After a couple years in hiding, the new SRT Viper is finally ready to strike its way back into the super car ranks... and this time more powerfully than ever. SRT, short for Street and Racing Technology, has crammed plenty of performance and refinement into their latest Viper, which is now offered in two trim levels.

The revised 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 is caged beneath a chassis stiffening aluminum x-brace. It’s now tuned to 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque and revs more freely thanks to a lightened flywheel and other improvements. 0-60 rips by in less than three and a half seconds… aided by a delightfully simple to engage launch control system.

Four wheel independent suspension is further enhanced by Bilstein two-way adjustable shock absorbers, though only on the upper level GTS. A traction control system is new, to the dismay of many purists. Luckily, it can be switched off, or, in the case of the GTS, dialed back various degrees to limit intervention.

The optional SRT Track Package reduces vehicle weight by 57 pounds, swapping in slotted vented brake rotors, lighter wheels, and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires… 18’s up front, 19’s in the rear.

But enough about details, facts, and figures. The Viper is all about letting loose on the track. And did we ever…

DAVE SCRIVENER: SRT’s engineers were given almost a clean slate to develop this new Viper, and it really shows. The styling and aero improvements speak for themselves, but driving the car on the track, you really appreciate the chassis engineering. It’s more nimble, more balanced, more neutral, the throttle’s much more responsive. It’s every bit of Viper, and still brutally fast, but it has some fancy footwork now. You could say the snake’s been charmed.

JOHN DAVIS: Exterior styling retains the iconic Viper look, but careful sculpting simplifies the design and improves aero. Carbon fiber panels reduce weight further.

Inside, the Viper shows much-needed refinement with upgraded materials throughout. An 8.4 inch touch screen with UConnect and back up cam, and 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are available. Prices are very super car worthy, at $99,000 for a base Viper, and $122,000 for the Viper GTS. But the opportunity to score track time in this beauty is truly priceless.  

Specifications

  • Engine: 8.4 liter
  • Horsepower: 640
  • Price: $99,000 for a base Viper