We knew it was coming. But even so, it is with some sadness that we see the end of production for the Dodge Viper, one of the most charismatic sports cars ever.
The last model to leave the production line could only be red, closing a circle that began with the presentation of the concept in 1989. This unit will not be sold, becoming part of the brand's collection. The last unit in the hands of a customer is the yellow one that we can see on the instagram of Ralph Gilles, the head of design for the FCA group.
Ralph Gilles marked the moment for prosperity with several images posted to his Instagram account:
It is ironic that one of the models that most marked his brutality and sound, ends his career in such a discreet and silent way. Its production began in 1992, with the current and latest generation having been introduced in 2013 and always produced at the Conner Avenue facility.
Designed on premises similar to those of the Shelby Cobra, the Dodge Viper created a strong impact when presented as a concept. In such a way that Chrysler decided to go ahead with its production.
A brutal model that immediately stood out for its huge 8.0 liter capacity V10, its side exhausts and lack of civility. It had no windows, no hood, no air conditioning or even handles to open the doors from the outside. Luckily it evolved to become more civilized, but it never lost its rough and wild character. It was a car to be mastered, but this muscled viper was never tamed.
It has received strong criticisms for its intrinsic rudeness, but its effectiveness has been more than proven. He raced at the Nürburgring, Le Mans, with over 160 victories in various competitions and won 23 constructors' and 24 driver's championships. One of which – the GT2 championship in 1998 – with Pedro Lamy at the controls.
Still regarding its dynamic efficiency, Dodge with the Viper ACR, a version optimized for circuits, broke a series of records in the most varied North American circuits, beating much newer and more sophisticated machines.
Viper enthusiasts this month took a Dodge Viper ACR to the Nürburgring in an attempt to break the circuit record. The absolute record did not fall, but the 7:03.45 achieved allowed the Viper to accumulate a few more records. It is the fastest rear-wheel drive, manual transmission and American-made car to run on the German circuit. It is planned to return to the circuit for another attempt.
Until always Viper!
It's the farewell by Ralph Gilles: