Viper returns to U.S. for 2013
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3rd June, 2012
Two new models include SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS
All-aluminium, mid-engine 8.4-litre V-10
Chassis enhancements bring 50 per cent improvement in torsional stiffness
Standard safety features include electronic multi-stage stability control, traction control and new 4-channel
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
All-new carbon-fibre and aluminium skin is sculpted for high-speed stability and a slippery .364 drag coefficient (Cd)
Exterior incorporates iconic Viper styling cues
An all-new Viper will return to the American high-performance sports car market late this year as an SRT rather
than a Dodge.
The fifth generation of the iconic two-seat, American-built super car has been deliberately evolved to incorporate
superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of
outright performance.
“The Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built in Detroit, flagship super car
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 the Viper nation, this SRT team under our new
leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to make a world-class super car that would
showcase the very best we have to offer.”
Two models
For the 2013 model year, two new models of the Chrysler Group's super car will be hand built at the Conner Avenue
Assembly Plant in Detroit – the home for Viper 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 fibre and aluminium body. On the inside, designers and engineers
strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies.
“The SRT Viper model is meant to offer 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 super car 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 two-mode
active suspension, to allow this world-class GTS to find new limits on the track while also opening up its envelope as a
more premium and 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 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 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.”
V-10 powertrain
At the centre of the 2013 SRT Viper is the venerable, hand-assembled 8.4-litre all-aluminium, V-10 overhead-valve
engine. Improvements for 2013 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 aluminium flywheel that
reduces reciprocating losses. More than 25 pounds has been shaved from the fully dressed engine.
Preliminary 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 engine in the world.
The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has been improved with a shorter throw shifter, closer gear ratios and
a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. The 2013 Viper models will be more engaging to drive and
top speed 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 per cent more torsional rigidity, the chassis of the 2013 SRT Viper
benefits from numerous enhancements – many learned through racing efforts with Viper GTS-R and Competition Coupe
models.
Major updates include the addition of a new aluminium “X” brace under the bonnet that ties the suspension pick-up
points to the magnesium cowl super casting and contributes to improved torsional rigidity and stiffness. A new aluminium
impact beam at the front of the car contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution while providing
excellent crashworthiness.
Structurally, many areas of the chassis were reworked to take advantage of new materials, reduce thickness in some
areas and reshape components for more structural rigidity in others. 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 tyres with substantially improved overall
performance, cold weather performance, enhanced overall grip and steering response on a variety of road surfaces while
also broadening the performance envelope. An optional SRT Track Package features Pirelli P Zero Corsa, “soft”-tuned,
"racing-type" compound tyres that improve handling and precision further on the road or the race track.
For the first time, standard safety technologies such as electronic stability control and traction control help to
maximise traction performance at virtually any speed and driving environment.
All 2013 Viper models will come with a steering-wheel-mounted launch control switch, allowing for optimal acceleration
from standing starts.
Benchmark braking
Stopping performance for the 2013 SRT Viper is engineered to provide shorter stopping distances, better
modulation, improved durability and balanced brake performance without fading under extreme conditions.
Four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminium callipers, and vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm, are
used at all four corners. Brake callipers are forged and weight optimised by fully machining all surfaces. The callipers
are among the stiffest available with distortion from heat nearly eliminated even under the most demanding braking
conditions.
The available SRT Track Package features lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech.
New premium materials, craftsmanship and technologies
The all-new, driver-oriented interior cabins of the SRT Viper models have been totally revamped for 2013 with
superior craftsmanship, premium material appointments and performance-oriented technologies.
For the first time, all major interior surfaces are sewn and wrapped with additional padding applied in comfort areas.
On the Viper GTS model, all surfaces are fully leather skinned, and standard accent colours are applied to the seats,
doors, centre console and stitching.
Quality fit and finish across the line-up is showcased by triple-paint-finished Gun Metal appliqués on the cluster
bezel, HVAC outlets, window switch bezels, shifter base, park brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab handle on the
centre console.
Standard high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight Kevlar/fibreglass shell made by a
state-of-the-art resin transfer moulding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and
passenger enjoy improved comfort from thigh support and deep side bolsters designed to match the extreme lateral
acceleration capabilities of the SRT Viper.
Seating position in the 2013 SRT Viper models is 20 mm lower for more room and enhanced performance-driving
ergonomics. Seat travel is extended by 90 mm overall, which enables expanded seating options from a more rearward
positioned bulkhead. For the first time, seat height can be adjusted by up to 40 mm – manually on the SRT model and power
controlled on the GTS.
The new 2013 Viper is the most spacious model in the history of the nameplate. The floor pan and bulkhead have
been extended approximately 90 mm to provide improved legroom and more rearward seat track movement.
