Skip advert
Advertisement

New York show: SRT Viper

Chrysler has revealed the all-new SRT Viper at the 2012 New York motor show, with 640bhp and a power to weight ratio to rival the most exotic supercars

In proof that the American muscle car is in rude health, Chrysler has revealed a new version of its iconic Viper sportscar at the New York motor show.

Headline figures are 640bhp and 600lb ft of torque, a body that’s claimed to be 50 percent stiffer and lightweight carbonfibre and aluminium construction that – Chrysler claims – means the new Viper will have  the third-highest power-to-weight ratio of any production car, with only the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F12 keeping it off the top spot. It’s also set to receive a change of name, becoming officially the SRT Viper.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite giving us an almost complete technical breakdown of the car and its components – we can tell you that sixth gear has a ratio of 0.63 and that the car boasts 127mm of ground clearance – Chrysler was staying coy about performance numbers. Rest assured, they’ll be spectacular – with a new launch control system claimed to offer a ‘repeatable’ roadtest quality 0-60mph time for those prepared to pay for the clutch wear. We guestimate an official 0-60mph time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed over the 200mph mark.

Power comes from a reworked version of the previous Viper’s 8.4-litre V10 engine, with power transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed Tremac gearbox. We’re told the motor has the highest torque output of any naturally aspirated engine. The chassis is aluminium and most bodywork is made from carbonfibre. 

Chrysler is also happy to acknowledge the limitations of previous Vipers, especially when it came to their kitcar quality interiors, with the new car getting a properly trimmed cabin and plenty of standard-fit kit. Two versions will be offered, the stripped down standard car and a more comfortable ‘GTS’ version. We’re also promised that this car will help to rectify the power: handling imbalance of previous versions.

There’s no word on pricing – and whether any version will (officially) come to the UK. However Chrysler did confirm that it will be entering a racing version in the American Le Mans Series – a welcome reminder of the days when Vipers starred in endurance racing.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025