SRT Viper: the return oh the snake

The all-new 2013 SRT Viper makes its long-awaited return to the high-performance sports-car market flush with new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its legacy of American craftsmanship and visceral performance. “The Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built-in-Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance-car world,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “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. 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 the fifth generation of our world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.” The performance numbers that have been synonymous with Viper throughout its history continue with the all-new 2013 SRT Viper models: Top speed = 206 mph 0-60 mph acceleration = low 3-second range Quarter-mile elapsed time = mid 11-second range 0-100-0 mph elapsed time = less than 12 seconds Braking distance from 60-0 mph = 106 feet Coefficient of drag (Cd) = .369 Two new models enough for any performance buyer For the 2013 model year, two new models of the iconic supercar will be hand-built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit – the Viper’s home since 1995. Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials and new exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details that are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin. On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all its touch points and upgrade all its material appointments and technologies. “The SRT Viper model offers a perfect blend of extreme performance and a deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper,” Gilles added. “We strove to deliver a supercar that continues to bring the driver as close as possible to the machine.” The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like its driver-selectable two-mode suspension system that allows this world-class car to find new limits on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula. Designed and built with premium features and materials inside and out, the Viper GTS will compete with the best performance vehicles in the world – and do so with a wide range of creature comforts, advanced drivetrain and interior technologies. “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-built 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.” Awe-inspiring V-10 powertrain The heart and soul of the 2013 SRT Viper is its venerable, handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine. Improvements for 2013 include an ultra-high-flow, lightweight composite intake manifold; high-strength, forged pistons; sodium-filled exhaust valves; new catalysts to ease backpressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. Approximately 25 pounds have been shaved from the fully dressed engine.Performance ratings for the SRT-engineered V-10 Viper are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world. The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has been improved with closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. The shifter throw also is shorter. As a result, the 2013 Viper models will be more engaging to drive. Its top speed of 206 mph is now achieved through 6th gear with maximum engine speed (redline) at 6,200 rpm. Outstanding ride, handling and capability Starting with a stiffer structure that provides 50 percent more torsional rigidity, the 2013 SRT Viper chassis benefits from numerous enhancements – many learned through racing efforts with Viper GTS-R and Competition Coupe models. Major upgrades include the addition of a new aluminum x-brace under the hood that ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting. This benefits torsional rigidity and stiffness. A new aluminum impact beam at the front of the car contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution, while providing excellent crashworthiness. Structurally, many chassis components were reworked to take advantage of new materials able to accommodate reduced thickness and complex shapes without compromising structural rigidity. The result is an overall weight savings of approximately 100 pounds. At the rear, the suspension has been re-engineered with the toe link moved forward of the axle for better tow control and dynamic stability. A new, driver-selectable two-mode suspension system, featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with both street and track settings, is standard on GTS models. For 2013, SRT Viper models ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires with substantially improved overall response, cold-weather performance, and enhanced grip and steering feel, regardless of road surface – while also broadening the performance envelope. For the first time, standard safety technologies such as electronic multistage stability control and traction control help to maximize traction performance at virtually any speed and driving environment. While every SRT Viper leaves the factory floor ready to take on any on-road or on-track challenge, the available Track Package further enhances its capability by elevating at-limit performance. Slotted two-piece lightweight rotors from StopTech replace the original equipment, while ultra-lightweight multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa “racing-type” compound tires further reduce unsprung weight at all four corners. Selecting the Track Package also slices 57 pounds from the vehicle’s curb weight. All 2013 Viper models will come with a steering-wheel-mounted launch-control switch, allowing for optimal acceleration from standing starts. From Motorin News