First there was the 2013 SRT Viper. That Viper attacked time. Then SRT attacked the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Viper GTS-R. Now it's opening the races up to private teams and drivers with the Viper GT3-R.
The GT3-R offers buyers the opportunity to benefit from SRT's racing experience and know-how. It was developed in cooperation with North Carolina-based Riley Technologies, a designer and manufacturer of race cars ranging from Daytona prototype endurance cars to GT competition cars. The GT3-R employs a chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamic components derived directly from the GTS-R being raced this year by SRT Motorsports. The body kit includes a front splitter, fender louvers, an adjustable rear wing and a rear diffuser.
The Viper's 8.4-liter V10 engine is tuned up to 680 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. Other race-day upgrades include an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, a multi-disc race clutch, six-piston front brake calipers with four-piston rears and lightweight wheels. Inside, the GT3-R has the necessary FIA homologated racing seat with six-point harness and optional air conditioning system.
"Like every Viper race car, the GT3-R is a direct descendant of the SRT Viper street car," says Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group. "There is no mistaking the similarities between the two which is a key component of this class of sports car racing. The GT3-R stays true to the visceral appeal of the Viper and has been carefully evolved for the demands of racing at a world class level."
The new GT3-R comes out of the factory eligible for a wide variety of races, including international GT3 championships, the United SportsCar Series GT Daytona, Pirelli World Challenge GT class, NARRA and SCCA. Chrysler estimates the price at US$459,000 with deliveries slated for late 2013.
The last Viper GT3 car debuted in 2005 and went on to win two GT3 championships and a World Challenge GT title. That car was based on the GTS-R program dating back to 1996.
Source: Chrysler/SRT
