Chrysler's Ralph Gilles: Next Viper May Get Cruise Control, No New Magnum
Chrysler head of design, CEO of motorsports and rad dude Ralph Gilles recently talked about the future of SRT and the next Dodge Viper, as well as confirming this: there will be no new Dodge Magnum.
Appearing on Fox Car Report, Gilles noted the popularity of the fast wagon and mentioned that he misses it; despite that, there’s no plan to revive it. Those looking to haul on both ends can get a Caravan “Man Van,” which was designed with heavy input from Chrysler’s European division.
As for the hairy-chested Viper, it will feature cruise control as well as some real Big Gulp holders—surely, to the ire of the car enthusiast “purists.” “Cruise control and cupholders have been the longest argument for about 17 years on the Viper,” said Gilles, but according to customers, including the two in the next Viper “might not be a bad idea.” With throttle-by-wire, adding cruise control would be an easy task.
The Viper is one of the most profitable arms of the Chrysler juggernaut, and SRT has been raking in dough by commanding a higher premium towards enthusiasts. SRT is looking to get into sports car and road course racing, especially with the Challenger and the Viper. And if they do, the purists can bet those two won’t have cruise control or cup holders.
[Source: Fox Car Report]
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ofcaurse no new magnum... bad engine design equals no repeat business.
what does that comment have to do with the magnum? the same engine is in the charger, 300c, Challenger. And that is not counting the truck/suv versions. Now I know there is a "magnum" engine but the Magnum mentioned in the above article is about a car...that never got the same promotional support of the other LX's (charger/300.) I believe there was only one commercial for the magnum.