Dodge->ke28 has recently announced the new GT and TA 2.0 Special Edition trim levels, a modest five-horsepower increase, a one-mpg jump on the EPA’s highway rating, and a significant price drop across the board for the V-10-powerwed 2015 Viper. However, something was still missing: a roadster. It seems like this may not be an issue much longer, as rumors of the drop-top Dodge are swirling with increasing frequency.

When the fifth-generation Viper->ke1404 came out for 2013, it defied Viper tradition by not offering a roadster version. Heck, the first-generation Viper was only offered as an open-top roadster. Dodge has said in the past the fifth-gen Viper was designed with a roadster->ke1418 version in mind, having been made with extra structural supports integrated into the design from the start, but we have yet to see it.

It’s likely slow initial sales that made Dodge and (SRT) hold off on investing the extra cash on roadster production, allowing sales of the current cars to increase. Unfortunately, that never happened. Unlike hotcakes, the Viper continued to sell more like stale bread at a gas station. Perhaps Dodge will just bite the bullet and build the roadster version in hopes that increased sales will happen. Combine the drop-top with the $15,000 drop in price – along with the other improvements – and the Viper just might make a rebound. And in anticipation of the possible Dodge Viper Roaster, we created a rendering to help give you an idea of what to expect.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Dodge Viper Roadster.

TopSpeed.com Rendering

Competition

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 Convertible

The Corvette Z06 Convertible is the Viper’s only real American competition, but boy, does the Vette ever put up a good fight. All new for 2015, the Z06 is now offered in convertible form, a first for the ultra-performance trim level.

First the Vette proves its strength by not needing any extra structural supports to keep things tied together with the top removed. Its lightness is then motivated by a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 cranking out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed automatic are both offered. The Z06 rides on massive Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, with Sport Cup 2 tires available as an upgrade.

The Corvette Z06 is competitively priced at $83,995. Adding the Z07 package tacks on another $7,995, and the carbon-fiber ground effects package costs another $2,995. Either way, the Z06’s starting price is within $1,000 of the Viper’s new $84,995 base starting price.

Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper is an exercise in excess. Its large-displacement, 8.4-liter V-10 now makes 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque and sends the Viper to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds on its way to a 206 top speed. The V-10 burbles through twin side pipes and the massive 355/30ZR19 rear tires put power to the ground.

The Viper is a true track-day beast, with its interior starting to cook after a few laps, high NVH levels, and ergonomics not ideal for every day use. That aside, the Viper is still a worthy contender in the horsepower wars.

Pricing for the 2015 Viper is now set at $84,995. The TA and GTS trims will start at $100,995 and $107,995 respectively.