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2013 SRT Viper GTS dyno'd by Edmunds

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, SRT

First-time dynamometer runs for any production car are interesting business, at least for those with "car nerd" in their resumes. And the virgin public dyno testing of a new supercar like the SRT Viper GTS, well, that's just a bit o' heaven right there. So, when we heard that the number crunchers at Edmunds had gotten the new Viper into the test facility, we were hooked right away.

We won't spoil the video for you by blowing the ending right here, but suffice it to say that the SRT 8.4-liter V10, rated at 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque at the crank, is still pretty super by the time the power makes its way to those wide rear tires. Follow on below for the fun.

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2013 SRT Viper GTS dyno'd by Edmunds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, SRT

As you may have heard, Motor Trend recently threw the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the 2013 SRT Viper at each other. And while it was somewhat shocking to hear that the aging ZR1 actually managed to narrowly walk away as the winner of this particular scrap, something else interesting happened during the dust up. Motor Trend called on pro driver Randy Pobst to thrash the two bruisers around Laguna Seca, and thrash he did. Pobst managed to bolt out a time of 1:33.70 in the ZR1, besting the old record of 1:33.99 set by Chris Winkler some three years ago. Winkler managed the task in a 2010 Dodge Viper ACR.

Pobst managed to pull down a 1:35.77 in the SRT Viper, making it the sixth-fastest car M/T has ever put through its paces at Laguna Seca. Don't shed a tear for the terror from SRT, though - the 2013 Viper is still quicker than hardware like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lexus LFA and Nissan GT-R.

Unsurprisingly, the record-breaking story has triggered defensive posturing from the SRT camp, with none other than brand boss Ralph Gilles leaving comments on his Twitter feed like "There is a lot more left in the car, Randy has always struggled with the Viper" and "We've tested both cars at several tracks and never seen a gap like that. Many drivers needlessly fear the Viper.

The ZR1 may have drawn first blood on its way out the door, but one thing is for sure - this is only the first skirmish in what looks to be a long and highly entertaining battle.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 SRT Viper [w/video]

Michael Harley — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, First Drives, SRT

An Extraordinary Effort to Break Previous Stereotypes

The Viper has always scared the hell out of me.

My aversion to the famed American sports car has nothing to do with its immensely powerful ten-cylinder engine or its Matchbox-like styling - those attributes are genuinely captivating. Instead, I have found little to like in a vehicle that is brash, coarse, uncivilized and untrustworthy at the limit. Rather than unload a slew of bitter complaints directed at each of its previous four generations, let's just say that the Viper has always represented the automotive equivalent of barbarous mechanical mayhem.

That is, until now.

After a three-year absence, an all-new Viper debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show. No longer under the Dodge umbrella, Chrysler's supercar returned wearing the new performance-oriented SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand label. Despite its familiar shape and engine configuration, the completely redesigned coupe promised not only more power but better handling, superior craftsmanship, innovative technology and a world-class cabin.

While this may sound as if the automaker's halo two-seater has been tamed after being forced through politically correct manners and etiquette classes, my observation - after spending a couple days with the snake on public roads and at Sonoma Raceway - is that the iconic Viper may be much more refined and less temperamental, but it still has some of the longest and sharpest fangs in the segment.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper [w/video]

2013 SRT Viper [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 SRT Viper priced from *$97,395, new images released [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, SRT

Come November, you'll be able to put a mean snake in your garage for $97,395, *plus $1,995 for destination.

Chrysler has announced pricing information for the 2013 SRT Viper, with the base price seen above, and the higher-spec Viper GTS model at $120,395 (plus destination). Either way, SRT's latest snake will pack the same 8.4-liter V10 engine with 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. For those keeping track, the Viper's weight-shedding diet means each of those ponies is lugging around just 4.9 pounds. Stepping up to the GTS will net the buyer such goodies as two-mode active suspension, premium interior furnishings.

Along with the official asking price, SRT has seen fit to release a smattering of new images showing the Viper's curves in yellow and blue. We suggest you check out the images above, then skip back down below for some video and the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper priced from *$97,395, new images released [w/video]

2013 SRT Viper priced from *$97,395, new images released [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First production 2013 SRT Viper nets $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]

Drew Phillips — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions

It's become customary for automakers to offer up the first production example of collectible cars, so it was no surprise that SRT announced earlier this year that 2013 Viper GTS VIN #1 would be selling at Barrett-Jackson's Orange County auction. Adding to the auction's appeal, proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation, an organization that helps children and families dealing with issues resulting from pediatric cancer.

With the Viper's 640 horsepower V10 and beautiful carbon fiber bodywork shining under the lights, bidding for the red snake rose quickly past the six figure sticker price to a quarter of a million dollars. At this point an SRT Track Experience and a trip to this year's Petit Le Mans were thrown in as a bonus to go with the car, but it couldn't entice any bidders to go much higher and the hammer fell at $300,000.

You can view our huge gallery of photos of the 2013 SRT Viper GTS at Barrett-Jackson above, watch a video of the auction below, or head over to the Austin Hatcher Foundation web site to make a donation of your own.

Continue reading First production 2013 SRT Viper nets $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]

First production 2013 SRT Viper nets $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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