Yesterday I was privy to be invited to an event at the
hallowed grounds that are the Chrysler Group Chelsea Proving Grounds and while
there, I was formally introduced to the 2013 SRT Viper GTS.I didn’t attend the New York Auto Show where
the new Viper debuted and while some local Detroit events have had the Viper
present – seeing it at a public event surrounded by the velvet rope is a far
cry from being able to climb in the newest American supercar at a private media
event.
There is a better chance than not that anyone reading this
piece has probably seen the 2013 SRT Viper GTS coupe in images and videos and
there is a good chance that you love how it looks.Let me tell you…seeing it in person is 100
times better.Even in a massive, poorly
lit banquet tent, the metallic dark red paint on the 2013 Viper GTS sparkles
with an inviting glow that makes it impossible to ignore.Even though there was plenty going on outside
of the tent, I found it nearly impossible not to just stand and behold the
greatness that is the new Viper.
Ralph Gilles has said that the 2013 SRT Viper was designed
with the idea of a woman laying on a beach and when seeing it in person, there
is really no question to the sheer sexiness of the new Viper.The long, wide front end and the sloping
greenhouse that melts into the rearend of the Viper bears a striking resemblance
to the original Viper GTS Coupe but the 2013 SRT Viper sports a sharpened feel
that allows this car to stand out from the models from the late 90s and early
2000s.
When you climb into the 2013 SRT Viper, you are immediately
encompassed in the cockpit-style driver’s area with the leather wrapped, race
inspired steering wheel just begging to be grabbed.The shifter is almost directly next to your
left knee and with the sporty driver’s seat comfortably adjusted to fit a 6
foot tall guy – everything was within reach without ever having to lean
forward.That is good, since the 640
horsepower and 600lb-ft of torque likely makes sitting forward difficult during
acceleration.
Unfortunately, I did not get to drive the 2013 SRT Viper GTS
but should the car gods smile upon me – I will be talking about just how
awesome the new Viper is when in motion.
If you are in love with the new Viper in pictures – make sure to find out when one will be close enough for you to go meet in person…it is worth it.
"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.
Yesterday I was privy to be invited to an event at the