2013 Dodge Viper testing is under way

Dodge boss Ralph Gilles made an interesting comment at the Chicago auto show. Dressed in a black blazer and a “made in Detroit” T-shirt, he cracked, "My Dodge Viper is in training for the supercar Olympics. It's gone for a couple of years."

That's more than a glib comment. And Chrysler again confirmed on Friday that the Viper will return late next year. A press release said testing is under way, “for the supercar Olympics,” and a 2010 chassis is being used for development purposes.

But purists may cringe at this nugget of news: Chrysler said stability control will be used for the first time on the next generation of the Viper.

The Viper went out of production last year after an 18-year run during which it was largely unchanged. But it remained a favorite of enthusiasts with its racing-bred styling and 600-hp V10.

The next car is expected to include Italian flair with American chutzpah. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne closed a dealer presentation last fall with the reveal of a concept Viper, which several sources told AutoWeek carried an Italian theme.

By Greg Migliore