Motoring News

Deadly Venom – The 2013 SRT Viper and Viper GTS Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on April 5, 2012

2013 SRT Viper GTS-R and 2013 SRT Viper GTS

There’s no antivenin for this snake bite.

The automotive world has been waiting a long time for the new Viper. There were a lot of rumors swirling that the super car was destined for the great big junkyard in the sky after FIAT bought Chrysler. Then, rumors of a new, fifth-generation Viper began swirling and continued for some time. All of the speculation ended on April 4th, 2012 when Ralph Giles, President and CEO of Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports unveiled the 2013 SRT Viper and Viper GTS.

The wait is finally over and gearheads around the world are left to admire the new SRT Viper with its pure American power. This isn’t your ‘90s Viper by any means; it’s a raw machine that is packed with technology and craftsmanship unlike any Chrysler super car before.

The 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS have shed their skin for a new carbon fiber and aluminum body that slices through air with a mere 0.364 coefficient of drag (Cd). The body is lighter than ever before and features aluminum door panels and a carbon fiber hood, decklid, and roof. Classic design cues such as the low stance with rearward proportions are present along with front fender gills to cool the engine and side exhaust system with cast aluminum bezels.

The 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS are instantly recognizable with the lower front cross-hair grille that sits low and allows air into the engine bay. The characteristic “snake eyes” remain present and now feature 70 mm projector headlamps and LED turn signals and daytime running lamps. The carbon fiber hood features new air vents that help reduce temperatures in the engine bay. A redesigned Viper badge, named “Stryker” stares ahead with confidence. The rear of the SRT Viper and Viper GTS is an evolution of the model. The fifth generation features two LED taillight, each housing 50 LEDs and wearing a snakesin finish.

Under the carbon fiber hood of the 2012 Viper and 2013 Viper GTS is a hand built mid-mounted, overhead-valve, 8.4-liter V-10 engine. The all-aluminum engine features forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a high-flow and lightweight intake manifold. A lighter aluminum flywheel reduces reciprocating losses and new catalytic converters improve exhaust flow. In total, over 25 pounds were saved in the new engine.
The hand built V-10 produces 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of torque, giving it the highest torque output of any naturally aspirated engine in the world. This venom-packed bite is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with short throw shifter, close gear ratios, and 3.07 final drive ratio.

The entire structure of the SRT Viper was revised for even greater torsional stiffness and lower weight, much of which was gained through motorsports. An aluminum cross brace was installed above the engine to improve stiffness, an aluminum impact beam was installed at the front, and the suspension was reengineered to result in a chassis that is 50 stiffer than the previous generation and 100 pounds lighter. The suspension features a driver-selectable system that adjusts Bilstein DampTronic absorbers for precise handling.

An all-new, powerful braking system and wheel and tire combo helps bring the Viper to a blistering halt. Four 355 mm vented discs and four-piston, lightweight Brembo forged aluminum calipers work together to resist heat distortion. Optionally, customers can purchase StopTech two-piece rotors as part of the SRT Track Package. Hiding the potent brakes are five-spoke “Rattler” wheels in three different finishes. On the SRT Viper GTS, split six-spoke forged wheels come standard, also with three finishes. SRT also offers ultra-lightweight racing wheels in two finishes. A number of bespoke Pirelli rubber tires can be fitted that offer superb traction in a variety of conditions. Customers can even opt for the PZero Corsa racing type compound tires for extreme traction.

The interior of the 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models was designed around the driver with a never-before-seen level of craftsmanship and technology for a Viper. A seven-inch digital display shows a multitude of information to the driver. The new Uconnect system is also featured and utilizes an 8.4-inch screen in the center console to provide accurate convenience options and control the range of Harmon Kardon surround-sound audio systems. Most of the interior wears sewn and paddled leather in the SRT Viper, while the Viper GTS wears stitched leather. Driver and passenger are held in place by supportive Sabelt racing seats made from Kevlar and fiberglass shells to reduce weight. And for the first time ever, the Viper range will feature cruise control.

The 2013 SRT Viper and 2013 SRT Viper GTS carries on the Viper name and will provide drivers with a raw, unadulterated experience that will be hard to replicate. It’s an American super car and we’re glad that it’s here to stay. SRT has also announced that the new Viper will race in the American Le Mans Series.