After all the teased photos and speculation, the 2013 SRT Viper was finally unveiled today at the 2012 New York Auto Show. As most automakers continue to downsize their engines, the 2013 Viper bucks this trend by keeping a large V10 under the hood and even though the 2013 Viper is all-new, it’s easily recognizable.
The SRT Viper will be offered in two versions, the SRT Viper and the more track ready Viper GTS. Viper buyers expect and insane amount of power under the hood and Chrysler continues to deliver in the fifth generation Viper. The 2013 Viper is powered by a 8.4L aluminum V10 engine with 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of torque. The V10 has the most torque of any naturally aspirated engine in the world and is mated to a standard Tremec TR6060 six speed-manual transmission.
SRT’s engineers paid close attention to the Viper’s weight and used a carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels to keep the Viper’s weight in check. SRT claims that the Viper’s power-to-weight ratio is topped only by the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F12, putting ahead of models like the Lamborghini Aventador.
“We’ve purposely evolved the iconic soul and raw performance formula that Viper has maintained over the years,” Gilles said. “Our returning customers will see the world-class levels of pride, quality and hand craftsmanship built into the 2013 Viper. With two price classes of the SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS, we have offerings for both the traditional core Viper customer and for the new customer who wants the same performance in a package with more technology and premium creature comforts.”
Production of the 2013 SRT will commence at Chrysler’s Connor Avenue plant by the end of the year.
