Today Chrysler reconfirmed its commitment to the Dodge Viper, saying that it will live on despite the company’s bankruptcy and new ownership. The Dodge Viper was scheduled to be eliminated from the company’s lineup as of December of this year and the automaker had searched to find a buyer. Not only will Chrysler continue to produce the sports car at its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, but the company is no longer interested in selling-off the iconic exotic.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Dodge CEO Mike Accavitti. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand.”

The new fourth-generation Viper SRT10 was launched in 2008 and for ’09 the Viper boasts a 8.4-liter V10 with 600hp. To date, more than 25,000 Vipers have been built since production began in 1992. Now the only question remains is if Chrysler will look at building a fifth-generation of the iconic V10 machine.

Official release after the jump:

Dodge Viper SRT10 Will Live On

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant – the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 – will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand.”

Introduced as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production sports car.

The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three years.

In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminum V-10 was a “go.”

Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior and interior color combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customization options than before.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), setting an American sports car benchmark.

To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built.

As a part of Chrysler’s restructuring plan it has announced that Mopar will cease its sponsorship of the NuFormz Racing team and driver Samuel Hübinette.

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time now as Chrysler has been seeking every area where it can cut costs. Additionally, a strong sign was when Hübinette took to the track during the first round of the Formula D series in Long Beach in a Dodge Viper – and not the Challenger (pictured above) that Mopar debuted at the 2008 SEMA Show.

“As a part of Chrysler’s comprehensive restructuring plan to revitalize our business and succeed as a stronger car company, we’re rigorously reviewing all expenditures and making tough business decisions,” said Mike Accavitti, Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy at Chrysler. “The decision to end Team Mopar’s sponsorship of NuFormz Racing was difficult because of our long-term relationship with the ream and all of the success we’ve enjoyed competing in Formula Drift.

Driving for Mopar, Hübinette won the first ever Formula D contest and holds the title of the most outright victories. He won the championship in 2004 and 2006 and was a runner up in ’05 and ’08.

“I had a great eight-year run as a member of the Team Mopar family and want to thank the company for all the great memories I’m taking away,” said NuFormz Racing team owner Shaun Carlson. “It’s a tough decision, but given the current economic environment inside and outside of racing, I certainly understand it.”

The sponsorship contract will be terminated after the next event in New Jersey on June 5/6.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

Mopar® Announces Plan To End Sponsorship Of NuFormz Racing
Decision is part of Chrysler LLC’s comprehensive restructuring plan

Center Line, Mich. – Mopar®, Chrysler LLC’s Parts division, announced it will end its majority sponsorship of the NuFormz Racing team, which competes in the Formula Drift (FD) Series. Mopar’s sponsorship of the NuFormz Racing team will conclude following the June 5–6 event at Wall (N.J.) Speedway.

“As part of Chrysler’s comprehensive restructuring plan to revitalize our business and succeed as a stronger car company, we’re rigorously reviewing all expenditures and making tough business decisions,” said Mike Accavitti, Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Chrysler LLC. “The decision to end Team Mopar’s sponsorship of NuFormz Racing was difficult because of our long-term relationship with the team and all of the success we’ve enjoyed competing in Formula Drift.

“We wish the team nothing but the best in the future,” Accavitti added. “At this time, we plan to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future.”

NuFormz Racing team owner Shaun Carlson and driver Samuel Hübinette have enjoyed long and illustrious careers competing under the Team Mopar banner. Carlson debuted with Team Mopar beginning in 2002 as a driver in the NHRA Sport Compact division. He went on to pilot the Team Mopar/SRT® Dodge Stratus R/T NHRA Pro Stock car for Don Schumacher Racing during the 2006 season.

Carlson and Hübinette teamed up in the FD Series in 2004 and quickly shot to the top of the emerging new motorsport. Hübinette claimed victory in the first-ever FD event in his Mopar Dodge Viper, maintained by Carlson, and went on to capture three of four 2004 events and the overall championship in the inaugural FD season. Hübinette, with Carlson as team owner, powered to his second FD championship in 2006. Hübinette, owner of a series-high nine career FD wins, also claimed runner-up finishes in the FD point standings in 2005 and 2008.

“I had a great eight-year run as a member of the Team Mopar family, and want to thank the company for all the great memories I’m taking away,” said Carlson. “It’s a tough decision, but given the current economic environment inside and outside of racing, I certainly understand it.

We’re going to work as hard as ever to cap off our success with Team Mopar with a convincing win at The Gauntlet race in early June.”

To help boost sales Jeep has just launched the new Rocky Mountain Edition versions of the Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee. This new trim level delivers $2,300 in options for an add-on price of just $1,595 over the base MSRP.

The Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition gets 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, a leather steering wheel with radio controls, “Rocky Mountain” badging and a uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with a subwoofer and 458-watt amplifier.

The new Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition will also come with a monochromatic paint scheme in four colors including a new Optic Green Crystal Pearl.

The new Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the Jeep Liberty Sport model and gets 17-inch wheels, a power sunroof, tinted glass, “Rocky Mountain” badging, a uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte radio and speed control. It will be offered in Deep Water Blue, Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno Red and Brilliant Black paint colors.

The final model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition gets many of the same options including 17-inch wheels, a power sunroof, a uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte Boston Acoustics sound system and Rocky Mountain badging. It also gets a 12-volt power outlet, chrome side moldings and heated front seats. Jeep will offer this model in Light Graystone, Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and now in Inferno Red.

