2013 SRT Viper packs devilish details

The 640-hp V10, the curvy fenders, heck, even the carbon treatments—there are enough spotlight features on the 2013 SRT Viper to outfit two or three sports cars of lesser pedigree. While the potent engine and the striking design are clearly the signature elements of SRT's macho machine, there are a few subtle design cues lurking inside for sharp-eyed enthusiasts. Let's call them Easter eggs, and they're intricate yet intriguing. Inside, in very small detail, are outlines of tracks conquered by the Viper's ancestors. Most prominent is a tracing of Laguna Seca in the center-console storage tray. That's right, the place where one drops keys or iPhones is marked with one of the West Coast's greatest circuits. Crossing the Atlantic, or the cabin, leads to Germany's famed Nürburgring. The Nordschleife is the site of another Viper record, and SRT designers placed outlines in the small area where passengers grab to pull the doors closed. These details are part of a dramatic upgrade of the Viper's interior, which see it positioned to more aggressively fight supercars such as the Audi R8. While the previous generation was known for its race-bred performance, the cabin, materials and raw nature drew criticism. Obviously the materials and layout are the critical parts of the cabin makeover, but details such as the tracks add a bit of a bespoke feel. SRT boss Ralph Gilles argues that this will allow the new Viper to no longer have to fight an uphill battle against other upscale supercars. “Even though it's built in a factory, it feels hand-built,” he said.