Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler, is evaluating a return to international GT racing with the next-generation Dodge Viper.
The manufacturer, which notched a hat-trick of GTS-class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the original racing Viper in 1998-2000, is considering taking on Chevrolet, Porsche and Ferrari in the GTE (formerly GT2) category. Chrysler has engaged Riley Technologies, which builds the most successful Daytona Prototype chassis for Grand-Am competition, to evaluate the car that is set to go on sale late next year or early in 2013.
“We are investigating some things and seeing what is out there, but there has been no decision made,” Chrysler motorsports manager Gary Johnson said. “We have to be very careful about what we do, because the car has such a legacy.”
Riley boss Bill Riley, who attended last week’s Le Mans rule meetings on behalf of Dodge, would not comment on his relationship with Dodge.
The original coupe version of the Viper was developed for racing as the GTS-R in conjunction with the French ORECA team. As well as its Le Mans class victories, ORECA secured two American Le Mans Series titles in 1999-2000 and won the 24 Hours of Daytona overall in 2000.
Maybe some competition for the Ferrari and Corvette teams?
My Motorways 