Designed specifically for the 2013 SRT Viper, the new 7-inch, full-colour, customisable instrument cluster display uses
a full-time analogue tachometer read out in the centre 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 read out just
below the tachometer. The vehicle information is clearly communicated with easy-to-understand icons. Intuitively
controlled through a simple four-way steering-wheel control, the driver can configure the screens to display the
information they desire, easily mixing and matching information.
Uconnect® Access provides new level of connectivity
The 2013 SRT Viper line-up includes the new, next generation Uconnect® Access in-vehicle connectivity system
that provides drivers with access to more information, emergency services, more entertainment and improved graphics.
Viper customers can choose between two Uconnect Media Centres, RA3 and RA4, which provide a range of new features and
multiple ways to control media in the vehicle. The system includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a set of hard keys
for commonly used functions, including traditional knobs for tuning the radio bands and radio volume. Touchscreen buttons
along the bottom of the screen allow drivers to easily access the radio, climate controls, navigation, phone, and new,
select, certified applications. The new, highly sculpted steering wheel has a host of finger-tip mounted controls for
audio, Uconnect, cruise control (first application) and launch control.
SiriusXM Travel Link also is available with Uconnect, providing premium data services and information to make every
trip more efficient. SiriusXM Traffic works with the vehicle’s navigation system to display traffic speed and traffic
flow information along with accident information to assist drivers in routing around congested areas. An expanded
SiriusXM channel line-up includes exclusive programming, including the new SiriusXM Latino channels.
A range of Harman Kardon® surround-sound systems are available across the SRT Viper line-up that feature the
latest in audio system technology. All Harman Kardon audio systems include a high-voltage class D amplifier with tracking
power supply and up to 11 channels of amplification. The Harman Kardon system with exclusive Logic 7 surround-sound
processing is available in the Viper GTS model with a total of 18-speakers, including four subwoofers located behind the
seats. All Harman Kardon systems in the 2013 SRT Viper line-up include high-performance, high-efficiency GreenEdge
technology loudspeakers that are extremely light and include rare earth magnets. The magnets inside each speaker ensure
efficient speaker operation and enhanced performance. The audio systems operate on 32 volts – so the new and improved
sound system achieves more than double the acoustic power of the current system.
Refined evolution of SRT’s hallmark – aggressive and functional exterior designs
The all-new, timeless exterior design blends contemporary execution with evolutionary refinement.
All-new carbon-fibre bonnet, roof, boot lid and aluminium door panels are firsts for SRT Viper models resulting in
significant weight reduction, improved high-speed stability and a slippery .364 drag coefficient.
The forward-hinged bonnet carries the redesigned Viper badge – aptly named “Stryker” by the Viper Club of America –
positioned in the centre; and offers unobtrusive access to several service points and the SRT-engineered V-10
powerplant.
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The classical low-stance and the extreme cab rearward proportions that have become the unmistakable silhouette of the
iconic super car, return on the 2013 SRT Viper models along with the dramatic mudguard “gills” – another traditional
Viper design cue that helps to extract heat from the engine compartment.
The 2013 Viper models feature a contemporary take on the traditional “double-bubble” roof design that maximises
headroom for the driver and passenger while maintaining a low frontal area – allowing additional room for helmets during
recreational competitive driving.
Dual-function, bi-xenon projector headlamps are tightly packaged with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime
running lamps and LED turn signals in a sinister “snake eye” configuration.
Functional “blisters” incorporated into the 70 mm projector headlamp lenses provide a three-dimensional view that
gives Viper a distinctive glare.
The lower-front grille is purposefully designed as an evolution of the traditional Viper low-profile cooling opening
configuration and discretely carries a refined V-shape structure.
The exhaust system continues to exit forward of the rear wheels and now carries further refinement with cast
aluminium, sill-mounted exhaust bezels.
For the first time, the 2013 SRT Viper models carry LED taillamps that integrate stop-and-turn illumination in one
element. Snakeskin texture in the lens carries the surface work seen in the gills and bonnet textures. With dark-masked
lenses, the horizontal lamps appear dark until the LED elements fire. Each lamp carries 50 LEDs that provide a unified
“crystallised” illumination effect.
The five-spoke, forged-aluminium “Rattler” wheel design on the 2013 Viper model is available with fully polished
(standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black finishes.
The Viper GTS has a split six-spoke forged-aluminium “Venom” wheel design with three available finishes, including
polished face with graphite-painted pockets (standard), fully painted Hyper Black or fully painted low-gloss black.
Available SRT Track Package wheels are ultra-lightweight, track-ready wheels in Hyper Black or matt black finishes.
About SRT
The long established Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand was made a specific division within the Chrysler Group
last year. SRT uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: inspiring powertrains;
outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and
high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance past.
The expansion of the SRT vehicle line-up in the 2012 model year features four new products that are world-class
performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. These products include the
Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Making its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market in late 2012 is the new 2013 SRT Viper
and SRT Viper GTS.
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