“The new 2009 Jeep Patriot, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Editions add more value and features to our iconic Jeep lineup,” said Mike Accavitti, the Director of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands. “And with Jeep’s best-in-class legendary 4×4 capability, our new 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions are ready to make any adventure—from the snow-covered mountain trails to sand dunes at the beach—even more fun.”

Pricing is listed as $19,765  for the Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition, $25,355  for the Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition and $32,825  for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition. All three new trim models are available to order now with vehicles arriving in dealerships later this month.
More on the Rocky Mountain Edition Jeeps after the jump:

New Rocky Mountain Edition Models Add Excitement and Value to 2009 Jeep® Lineup
Offer value option package with $2,300 in popular customer features for only $1,595 – including a no-charge power sun roof for that “only in a Jeep” open-air driving excitement
•    2009 Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition includes 17-inch aluminum wheels and monochrome exterior paint theme and adds uconnect tunes, Boston Acoustics premium speakers, power sun roof and leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls
•    Best-in-class 28 highway miles per gallon (mpg) available on Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models
•    2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition includes 17-inch fully painted tech silver aluminum wheels, uconnect tunes 30 –gigabyte radio, power sun roof, deep-tinted glass and speed control
•    The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition features 17-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels with gray painted pockets, power sun roof, Boston Acoustics sound system, uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo, heated front seats and more
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Mar 16, 2009  -
New 2009 Jeep® Patriot, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition models expand the fun, freedom, utility and available best-in-class 4×4 capability that Jeep is known for—now with even more customer features at a great value. The 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition models offer approximately $1,000 off popular bundled customer features, including innovative uconnect tunes, power sun roof and aluminum wheels. In total, the 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition package adds more than $2,300 in content for $1,595.

“The new 2009 Jeep Patriot, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Editions add more value and features to our iconic Jeep lineup,” said Mike Accavitti, Director—Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. “And with Jeep’s best-in-class legendary 4×4 capability, our new 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions are ready to make any adventure—from the snow-covered mountain trails to sand dunes at the beach—even more fun.”

The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on new 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Editions (including destination) are:
•    Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition at $19,765
•    Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition at $25,355
•    Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition at $32,825
The 2009 Jeep Rocky Mountain Edition models are available for ordering now and will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the United States and Canada later this month.

2009 Jeep® Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition
Based on the 2009 Jeep Patriot Sport model, the new Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition adds uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, body-color door handles and liftgate appliqué, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/60R17 all-season tires, ‘Rocky Mountain’ driver and front-passenger door badging, power sun roof with express open/close operation, nine premium Boston Acoustics speakers including subwoofer, two additional articulating liftgate speakers and a 458-watt amplifier.

The 2009 Jeep Patriot 4×4 Rocky Mountain Edition features the Freedom Drive I 4×4 system providing best-in-class four-wheel-drive fuel economy and best-in-class capability in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

The Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition features a 2.4-liter engine, coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle, that produces172 horsepower (128 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (222 N•m) of torque, and delivers a best-in-class 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway on two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. A Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) with Auto Stick also is available for both models.

For Jeep Patriot customers seeking maximum fuel efficiency without a manual shift, an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to the CVT2 with Auto Stick to provide 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque. The spirited 2.0-liter delivers an EPA 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and is available on two-wheel-drive equipped 2009 Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition models.

The 2009 Jeep Patriot Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in all-new Optic Green Crystal Pearl, as well as Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Bright Silver Metallic paint colors.

2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
The new Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the 2009 Jeep Liberty Sport model and is available in both 4×4 and 4×2 models. Included in the Rocky Mountain Edition package are refreshed 17-inch aluminum wheels with tech silver paint finish, P235/65 R17 A/S tires, uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte radio, power sun roof, deep-tinted glass, speed control and a ‘Rocky Mountain’ badge.

The 2009 Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® standard with 4×4 models and the optional Selec-Trac® II on 4×4 models.

A 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty Sport and Limited models sold in the United States. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway (4×2) and 15 city / 21 Hwy (4×4).

Towing capacity on all models is 5,000 lbs. maximum when equipped with the optional Trailer Tow Group.

The 2009 Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in Deep Water Blue, Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno Red and Brilliant Black exterior paint colors.

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition is based on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo model and is available in 4×4 and 4×2 models. Included in the Rocky Mountain Edition package are 17-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels with gray painted pockets, power sun roof, Boston Acoustics sound system, uconnect tunes 30-gigabyte stereo, heated front seats, 12-volt power outlet, chromed body-side molding and a ‘Rocky Mountain’ edition badge.

Since its introduction in 1992, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has revolutionized the SUV market. With its best-in-class traction capability and power, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on- or off-road.

The 2009 Grand Cherokee Laredo model features a standard soft-touch center armrest cover, leather-wrapped park brake handle, floor mats, interior chromed door handles and audio control buttons.

The standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine provides the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based on operating conditions and maintains a consistent vehicle speed on rolling grades when cruise control is active. An exhaust gas recirculation valve helps increase fuel economy.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s available Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) 4.7-liter V-8 engine incorporates electronic throttle control, two spark plugs per cylinder, increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 305 horsepower (227 kW) @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 334 lb.-ft. (453 N•m) of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase compared with the previous generation 4.7-liter V-8 engine. It also delivers more than a 5 percent increase in fuel economy. This FFV engine also gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles.

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Electronic Roll Mitigation maintains vehicle stability in a variety of road surface and weather conditions. Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control deliver off-road and towing capability.

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain Edition will be available in four exterior paint colors: new Inferno Red, Light Graystone, Bright Silver and Brilliant Black.