What Happened to Dodge Copperhead?
The Dodge Copperhead was initially a concept car unveiled in 1997, envisioned as a more affordable, handling-focused sports car akin to a 'baby Viper,' but its production was canceled due to a trademark dispute. Decades later, in 2026, Dodge (under Stellantis) announced the revival of the Copperhead name for a new high-performance, combustion-engine halo car, expected to launch as a 2029 model, positioned as a spiritual successor to the Viper.
Quick Answer
The original Dodge Copperhead was a concept car introduced in 1997, designed as a more accessible sports car compared to the Viper. Despite positive reception, it never reached production, primarily due to a trademark conflict over the 'Copperhead' name. However, in 2026, Dodge announced it is reviving the Copperhead name for a new flagship 'hyper-muscle car' set to debut as a 2029 model. This new Copperhead SRT will be a high-performance, combustion-engine coupe, serving as a spiritual successor to the Viper and a halo car for the brand, with an estimated launch in late 2028 or early 2029.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Dodge Copperhead Concept Unveiled
The Dodge Copperhead concept car is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, designed as a more affordable, handling-focused alternative to the Dodge Viper.
Positive Public Reception
The concept car receives positive public and critical reception for its styling, performance-oriented design, and projected $30,000 price tag.
Trademark Dispute Emerges
A trademark dispute arises over the 'Copperhead' name, which was already registered by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top for his custom car.
Unofficial Renaming to 'Dodge Concept Car'
Due to the trademark issue, DaimlerChrysler unofficially renames the vehicle the 'Dodge Concept Car' or 'Dodge Concept Vehicle' in promotional materials.
Production Canceled
Despite initial plans for a 2000 release, the Dodge Copperhead's production is ultimately canceled, largely due to the unresolved trademark issues.
Dodge Teases New Copperhead SRT
During Stellantis' Investor Day presentation, Dodge teases a new high-performance 'hyper-muscle car' under a cover, confirming it will revive the Copperhead name for a new SRT flagship.
Details on New Copperhead SRT Emerge
Reports from media who saw the private reveal describe the new Copperhead as a low-slung coupe with aggressive aerodynamics, blending Charger and Viper design cues, and confirming it will have a combustion engine.
Renderings and Design Insights Published
Automotive publications release speculative renderings and further design insights based on eyewitness accounts, highlighting features like a massive hood bulge and track-focused elements.
Expected Launch as 2029 Model
Industry observers confirm the new Copperhead SRT is expected to arrive before the end of the decade, likely as a 2029 model-year vehicle, serving as Dodge's range-topping performance machine.
Estimated Pricing and Market Positioning
The 2029 Dodge Copperhead is estimated to start around $100,000, positioning it as a premium performance car and a competitor to vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Further Confirmation of Halo Car Status
Reports reiterate that the Copperhead will be Dodge's new halo sports car, potentially packing a supercharged Hemi V8, and leading the brand's performance charge.
Current Status: Highly Anticipated Halo Car
As of today, the Dodge Copperhead SRT remains one of the most anticipated upcoming performance cars from Stellantis, poised to restore Dodge's reputation for extreme, driver-focused vehicles.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Dodge Copperhead first emerged as a striking concept car at the 1997 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was conceived by Chrysler Corporation designers as a smaller, lighter, and more affordable alternative to the formidable Dodge Viper, targeting a price point of around $30,000 compared to the Viper's $75,000. The Copperhead, finished in a distinctive 'Copper Fire Orange' color, was designed with an emphasis on handling and driving pleasure, featuring a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 220 horsepower, a five-speed manual transmission, and a stiff suspension for a connected road feel. Its aerodynamic yet rugged styling garnered significant public interest, with a tentative mass-production start date set for 2000.
However, the path to production was halted by a trademark dispute. The name 'Copperhead' was already registered by Billy Gibbons of the rock band ZZ Top for his customized 1950 Ford Coupe. As a result, DaimlerChrysler unofficially renamed the concept the 'Dodge Concept Car' or 'Dodge Concept Vehicle' in press kits and merchandise, and the planned production was ultimately canceled. The sole prototype of the original Copperhead concept was based on a modified Neon floorpan, converted to rear-wheel drive, and featured a wheelbase longer than the Viper's for improved ride quality.
For nearly three decades, the Dodge Copperhead remained a notable but unproduced concept in automotive history. This changed dramatically in 2026 when Stellantis, Dodge's parent company, announced the revival of the Copperhead name for a new, high-performance halo car. This modern iteration, referred to as the Dodge Copperhead SRT, is envisioned as a 'hyper-muscle car' and a spiritual successor to the iconic Viper, positioned at the top of Dodge's performance lineup.
Unlike its 1997 predecessor, which was a 'baby Viper,' the 2029 Copperhead SRT is expected to be a dramatic, low-slung coupe with aggressive styling that blends elements of the modern Charger and the final-generation Viper. Early previews describe a car with a shark-nose front end, slim LED lighting, massive air intakes, a prominent S-duct on the hood, oversized brake cooling vents, and a towering rear wing, indicating a strong focus on aerodynamics and track capability. Dodge has confirmed it will feature a combustion engine, ruling out a pure EV, and industry observers anticipate a V8 engine, potentially a supercharged Hemi V8. The new Copperhead is targeted for a 2029 model year launch, with availability possibly as early as late 2028, and is estimated to start around $100,000, placing it in direct competition with high-performance vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ford Mustang GTD.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dodge Copperhead made different choices?