SRT Viper ACR will debut in 2014 with no additional power to save the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

by Andrew Christian, Email, 25 Feb, 2013.

2013 SRT Viper

A track-focused SRT Viper ACR may have its debut in 2014, according to a Motor Trend report. This faster version of the 2013 SRT Viper was confirmed by SRT CEO Ralph Gilles. The previous Viper ACR had bigger brakes, lower weight, adjustable suspension, and new aerodynamics to offer a more impressive track experience. It’s believed that this new car will provide the same types of enhancements compared to the 2013 SRT Viper. Development has been halted since SRT is working to get better tires. It’s believed that Michelin won’t sell the Pilot Sport Cups used for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to SRT.

This means that the SRT team is presently pressuring Pirelli to offer tires that have more grip than the P-Zero Corsa rubber used on the regular Viper. Motor Trend said that unfortunately, the SRT Viper ACR will probably not have additional power. Even if engineers could generate more than the present 640 hp from the 8.4-liter V-10, politics within the company make it unattainable.

Fiat, which controls Chrysler Group as well as Ferrari, doesn’t want the SRT Viper to offer a better power-to-weight ratio than the 731-hp Ferrari F12berlinetta. Even if Motor Trend said that the SRT may effortlessly create a Viper with more power, Fiat and Ferrari chiefs wouldn’t like it. Regardless of its output, it’s expected that the SRT Viper ACR will bow in 2014 with more upgrades to make it even more formidable on the race track.

Configured in-house by the Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) team in collaboration with professional road racers, the exclusive, street-legal and single-spec 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) package is specifically built for the performance enthusiast driver who likes to exercise their machines at the more than 150 road-race courses around North America.

Less than one year since the long-awaited world debut of the new 2013 SRT Viper at the New York International Auto Show, the 2014 SRT Viper TA is set to make its public debut on March 27, 2013 on the same show floor at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

Based on the SRT Viper model – the lightest vehicle in the lineup, the 2014 SRT Viper TA package builds upon the legendary on-track capability of the American hand-built supercar using a majority of pre-developed components straight from the SRT stable, that are combined into a carefully balanced package that extract the most out of the Viper ultralow center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution and largest contact patch in the production car world.

“The new 2014 SRT Viper TA is being engineering for the dedicated track enthusiast, who still wants to drive to the track and take their hobby to the next level” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “We’re re-launching some of the fastest production-built cars that people can buy straight from the factory. Our engineers revised the suspension settings to refocus the Viper specifically for track duty, using a blend of components from the GTS and the SRT models, add in the extensively developed aero package and the new Time Attack package is born. We’re not only saluting the existing capabilities of our current models, we’re also targeting another niche in our customer base with a tremendously capable track machine.”

The suspension on the 2014 SRT Viper TA is uniquely tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage and to maximize the performance of the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires which are mounted on ultra-lightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels. A two-mode Bilstein Damptronic suspension system features firmer levels of damping and a smaller spread between modes than what is found on the current Viper GTS models.

Shock dampers, springs and road racing derived stabilizer bars have been retuned for optimal on-track performance. The standard aluminum structural X-brace is replaced with a lighter carbon fiber brace that effectively ties the four corners of the engine compartment together and contributes to the 50-percent increase in torsional rigidity and stiffness across the Viper lineup.

Based on the outstanding performance of the world-class brake system on the 2013 SRT Viper, SRT engineers are working in parallel with Brembo on a system that increases thermal capacity and optimizes heat dissipation providing improved extreme use. The brake calipers on the 2014 SRT Viper TA feature a black anodized finish with the Viper logo shown in Crusher Orange.

The unmistakable exterior of the SRT Viper TA features exclusive Crusher Orange paint with black 2D TA logos behind both front wheels, black Stryker logo on the front fascia and matte black, ultra-lightweight Sidewinder II wheels.

An advanced exterior aerodynamics package includes carbon fiber front splitters and rear spoiler, while a carbon fiber rear applique accentuates the rear width proportions and adds another level of detail.

Under the hood of the 2014 SRT Viper TA is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front
V-10 overhead-valve engine. Performance ratings are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world.

Inside, the performance driver-oriented cabin of the 2014 SRT Viper TA uses the same standard premium ballistic fabric racing seats from Sabelt, featuring a lightweight fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and passenger seats can also accommodate a 3- or 6-point harness for racing belts.

The standard black interior combination includes unique Crusher Orange accent stitching on the cloth seats, instrument panel (through the cowl), center stack, console, pull brake, shifter boot, shifter head, steering wheel and upper doors.

Curb weight is an estimated 3,348 pounds.
Only 33 units of the 2014 SRT Viper TA in Crusher Orange will be built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, beginning in third quarter 2013.

