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Just when we thought that, Chrysler was done for the time being with its flagship SRT Viper sports car, the Pentastar surprised us today with the release of a new special edition model named the TA, for "Time Attack", of which only 33 units will be built, solely in a Crusher Orange shade, beginning in third quarter of 2013.
We don't know if SRT's New York Auto Show-bound 2014 Viper TA model was created in response to the Viper GTS' fallout during a comparison test with the soon-to-be replaced Corvette ZR1 by Motor Trend magazine, but SRT boss Ralph Gilles was more than unhappy with the results.
So, what’s the deal with the new Viper TA? Well, it's based on the regular 2013 SRT Viper retaining its 8.4-liter V10 engine with 640HP and 600 lb-ft of peak torque, but it comes fitted with an array of standard, go-fast, performance parts.
Priced at $120,500, it sits between the $102,500 standard Viper and the $125,000 Viper GTS. It gets a uniquely tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage suspension with a two-mode Bilstein Damptronic system, which SRT says offers firmer levels of damping and a smaller spread between modes than what is found on the current Viper GTS models.
SRT replaced the standard aluminum structural X-brace with a lighter carbon fiber brace, while the TA also gets a beefier brake system from Brembo, and now rolls on ultra-lightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels mounted on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.
On the outside, the Viper TA sports a carbon fiber aerodynamics package that includes front splitters, rear spoiler, and a rear applique, while SRT replaced all logos with stickers, supposedly to reduce the car's weight, which stands at 3,348 pounds (1,519 kg), compared to a manufacturer's curb weight of 3,354 (1,521 kg) for the regular Viper and 3,374 pounds (1,530 kg) of the Viper GTS.
The only upgrade for the interior is the unique Crusher Orange accent stitching on the cloth seats, instrument panel (through the cowl), center stack, console, pull brake, shifter boot, shifter head, steering wheel and upper doors
If you're wondering whether the TA package makes a difference to the Viper, Motor Trend magazine tested the car and found that it completed the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in a "ZR1-beating 3.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds". In addition, race car driver Randy Pobst went around the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 1:33.62 seconds, beating his own record time in a ZR1 by 0.08 seconds. His time in the Viper GTS was 1:35.77.
See the video for yourself right below the jump.
SRT Bites Back with New 2014 SRT Viper TA, Beats ZR1's Lap Time in MT Test [w/Video]
