Chuckdoc

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/s...r-acquisition/
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Per Autoblog link above,

Dodge appears to be looking to unload the Viper program and Saleen MAY be in the running, although it looks like the specifics are sketchy.

It makes sense, as there is quite a bit of overlap between these two performance platforms...


Your thoughts?

IWinULose

How can Saleen buy anything when they are looking for buyers for their own company....

99BlackPonyGT

+1...isnt saleen bankrupt? didnt they just sell off all their **** in an auction?

IWinULose

Well, some of their assets were bought by another company... but still...I would try to get things rolling the right way before I would try to acquire another line of cars...

AKRA

I beleive they just sold the Saleen Mustang and supercharger line to Racecraft. But the S7 and paint line was not included in the deal.

Big Top Gt

This makes sense if they're really committed to staying in the super-car market.

This would be a great addition to the S7 and Raptor. (That's the name, right?)

Well, you can say one thing for them; they're not afraid to waste their money, are they?

jdivad

The remains of Saleen Inc still owns the S7 and S5S study.

The vehicle manufacturing, Speedlab, engine programs, supercharger design, and the name "SALEEN", etc etc were purchased by the MJ group.

MJ is the one looking into Viper.

While the remains of what was Saleen Inc is looking to offload the S7 and the S5S. Once they sell, Saleen Inc... which was Saleen Performance... which was Saleen Autosport... (Enterprises, Productions, etc)... will be no more.

S281 E

I don't see Saleen buying the viper. Maybe MJ, but Dode isn't going to off load it that cheap. I know Chevy loses money on the vette, but I believe dode actually made money on the viper.

Chuckdoc

Deimler Chrysler considered the Viper a halo program that although lost them money, brought in other customers into the showroom, much like the vette does for GM. When Chrysler got sold to the investment group, Cerberus Capital , more shrewd business hands are at play. What this means to me is looking at losing many models from their line. The Viper isn't flying off the shelves. Like the niche Mustang models it attracts a certain type of car buyer with disposable income and the ability to get credit for a 90k vehicle. It also eats gas like a Peterbuilt so it screws Dodge on the CAFE standards.

I'm surprised they haven't killed the program sooner, although the Viper is an awesome car and I hope they find a home for it.

As for Saleen purchasing, I think they are talking about the 'new' Saleen after all of this shakedown occurs. Whatever that will be called...


I almost bought a used Viper before my PJ Saleen. Those are badass and uncompromising cars.

S281 E

I also was considering one. The exterior of the car is perfect. Just couldn't get used to the interior. I understand is a performance car, but so is the Z06 and it just had a nicer interior. Depending on what Ford does for the mustang 50th anniversary edition I might still get one.