The Viper is Dead. Long Live the Viper?

It’s official. FCA has announced that the Viper will end production after the 2017 model year, closing the door on a 25 year run. It’s been a great quarter century but all good things must come to an end. To celebrate, Dodge will be producing five special edition 2017 Vipers that will actually be available later this month. Find more info on these fab five at Auto Guide. All done? Not necessarily. With Chrysler’s penchant for reusing model names, you may not have to wait 30 years to buy a Viper again. Sergio Marchionne has stated that the Viper may return, albeit, based on a shared platform and not powered by a V10. Read more on a possible Viper 2.0 here. Is that a mistake?

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New Special Edition Jeep

Jeep enjoys giving it’s CJ/YJ/TJ/JK lineup special editions. Some are mere paint and decals while others incorporate various engine and option combinations (generally combined with paint and decals). Following in the footsteps of the Renegade, the Golden Eagle, the Levi, Jamboree, Laredo, Sahara and Rubicon, to name but a few, comes Jeep’s latest offering; the Black Bear (Named after the off-road trail in CO, not the omnivore ). Find more info at CarBuzz. More pics after the jump!

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2016 Chrysler 300 SRT Down Under

The 6.4L powered Chrysler 300 SRT has returned in 2016 but only for the Australian marketplace. It’s interesting to note that, while SRT no longer stands alone in North America after having been merged with Dodge, the Australian 300 SRT displays no Chrysler emblems. Find more info at Left Lane. More pics after the jump!

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Barracuda to Return?

One of the rumor mills favorite subjects is the return of the Barracuda nameplate. FCA’s recent trademark application to keep the Barracuda name in the family stoked the fire. Now, Motor Authority is reporting that a Barracuda (in convertible form no less) was shown at the FCA dealer group meeting in Las Vegas. Said to be slightly smaller than the Challenger, it is reported to be based on the new rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo Giulia platform. (The photo below is of a previous concept car, not the car displayed in Las Vegas). Find more info at Motor Authority.

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Tom Hoover 1929-2015

Tom Hoover, aka The Father of the Hemi, has passed away at the age of 85, after losing a battle with Guillain–Barré syndrome. One of the founding members of The Ramchargers, Tom certainly left his mark in the automotive world. We will miss you Tom. Find more info on the man and his accomplishments at Allpar.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Rumors

Jeep is toying with our emotions regarding the next gen Wrangler. First, Carbuzz reported on the good news; it is NOT becoming a crossover and will remain body on frame construction complete with solid axles. Then they reported on the bad news; the 3.6 Pentastar will be replaced by something smaller and turbocharged and the folding windshield is going away. No word on if the removable doors or top are staying or going.

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