2013 BLUE DODGE VIPER

What it is: A two-seat super–sports car left for dead in the wake of Chrysler’s stay in Chapter 11 purgatory, exhumed by Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne. Styling is expected to echo elements of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Zagato’s Alfa Romeo TZ3 concept car. Dealers got to see a design study in September, but it remains shrouded in secrecy. Ralph Gilles, VP of design at Chrysler and CEO of the Dodge division, recently told an industry conference that the styling of the next Viper was inspired by a “naked woman on the beach.” This could be very, very good or—depending on which naked woman served as inspiration—less so.
Why it matters: C’mon—it’s a new Dodge Viper. Although actual Ferrari hardware is unlikely, the new Viper will have the benefit of Ferrari engineering and development.
Platform: Front-engine, rear-drive, extensive use of lightweight materials. Beyond that, who knows?
Powertrain: Speculation raises several possibilities, but the most frequent—and most likely—is a revised version of the 8.4-liter V-10 equipped with Fiat’s Multiair variable intake-valve timing system. Output could be as high as 700 horsepower if Chrysler/Fiat decides to challenge the ZR1 Corvette. If that’s the case, a more modestly priced version may be offered with Chrysler’s 6.4 Hemi V-8. The Viper likely will keep its six-speed manual gearbox.
Competition: Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR1, Porsche 911 Turbo.
What might go wrong: Although a styling prototype exists, Marchionne and his Fiat cohorts may  yet decide that the Viper business case is untenable.