AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — In a stunning announcement, Chrysler on Wednesday confirmed it will "explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business." The move signals a potential sale of the hand-built Viper, an iconic American sports car inspired by the legendary AC Cobra.

"We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper," said Bob Nardelli, Chrysler chairman and CEO, in a statement. "As the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties.

"We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle — including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts."

Nardelli added: "Viper is an integral part of this company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Chrysler underscored that it has not set a timetable for completion of the Viper review and noted that no "final decision" has been made with regard to the Viper.

Getting rid of the Viper would allow the automaker to focus on its "core business," Chrysler said.

In January, Inside Line reported that with new owner Cerberus accounting for every penny, there was increasing pressure to do something about the Viper. Supplier sources told Inside Line that Chrysler is prepared to "make an instantaneous decision" to discontinue the Viper, especially if it "no longer can deliver the desired halo effect."

What this means to you: Uncertain times for Viper loyalists as Detroit gets ready to sell off yet another piece of its automotive heritage. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — As owner's clubs and fan sites buzzed Wednesday with news that Chrysler may sell the Dodge Viper brand, fans of the brawny halo car expressed concern for what the car might become, rather than who owns it.

On the Viper Club of America forum, members were generally appreciative that Chrysler is looking at a future for the V10-powered car, rather than killing it off. Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli announced on Wednesday that the company was exploring "strategic options for the Dodge Viper business" and had been approached by companies interested in the Viper nameplate.

"I have only one hope, whoever buys it, keep it a Viper," wrote a Viper Club of America member going by the name V10SpeedLuvr. "I don't want a backseat or a V8. I'd rather see it die completely than become a mass produced, babyseat hold-down having, family version of the Corvette."

Many owners and enthusiasts were speculating on potential buyers — and voicing dreams of an even more powerful Viper produced by a niche manufacturer like Pininfarina, Roush or Saleen. Still, some fans worried that eliminating the halo car from the lineup would harm the entire Dodge brand. On Red Letter Dodge, a Web site devoted to the entire company lineup, the news drew just two comments, but both posters expressed disappointment.

"Having a high-end car in the lineup gives Dodge the credibility that they are a high-performance, quality manufacturer that will always be a few notches above the competition because they can build exotic cars," wrote user TexasMopar.

What this means to you: Viper fans don't seem too concerned with what logo is on the hood, as long as the car stays true to its performance pedigree. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent