The 2013 Viper? Image: AutoWeek

Today we live in a world where all 3 American auto manufacturers are producing pony cars that not only fill our need for pure American muscle, but are also selling like hotcakes. American performance (today) seems bulletproof, even during the crazy economic and political times we live in. Just a couple years ago though, life was different; very different.

In 2008, the Viper line was actually put up for sale during the midst of the financial horrors that were hitting the American auto industry, but was taken off the block after the company emerged from bankruptcy. The 2010 model year for the Viper was scheduled to be the last, with an SRT-10 final Edition model being issued.

With Fiat’s entrance into ownership of Chrysler many predicted that it would be the beginning of the end for more traditional American offerings from Chrysler, but it would appear that perhaps just the opposite is becoming true. At a dealer meeting held in Orlando, FL, Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that a replacement for the Dodge Viper would be coming for 2012!

Marchionne gave little details on the car, but did give them a sneak peek of what it would look like. The car was about the same size as the current model and appeared to look Viper like, but with a clear Italian edge. Dealers commented that the car was sexy, an instant classic, muscular, and different, whatever that might mean.

While Marchionne gave no details to the future Viper’s powertrain, in a roundtable meeting with Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles and StreetMuscleMag, Gilles expounded in further detail regarding the future snake.

“I spent some time at Ferrari. There’s a lot of technology there that we’re going to use on the new Viper.” Gilles hinted. “We want everyone to be able to drive this new Viper. I want my wife to be able to drive it,” suggesting that the Viper’s love it-or-hate it aggressive nature might be significantly curtailed, implying the inclusion of driver’s assistance programs and aggressive traction-moderating technology.

Gilles also hinted at “stages of the Viper.” Implying further a loose confirmation of the long-rumored HEMI-powered lower-tier Viper. Speculation brings us to either the 392, which in its prior Mopar crate motor form produced 520 horsepower. But with confirmation that the new aluminum Gen III 426, when “opened up,” cranks out numbers north of 600 horsepower, we almost wonder if the V10 is even necessary.

Speaking of the all-aluminum V10, Gilles insisted that the V10 was central to the Viper’s persona, and vowed that a V10 will be found in the 2013 Viper.

Gilles ended with, “You’ll see the new Viper June 2012 as a 2013 model. That’s a promise.”