SRT Viper to Remain a North American Exclusive for 2013
Chrysler confirmed the 2013 SRT Viper will not be sold in Europe, focusing sales and marketing efforts on the US and Canadian markets for its relaunch.
Chrysler Group has decided not to offer the 2013 SRT Viper in Europe, keeping its high-performance flagship exclusive to North America for its relaunch year. The company said its attention is on the US and Canadian markets, with no immediate plans for European distribution.
Chrysler's strategy for the SRT Viper relaunch
The decision to skip Europe comes as Chrysler relaunches the Viper under the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand after a two-year production hiatus. The company is concentrating resources on ensuring a successful return in its core North American markets, where the Viper has its strongest following and dealer network. This approach contrasts with General Motors, which is preparing to introduce the new Chevrolet Corvette to European buyers in the 2014 model year.
Chrysler has not announced any plans for a right-hand-drive version or for homologation to meet European emissions and safety standards. The Viper’s limited production and niche appeal make a European launch unlikely in the short term, especially given the regulatory hurdles and the company’s current priorities.
Technical details of the 2013 SRT Viper
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 8.4-litre V10 |
| Power | 640hp (477kW) |
| Torque | 814Nm (600 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-100 km/h | Approx. 3.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 331 km/h (206 mph) |
| Starting price (US) | $97,395 |
| Destination charge (US) | $1,995 |
The 2013 SRT Viper is powered by a naturally aspirated 8.4-litre V10, producing 640hp and 814Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Chrysler claims a 0-100 km/h time of around three seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h. The Viper GTS variant starts at $120,395 before destination charges in the US market. Early demand has seen some buyers paying well above the list price for the first production cars.
Implications for European buyers and dealers
- No official SRT Viper sales or support in Europe for 2013.
- European dealers will not receive allocations or demonstrators.
- Buyers seeking a new Viper must import independently, facing compliance and registration challenges.
- Chrysler’s focus on North America may delay any future European launch.
The absence of the SRT Viper from European showrooms leaves a gap for enthusiasts and dealers who previously handled Dodge Viper imports. Any European buyer interested in the 2013 model will need to arrange a private import, which involves additional costs and the complexity of meeting local regulations. Meanwhile, rival models such as the Chevrolet Corvette are set to continue their presence in the European market, offering a factory-backed alternative for buyers seeking American performance cars.
