2013 SRT Viper Unveiled In New York
The all-new Dodge SRT Viper has struck at this week's New York Auto Show, finally bringing an end to months of cropped teasers and a handful of leaked images.
Separated from its traditional Dodge lineage, the Viper now stands as the hero of the
The all-new Dodge SRT Viper has struck at this week's New York Auto Show, finally bringing an end to months of cropped teasers and a handful of leaked images.
Separated from its traditional Dodge lineage, the Viper now stands as the hero of the Chrysler Group's newly independent SRT performance arm. It will be offered in Viper and Viper GTS grades.
“Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die," SRT boss and Chrysler Group VP Ralph Gilles said.
“Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create a world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”
Power for the 2013 Viper is provided by an all-aluminium V10, producing 477kW and a massive 812Nm of torque.
SRT claims that the V10's torque figure is the greatest of all naturally-aspirated production engines in the world.
By comparison, the previous model Viper, in its regular form, delivered 450kW and 760Nm.
For now, the Viper's all-important acceleration figures have not been released.
The new snake sticks to a manual transmission to get power to the rear wheels, with the V10 engine paired with a six-speed Tremec TR6060 shifter.
Versions of this transmission are found not only in the previous Viper, but also in Australia's HSV cars, along with the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Mustang.
SRT promises a body that is 50 percent stiffer than before, including the addition of an X-shaped brace stitching the front suspension pickups to the magnesium cowl.
The rear suspension has been upgraded, moving the toe link in front of the axle for improved stability, and overall weight is down by 45kg.
A two-mode driver-selectable suspension system, is standard with the GTS grade, featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with both street and track settings.
Large 355x32mm vented discs and four-piston aluminium Brembo calipers are featured at all four corners, and and SRT Track Package adds lightweight and slotted StopTech two-piece rotors.
Inside, the Viper has been massively overhauled, addressing criticism of past models by delivering higher-quality cabin materials and more advanced electronics.
The seats are set 20mm lower than before, with horizontal travel increased by 90mm, and height adjustability increased by 40mm.
The new Viper will hit American showrooms later this year. There's no word yet on right-hand-drive or global availability.
- Viper news and reviews | Dodge news and reviews
- 2012 New York Auto Show
0
