As Chrysler has gone from being American to German and now Italian, we wait with baited breath to see what’s going to happen from America’s favorite automotive commodity. So far, the buff books seem to be pleased with Fiat’s plans and executions.

But what about the Viper? The one symbol of Chrysler’s creativity and virility from 20 years gone practically went limp in 2010. Then, with new blood, there were fears that a new Viper would be based on Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione – not a bad thing necessarily, but that ain’t a Viper. So it’s with some jubilation that we’ve learned that Chysler’s own Ralph Gilles has stated that the next Viper will not be based on anything else.

Gilles said that the 2013 Dodge Viper will use weight-saving materials and technology – but not parts – from Ferrari. Gilles continued that, “everything would be changed,” but the new Viper wouldn’t ride on Ferrari or Alfa underpinnings; concluding that the dimensions were quite dissimilar from the Alfa 8C.

Gilles said the Viper will always be V10 powered, hinting that the new V10 engine in the Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak and Viper ACR-X, which share the same 8.4-liter, 512 cubic-inch V10 producing 640 horsepower – would be more likely than the V10 powering the Le Mans-raced GTS-R which made 700hp and capable of a 210mph top speed.

However, Gilles claims that the 2013 Viper will be “a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people,” which to me means that the visceral experience of driving a Viper is going to evolve into something more mature. Will the 2013 cease to be the Viper we know and love? I haven’t driven one, so why am I complaining already?! We’ve got less than 18 months till the new Viper hits the showrooms, and if Fiat’s current crop of Chryslers is any indication, I think there will be no room left for complaints.