What's the news?

The new SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition was unveiled last weekend at two prestigious motoring events - the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The fifth incarnation of the American supercar is said to be built 'with true performance enthusiasts and collectors in mind.'

Exterior

The Launch Edition Viper sports the classic GTS Blue paint with two Bright White stripes running up the centre. This finish is exclusive to Launch Edition models; as are the alloy wheels. Massive five-spoke deep-dish items are of polished, forged aluminium design - once again harking back to GTS tradition. Other additions to the model are the 'Stryker' badges found on the bonnet and steering wheel. The normal grey background of the badge has been replaced by a blue one for the special edition.

Interior

More exclusivity is to be found in the cabin, where a serialised dash plaque sits on the dash in front of the passenger. The Black Laguna leather has contrasting grey stitching and features on the seats, door trim, steering wheel and centre console. Alcantara makes up to the car's headlining. Equipment levels are expected to be carried over from the standard model.

Mechanicals

The monstrous 8.4-litre V10 engine under the bonnet develops 640hp and more torque than any other naturally aspirated unit in the world - 813Nm. The body is made from a combination of carbon fibre and aluminium that has made the car 50% stiffer than the old model, but gives the best power-to-weight ratio of any Viper. Stability control, traction control and a four-channel ABS system all come as standard.

Anything else?

SRT's supercar will go into production at the firm's Detroit plant and be available later on this year - in left-hand drive markets only. For now.

James Giddings - 20 Aug 2012