The future of the Dodge Viper came into focus on Wednesday during Chrysler's strategy briefing for media and analysts.

Ralph Gilles, recently named chief of the Dodge car brand, said that production of the current Viper production will cease at the end of next July. The final 500 cars have been earmarked to be special vehicles, Gilles said. However, details on what will be included on those final cars were not released.

Then, Viper fans will have to sit on the sidelines until 2012, when an all-new car is set to debut. And thanks to Chrysler's tie-up with Fiat--which just happens to have Ferrari in its stable--the new Viper will be developed with a helping hand from our friends in Italy.