We’re not sure if this comes as a surprise or as a long-awaited project. After a couple of teasers the 2013 SRT Dodge Viper and Viper GTS, the new Viper models, have been officially premiered at the New York Auto Show. There’s actually only one word that can completely describe the new 2013 Viper: ferociousness. This car looks so aggressive the second you put your eyes on it and it’s also extremely powerful as well.
The brand new 4-wheeler sports double-bubble roof, side-exit exhaust pipes and bi-xenon headlights. There’s some sort of influence from the Maserati GranTurismo timidly noticeable, but the LED taillights and the huge rear unmask a ferocious beast. Unlike its predecessor, this model sports an exquisitely-chosen interior, with high quality materials and high tech instrument clusters.
Among these, what caught our eyes were the leather upholstery, 20 mm lower Sabelt racing seats with 90 mm of travel and the digital instrument cluster. In addition, a Harman Kardon car-audio system, 8.4 inch Uconnect infotainment system and metallic accents complete the picture.
What we truly enjoy though is the 8.4-liter V10 motor. It boasts sodium-filled exhaust valves, brand new catalysts, composite intake and high-strength forged pistons. Being made of aluminum, it delivers no less than 640 HP (477 kW) and 814 Nm (600 lb ft) of torque. That’s like 54 Nm (40 lb ft) and 40 HP (30 kW) more than the previous Viper.
The car actually boasts with the highest torque ever reached by a naturally aspirated engine. The 2013 SRT Viper delivers all its power through a speed-sensing limited-slip differential to the rear wheels, assisted by a six-speed manual transmission.
Furthermore, the model has undergone a weight loss cure, in addition to its bonus power. It features a tubular steel space frame with magnesium cowl, encased within a body comprising plastic quarter panels, aluminum doors, carbon fiber hood, lift-gate and roof. It has lost 100 lbs (45 kg), now weighing 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs).
Let’s not forget its chassis, which is 50 percent stiffer than the latest Viper, this ensuring a superb handling. As reported, an aluminum X brace has been added, which “ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting and contributes to improved torsional rigidity and stiffness.”
It seems like these weren’t enough, thus Dodge’s engineers also included a brand new rear suspension, 18 / 19 inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, ESP, traction control and Brembo brakes.
As stock, the monster will be purchasable along with an optional SRT Track Pack, plus GTS trim. The GTS trim adds a leather-wrapped dashboard and driver selectable Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers, while the Track Pack includes a 4-mode traction / stability control system and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.
