Being the year of the snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2013 is a marvellous year to reintroduce the passion and enthusiasm of the Chrysler’s majestic Viper sports car. Almost a year since the return of the Viper as the halo vehicle of SRT, 640 horses of American supercar muscle still resonates a bite with motoring enthusiasts. Mounting a return to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the SRT Viper GTS-R vehicles bravely fought against established GT organizations fielding the Chevrolet Corvette C6R ZR1 and Ferrari F458 Italia. The 2013 Sebring resulted with a 5th place from the top-placed #91 Viper. Introduced at last year’s New York International Auto Show, the SRT Viper reappears at the 2013 exhibition with a rare, special edition model. The 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) pushes the V10 powered performance car towards optimized speed and handling.
From first sight, the 2014 SRT Viper TA instantly shows it means business. A unique Crusher Orange paint colour covers the Viper TA paying homage to the muscle car character of the 1960s. Black 2D TA logos stand out on the bright SRT Viper body. Besides the aesthetic pleasure the Viper TA’s exterior presents, the body is the starting point for enhancing the SRT vehicle’s already-high performance credentials. Carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler adds immediate focus towards a time attack package. Pirelli P Zero Corso tires spin on lightweight Sidewinder II wheels. Peeking through the wheels, you’ll also see brake calipers painted with a black anodized finish.
A package created with input from racers, the 2014 SRT Viper TA receives a completely reengineered suspension and chassis. Suited for manoeuvres at near-torturing stresses, the special edition TA package excels in providing capable handling. Featuring firmer dampening than the Viper GTS, the 2014 SRT Viper TA finds increased road-holding ability through two-mode, driver-adjustable Bilstein Damptronic shock absorbers. Upgrading from the aluminum structural X-brace, a lighter but stronger carbon fiber brace maintains the integrity of the 2014 SRT Viper TA. SRT claims the 2014 Viper TA model’s chassis structure integrates 50 percent greater torsional rigidity.
Inside the two-person cockpit of the 2014 SRT Viper TA, a black overall shade is set-off by Crusher Orange accent stitching. Seating, steering wheel, upper doors, and the shifter are some spots highlighted through the stitch detailing. Driver and passenger ride in premium ballistic fabric racing seats sourced from renowned motorsport name Sabelt. Sculpted using a resin transfer molding method, the process is instrumental for the 2014 SRT Viper TA’s lightweight seating. The Sabelt racing seats feature three-point seatbelts with the option to add a six-point racing harness.
Accounting all the weight-saving modifications, the 2014 SRT Viper TA tips the scale at 3,348 pounds. The TA edition of the Viper sports car is 83 pounds lighter than the standard Viper GTS and 26 pounds less than the curb weight of the SRT Track Package version. Shaving off some pounds, the Pirelli tires can make better use of the engine’s horsepower than ever before. The TA model features the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4 liter V10 engine beats under the iconic long hood of the SRT Viper. Churning out the same 640 horsepower and 600 pounds feet of torque as a Viper GTS, weight reductions under the TA modifications will naturally make for a more energetic, slipperier snake. While straight line acceleration could see a boost, road course performance with the TA package should be the most thrilling endeavour. The 2014 Viper TA’s brake system, created in cooperation with Brembo is up to the task of controlling the wild 640 horses.
The TA-equipped SRT Vipers go on sale during the third quarter of this year. A short production run assures the Crusher Orange vehicle will crush many hearts. Production of the special edition 2014 SRT Viper TA is restricted to a very tight 33 examples.
Information and photo source: Chrysler Group
