New 2013 SRT Viper Launched in America

Chrysler is not a well known name in India. Dodge has a slightly better standing in terms of popularity but not by much. But you say the words 'Dodge Viper' and anyone, from an amateur auto enthusiast to the hardcore auto nuts, will instantly recognise the name. So what's happening in the world of the Viper? Well, the Dodge Viper has so far been one of the most iconic American cars ever; and now, we have the all new SRT Viper. The Dodge badging has been replaced by the SRT badge for the 2013 model of the Viper.

Underneath the hood of the SRT Viper we find a massive V10 alumunium engine that generates 640bhp along with 812Nm of peak torque. Incidentally, this torque figure is the highest that a naturally aspirated engine can generate to date. Imagine the wheel spin on this car at the start line of a race! All this power is transmitted to the drivetrain via a 6-speed Tremec manual gearbox that has been improved with smaller gear ratios.

The new SRT Viper also comes with improvements in the suspension and chassis which have undergone a rigidity improvement for better handling and performance. Added to that are a bunch of new systems and features like auto-traction and stability control with advanced ABS. We also find dual-xenon headlights and a re-vamped front grille. The overall looks of the new Viper have also been shifted from the tradition American muscle look to a sleeker more aerodynamic look.

So we have the new SRT Viper with newer, sleeker looks and more power output. What about the price? Well, the 2013 Viper comes with two trim options; the base model being the SRT Viper and the top-end being the SRT Viper GTS. These are priced at $ 97,395 and $ 120, 395 respectively. Both the models come with the Black Venom, Billet Silver and Gunmetal Pearl coloured racing stripe packages.