2014 SRT Viper Roadster
SRT Viper to shed some of its skin.
By April 9, 2012 / Photos by Theophilus Chin / Chris Doane Automotive
Still fresh from its dramatic debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the 2013 SRT Viper appears ready to stage a two-pronged (or double-fanged?) attack on the sports car market. These artist illustrations depict the upcoming SRT Viper Roadster, expected to go on sale next year. Chrysler was keeping quiet in New York about specifics regarding the Roadster, but it doesn't take a degree in rocket science to realize a drop-top variant is an integral part of the Viper range.
2014 SRT Viper Roadster
After all, the original Viper, the 1992 RT/10, was a no-frills roadster. That first model's top was notoriously flimsy and difficult to install, and the side windows were nothing more than fabric and clear plastic. Most owners wisely removed the top once, and left it off. Since the first Viper lacked any form of traction control, or even ABS brakes, it was highly unlikely anyone would willingly drive the car during inclement weather anyhow.
2014 SRT Viper Roadster
A Friendlier Snake
Look for the next Viper Roadster to be much more refined, at least to a certain point. The cabin is classier than before, the quality of the materials and layout of the controls are vastly improved. There are now even cup-holders, for crying out loud! The new Viper has launch control and stability control, though the driver can turn the latter system off completely. In the coupe, the Viper's 640-bhp 8.4-liter V-10 and 6-speed Tremec gearbox haul the car to a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The Viper Roadster should have similar performance credentials.
2014 SRT Viper Roadster
With the exception of its LED lighting front and rear, along with slightly more genteel-looking side exhausts, the latest Viper doesn't stray far from the testosterone-laden looks of previous models. About the only critique overheard in New York was that the Viper has a hint of Ferrari here and there, especially in the shape of its curvaceous front fascia. Of course, that's like criticizing someone for looking a bit too much like a supermodel. We doubt the folks at SRT mind having their baby compared to the cars that come from Maranello, Italy.
2014 SRT Viper Roadster
To save weight and reduce complexity – the bane of the Viper's existence – the Roadster will likely use a power-operated cloth top, versus a folding metal hardtop. SRT has already managed to trim the Viper's curb weight to approximately 3300 lb., while achieving a weight distribution of 49/51, front/rear. The Roadster could weigh slightly more than the coupe; however, the Viper's steel spaceframe is noticeable stiffer than before, so the convertible should require only a minimal amount of extra chassis bracing.
We expect the Viper Roadster to make an appearance fairly soon, most likely later this year, and possibly during the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.