Ralph Gilles ‏@RalphGilles

“@strYker555: I've been hearing rumours that FIAT might cap SRT Viper performance to make Ferrari look good. Is this true?” Not at all!

and

@alexandervalys @insideferrari There is NO truth to this. Ferrari plays to a totally different market. Based on joke I made at the NY reveal

Fifth generation of iconic American-built supercar returns as Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand’s flagship performance machine with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts

Two new models: SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS
All-aluminum, 8.4-liter mid-front V-10 engine delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world
Chassis enhancements boost torsional stiffness by 50 percent
Triple-digit weight reduction contributes to best power-to-weight ratio of any Viper ever
Available Track Package improves handling and precision on road or track, while accommodating further weight reduction
Standard safety features include electronic multistage stability control, traction control and new 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Viper GTS model adds driver-selectable, two-mode suspension system for street or track use
All-new, innovative interiors set new standards with premium materials, new technologies and impeccable craftsmanship
Timeless exterior incorporates iconic Viper styling cues with a contemporary execution
All-new carbon-fiber and aluminum skin sculpted for high-speed stability and .369 coefficient of drag (Cd)
Breakthrough Uconnect Access provides new level of in-vehicle connectivity
Extensive array of exterior colors and stripes are a mix of classic and new shades and styles
The all-new 2013 SRT Viper makes its long-awaited return to the high-performance sports-car market flush with new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its legacy of American craftsmanship and visceral performance.

“The Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built-in-Detroit, flagship supercar 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 Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create the fifth generation of our world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer.”

The performance numbers that have been synonymous with Viper throughout its history continue with the all-new 2013 SRT Viper models:

Top speed = 206 mph
0-60 mph acceleration = low 3-second range
Quarter-mile elapsed time = mid 11-second range
0-100-0 mph elapsed time = less than 12 seconds
Braking distance from 60-0 mph = 106 feet
Coefficient of drag (Cd) = .369

The Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand announced it will produce an exclusive, limited run Anodized Carbon Special Edition package for the SRT Viper GTS model.

Part of the special edition package is the new metallic matte exterior color that is being used for the first time by the Chrysler Group to add to the exclusivity of the SRT Viper.

“We’ve been waiting for the right time to use this striking new exterior color at the Chrysler Group and as the flagship for the SRT brand, the Viper is the perfect vehicle to showcase this combination of finishes and details to create such a unique look,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Viper’s unique, hand built and hand painted process allow us to create these ultra-exclusive special series builds. At SRT, the art of the American exotic supercar is every bit as important as its performance, and this car is for the enthusiasts who feel that way too.”

The new metallic matte exterior body color brings the Viper GTS a one-of-a-kind, luxurious look by providing even greater accentuation to the vehicle’s form. The metallic finish adds depth while the dark matte color amplifies the Viper’s sinister quality.

Unique exterior accents in the Anodized Carbon Special Edition package include: Black Vapor Chrome five-spoke “Rattler” wheels, Gloss Black GTS badge, Satin Black exhaust bezel, Anodized Carbon fuel filler door, orange brake calipers, carbon fiber brake ducts and rear applique.

Luxurious interior accents include Alcantara wrapped headliner, door bolsters and knee blockers; orange accent stitching on the Nappa leather wrapped door trim, center console and instrument panel and on the Nappa leather and Alcantara seats. Orange accents are also added to the door panel and instrument panel. Carbon fiber accents are added throughout the center stack, door panels and steering wheel, and an exclusive carbon GTS badge adorns the dashboard.

A limited production run of 50 Viper GTS models with the Anodized Carbon Special Edition Package begins in Jan. 2014 at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. A Viper GTS featuring the new special edition package is being shown on the floor at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 22-Dec. 1.

SRT Viper GTS

The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like its driver-selectable suspension system that allows this world-class car to find extreme limits on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula.

Designed and built with premium features and materials inside and out, the Viper GTS models compete with the best performance touring cars in the world – and does so with a wide range of creature comforts, advanced drivetrain and interior technologies.

Under the hood is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine. Performance ratings are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque — the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world.

Chrysler's performance-focused SRT division will unveil a new option package for the Viper called Gran Touring at today's Detroit Motor Show.

The Grand Touring package aims to bring comfort and performance features borrowed from the more expensive Viper GTS to the base-model. The package consists of sport seats upholstered in premium Nappa leather, a track-friendly five-mode Electronic Stability Control system and a Blistein-designed two-mode DampTronic Select suspension.

The Grand Touring package also intoduces a brand new paint color dubbed Stryker Green. Boasting bright green and yellow accents depending on how light is shining on the Viper's sheet metal, Stryker Green is billed as an evolution of the Snakeskin Green color that was introduced on the last-gen Viper in 2008. The color is hand-applied in a painstakingly long multi-coat process that takes up to eight house to fully complete.


The Stryker Green color is the latest in a long line of eye-catching paint jobs designed for buyers who want a more unique Viper.

"We're continuing to develop and build unique, low-volume, special-edition colors for the Viper that adds to the exclusivity of our American-built flagship supercar," explained SRT CEO Ralph Gilles in a statement.

Stryker Green will be available on base models equipped with the Grand Touring package and on all Viper GTS models. Pricing information for both the paint job and the new option package will be published at a later date.