The wait is finally over. Dodge... excuse us, SRT has officially pulled the wraps off the 2013 Viper, and it's everything we were hoping it would be. Let's discuss numbers: 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque from a front/mid-mounted 8.4-liter V10 and the best power-to-weight ratio of any Viper ever built.
In fact, the 2013 SRT Viper's 4.9 pounds per horsepower puts it just behind the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F12 and ahead of such performance stalwarts as the Lamborghini Aventador and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. What's more, this engine has no turbocharger or supercharger, and those 600 lb-ft make this V10 the most torque-rich naturally aspirated production engine in the world.Two models will be available, the standard high-performance SRT and GTS.
Two models will be available, the standard high-performance SRT and GTS. The SRT is meant to "offer a perfect blend of extreme performance and a deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper," says Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of the Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports. Buyers looking for a little more technology can opt for the GTS, which adds such niceties as a two-mode active suspension and interior creature comforts not normally associated with the Viper.
The 2013 Viper isn't just about power, either. Chassis updates are plentiful and include a beautiful X-brace up front that helps the new platform boast a 50-percent increase in rigidity over the last Viper. To help the driver maintain control, the 2013 Viper is fitted with stability and traction control (both fully defeatable, says Gilles) along with Pirelli P Zero Z-rated tires that were designed specifically for the Viper in massive 355 sizes in back and 295 up front. Three different wheels will be available, with five or six spokes in polished, matte black or gloss black finishes, along with a special lightweight set as part of the SRT Track Package.Inside, the Viper is more luxurious than ever before, with seats from Sabelt (the same supplier used by Ferrari) and a seven-inch LCD screen directly in front of the driver that's configurable with a whole slew of custom operations. Chrysler's stellar 8.4-inch Uconnect Media Center is also included, as is a Harmon Kardon sound system. Oh, and for the first time ever, cruise control is standard.
Though first and foremost a street car, SRT fully intends to establish the 2013 Viper's racing credentials early and often. Viper will return to the American Le Mans Series in 2012, fielding a two-car team driven by Dominik Farnbacher, Marc Goossens, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Kuno Wittmer. And gaming fans aren't left out, either - SRT has worked with the Forza Motorsport 4 crew to make sure the 2013 SRT Viper is available soon as DLC.For the first time ever, cruise control is standard.
There's lots more information in the press release and videos below, but we suggest you check out our high-res image galleries first, as this Viper is one beautiful machine.
Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper bites back with 640 HP, returns to racing [w/video]
2013 SRT Viper bites back with 640 HP, returns to racing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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