First Drive: 2014 SRT Viper GTS

We didn’t have that problem, of course, as we were on a closed circuit where you could pay attention to the car, rather than focusing on other traffic.

The all-aluminum, mid-front, 8.4L V10 engine is unexpectedly refined upon start up. Apparently Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, loves the Viper but has insisted that it become a more complete vehicle that you can drive comfortably around town as well as blast around a track. A performance touring car if you will.

Consequently, starting the engine is not the earth-shaking event it once was (believe me; Vipers make enough of a scene just by existing). The shifter is smooth, clutch take-up is progressive and reasonably light, and steering nicely weighted, positive and quick.

2014 SRT Viper GTS. Click image to enlarge

Under moderate acceleration, the Viper is well behaved, compliant, and obedient. Give it some more throttle and the engine wakes up and the Viper transforms into a well-dressed Incredible Hulk.

Which is why even though things have changed with the Viper, they are also the same. This car’s top speed is 331 km/h, and 0–100 km/h can be achieved in the low three-second range, with the quarter-mile coming up in about 11.5 seconds. It’ll do 0–160­–0 km/h in less than 12 seconds, and according to Chrysler it’ll brake from 100–0 km/h in about 32 metres. The handcrafted V10 engine makes 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque (the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world, says Chrysler).

The performance, in short, is staggering, especially when you consider that the 2013 SRT Viper was priced at $99,995, with the Viper GTS priced at $119,995  (2014 pricing not yet announced), which as far as supercars go, is a downright bargain.

I still give it lots of respect, electronic aids notwithstanding. It’s a car you need to learn how to drive hard, so I wouldn’t advise buying one of these, hitting the track and standing on the gas. But when driving at less than 10/10ths, the Viper can be remarkably cooperative.

The SRT people say that they’ve achieved a weight reduction of about 45 kg for the new model, giving it the best power-to-weight ratio of any Viper, and that they’ve increased torsional stiffness by 50 percent over the previous generation. It absolutely feels tight and solid where older Vipers may have felt a little bespoke, especially the convertibles.

New for 2014 is a TA Special Edition Package that’s built on the SRT Viper model. It will be the most track-ready Viper available, optimizing the SRT components by uniquely tuning the suspension for track use and adding ultra-lightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels. The standard aluminum structural X-brace is replaced with a lighter carbon-fibre brace, and a special Brembo brake system is fitted. The TA is available in TA Orange, Venom Black or Bright White only.

Also new for 2014 is an Anodized Carbon Edition Package developed for the GTS model. Exclusive content includes matte paint finish, carbon fibre brake ducts, exterior gloss black GTS badge, satin black accents, Alcantara headliner, interior carbon fibre accents, orange interior stitching, orange brake calipers and special five-spoke Rattler wheels with a unique black chrome finish.

Along with the availability of the TA Special Edition Package and Anodized Carbon Edition Package, the 2014 model year sees the SRT Viper and Viper GTS offering new colours, LED running lights, new levels of refinement, chassis enhancements, expanded electronic stability control, premium interior materials, enhanced connectivity – and all while still losing a few pounds.

This head-turning car continues to embody the appealing combination of grunt and responsiveness that characterizes the brand. It’s just wrapped in a tidier package.

Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Aston Martin Vanquish
Porsche 911 GT3

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)