Marchionne: No Plans to Revive Viper Sports Car

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has no immediate plans to resurrect the Dodge Viper, CEO Sergio Marchionne says, countering a Car and Driver report that suggested the iconic car could make a comeback as early as 2020.

Following a presentation on Friday detailing FCA’s latest five-year strategic plan, Marchionne told journalists a new Viper was unlikely because the low-volume car didn’t generate sufficient revenue. He scoffed at the reported idea of dropping the Viper’s signature V-10 engine for a lighter and more fuel-efficient V-8 as a solution. But he didn’t rule out eventually reviving the iconic nameplate if another remedy emerged.

Production of the fifth-generation Viper ended last summer. FCA is converting the Detroit assembly plant used for the Viper into a museum.

FCA’s five-year plan focuses on growing the company’s Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Maserati and Ram nameplates.