SRT->ke4431 president, Ralph Gilles, knows all too well that when they introduced the SRT Viper->ke4220 as a coupe model instead of a convertible, they bucked a tradition that started since the Viper itself was born.

But even if the fixed-top coupe came out first this time around, it doesn't mean that they're asleep at the wheel in building the convertible version. They're just not in under any pressure to release it yet, despite Chevy's->ke199 recent proclamation that the convertible version of the Viper's nemesis, the Corvette Stingray, will find its way into dealerships later this year.

Talking to Wards Auto, Gilles admitted that, at its core, the Viper is still designed to be a convertible. "Under the skin is a convertible chassis. It’s already there – the stiffness is there. It’s extremely easy should that come, but we’re not in any rush.”

Without giving any definite timetable, Gilles did say that his hopes are for the Viper Roadster to be released "within a few years".

Talk about a vague answer.

As far as any customer clamoring for the Viper Roadster's release, Giles downplayed the pressure of succumbing to these requests, saying that enthusiasts of the model have no preference regarding the launch sequence between the coupe and convertible models. “I get a lot of comments from them, and a lot of them love the car either way,” Gilles remarked, before adding that customers usually buy both when each comes out.

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