (8/10/2009)
This Is great this will finally allow Chrysler to ketchup on new technology instead of just boring out out everything to make more power
MikeW 1:55PM (8/10/2009)
Well, they could add variable intake valve timing.
ytilanigiroon 1:57PM (8/10/2009)
Yeah, and along with VVT they should add a rear differential. That would be so modern!
Franz 2:16PM (8/10/2009)
"This Is great this will finally allow Chrysler to ketchup on new technology..."
I prefer mustard.
Jim 2:27PM (8/10/2009)
"Wait, what? Why? Surely there are limits the current engine hasn't reached yet."
we don't know how long the current V10 will be able to meet emissions regulations. Though it was extensively modified for 2008, it still traces its lineage back to the old LA V8s.
sparrk 4:20PM (8/10/2009)
i bet a 8.5l Ferrari engine would have more torque than the Viper V10.
Jim 5:00PM (8/10/2009)
"i bet a 8.5l Ferrari engine would have more torque than the Viper"
you can't just assume that if they doubled the displacement of their engine, that the torque/hp would scale the same. It just doesn't work that way.
ronEbear 1:30PM (8/10/2009)
Is Chrysler really in a position to still be developing niche sports cars? Especially given the fact that they don`t have a decent economical car that displays even a hint of desirability.
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Hondaman Calgary 2:26PM (8/10/2009)
I think this whole article should be filed under BS
friko 2:58PM (8/10/2009)
Obviously, when/if this Viper is available, they will have a new economic car in the works or even already available. Wether this car sells or not is up to what Chrylser/Fiat has in the oven.
jim 1:31PM (8/10/2009)
Somewhere in Ann Arbor there is a very happy bartender who only hoped that they took the cab that he called for them.
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