Summary (tl;dr)

Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has confirmed plans for a new high-performance sports car, the Dodge Copperhead SRT, which is being positioned as a spiritual successor to the iconic Dodge Viper, generating excitement among automotive enthusiasts.

Essential Background

The Dodge Viper was a legendary American sports car renowned for its powerful V10 engine, aggressive styling, and raw performance, manufactured from 1992 until its discontinuation in 2017. The vehicle was ultimately retired due to factors such as declining sales and the inability to comply with updated side-curtain airbag safety regulations without significant redesign. Its absence left a notable void in Dodge's lineup for a top-tier performance halo vehicle.

The Full Story

Recently, during its Investor Day 2026 event, automotive conglomerate Stellantis unveiled a comprehensive product roadmap, including plans for a new flagship performance model for its revitalized SRT brand. This highly anticipated vehicle is expected to be named the Dodge Copperhead SRT, reviving a name previously used for a 1997 concept car, and is being presented as the spiritual successor to the Dodge Viper. While not a direct "Viper" namesake, the Copperhead is intended to fill the high-performance "white space" left by the Viper, with Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis referring to it as a "hyper muscle car." Reports indicate the Copperhead will be a long, low, and sleek two-door coupe, featuring aggressive styling, a substantial rear wing, and hints of a traditional combustion engine, most likely a supercharged 6.2-liter 'Hellcat' V8 capable of over 700 horsepower. The Dodge Copperhead SRT is projected to launch before 2030, possibly for the 2029 model year, with an estimated starting price of around $100,000.

Why It Matters

The announcement of the Dodge Copperhead SRT is particularly significant for performance car enthusiasts, as it signals Dodge's continued commitment to producing high-octane, combustion-engine-powered halo vehicles in an increasingly electrified automotive market. This move by Stellantis and Dodge makes a bold statement by prioritizing traditional performance alongside future electric vehicle plans. It aims to re-establish Dodge's prominent position in the performance segment, enabling it to compete directly with high-performance rivals such as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Ford Mustang GTD. The reintroduction of the "Copperhead" name also leverages Dodge's rich heritage while ushering in a new era of extreme performance.

Geographic Location

• Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, United States (Stellantis Investor Day 2026 event, where the product roadmap and Copperhead SRT were teased)