2013 SRT Viper

The fire-breathing Viper sports car is back for a fifth generation, although this time around it ditches the Dodge nameplate and is instead marketed as an SRT model. While it gains a more refined interior and a number of technology and safety features in order to appeal to a larger audience, the latest Viper still possesses the arresting styling, supercar performance and wild character of the original.

Under the hood is the hand-built, all-aluminum 8.4-liter V10 that Viper owners have come to know, love and fear in their SRT-powered snakes. In its latest form it delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, giving it the most torque of any naturally aspirated production car engine in the world. Improvements to make those numbers possible include a new, ultra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses.

Despite all of the upgrades to the engine, SRT engineers actually managed to shed over 25 lbs of weight - just from the engine. In terms of the entire vehicle, roughly 100 lbs have been dropped, partially due to the all-new aluminum and carbon fiber body. Returning to the powertrain, the 8.4-liter V10 is mated to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with an improved short-throw shifter and final gear ratios that have been tightened from 3.07 to 3.55.

 

SRT stiffened the structure and chassis of the latest Viper by 50 percent, much of which was adapted from the previous GTS-R race cars. Some of that strength comes from a new aluminum "X" brace under the hood that connects the front suspension to the magnesium cowl super casting.

In the rear of the car, SRT's engineers developed a new setup that locates the toe link forward of the axle for better tow control and dynamic stability. Thanks to federal law changes, the latest Viper also comes standard with electronic stability control and traction control, both of which are fully defeatable for truly brave drivers. There is also a steering wheel-mounted launch control switch for optimal acceleration runs.

Power is transferred to the ground via Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires that SRT promises to deliver substantially improved overall performance, cold weather performance, enhanced overall grip and steering response. There is also an SRT Track Package that features P Zero Corsa tires, which are "soft"-tuned and more of a racing compound, intended to deliver optimal track performance at the expense of longevity.

Bringing this snake to a stop are four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers and 355mm vented rotors on all four corners. Opt for the Track Package and those brakes will be swapped out for lighter slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech.

More Luxurious Interior
Getting with the changing times, the latest Viper boasts a significantly more comfortable, stylized and attractive interior. But don't think SRT went too soft on the interior: they also made a point of creating a very driver-focused cockpit-style layout to help drivers extract the most out of their car with minimal distraction.

All major interior surfaces are sewn and wrapped with additional padding applied in comfort areas, while triple-paint-finished Gun Metal appliques can be found on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the center console.

Relaying vital information is a seven-inch, customizable instrument cluster display with a full-time analog tachometer readout in the center to confirm the performance driving feedback philosophy of the Viper. Drivers have a wide range of custom and personal options such as an additional digital speedometer readout just below the tachometer.

SRT Viper GTS
The SRT Viper GTS builds on the standard Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, such as a two-mode active suspension, allowing for both extreme track performance and more friendly daily-driving comfort. The model also features new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials and new exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details.

Key Competitors
Those looking for a high-performance ride with loads of curbside appeal should consider Viper alternatives such as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Audi R8. 

Basic Specs

Base Price

TBA

Drivetrain	Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)	3354
City (MPG)	TBD
Hwy (MPG)	TBD
Horsepower	640@6150
Torque (lb-ft)	600@4950
Wheelbase	98.8
Length (in.)	175.7
Width (in.)	76.4
Height (in.)	49.1