Chrysler announces the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition ahead of Pebble Beach debut

The Chrysler Group announced today that when the 2013 SRT
Viper GTS production begins later this year, there will be a special “Launch
Edition” Viper that will come with the familiar blue paint with white stripes
that has helped introduce the previous two new generations of the Viper Coupe.  The 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition will
make its grand debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey
California but today, we got a good look at the special edition supercar in
these high resolution images.

Much like the original Viper GTS Coupe in 1996 and the 2006
Viper SRT10 Coupe in 2006, the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition will come in a
bright metallic blue exterior paint with full length bright white stripes
starting on the nose, running over the hood, roof and trunk before continuing
down across the rear end.  The Stryker
logo on the front end sports a unique blue background (other 2013 Viper models
wear a logo with a grey background) along with some unique 5-spoke high gloss
polished aluminum rims that are specific to the Launch Edition Viper.  Considering how much the 2013 SRT Viper draws
its design inspiration from the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe – it is fitting that
it would come in this blue and white scheme. 
I have had the pleasure of seeing a 2013 Viper in “GTS Blue” in person
and the car looks simply amazing…white stripes will surely complete the
package.

Inside, the 2013 Viper GTS Launch Edition is clad in Black
Laguna leather with contrasting stitching on the seats, steering wheel, door
panels, dash, shift knob and center console. 
The headliner is finished with soft Alcantara while Satin Silver bezels
provide a bright contrast to the black leather. 
Finally, each 2013 Viper GTS Launch Edition wear a unique dash plaque
with the vehicle identification number and build sequence number.

“Designed with Viper loyalists in mind, the 2013 SRT Viper
GTS Launch Edition model brings back the classic paint schemes that have
adorned all previous Viper coupe launches to help us celebrate the return of
our brand’s flagship performance machine to the supercar market,” said Ralph
Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports
and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our
American-built supercar showcases the very best we have to offer by
incorporating superior craftsmanship, the finest materials, a host of new
technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its focus on outright
performance.”

The 2013 Viper GTS Launch Edition is powered by the same
8.4L V10 engine that pushes out 640 horsepower and 600lb-ft of torque to the
rear wheels with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission.  Like other GTS Viper models, the Launch
Edition Vipers will come equipped with the new advanced stability and traction
control system but unlike the other 2013 Vipers – the SRT Track Package is not
available.  For those of you keeping
track, Chrysler has also confirmed that the unique 5-spoke wheels on the Viper
GTS Launch Edition should not have any real impact on the Viper’s curb weight.

The Chrysler Group has stated that the 2013 Viper GTS Launch
Edition will be offered in limited quantities but they are not yet sure just
how many will be offered for public consumption. The pricing for the 2013 Viper
GTS Launch Edition will likely be announced closer to the start of production.

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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