The 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition packs old school awesomeness (Updated)

The 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition comes in a bright metallic blue (“GTS Blue”) with full length bright white stripes running from the front to the rear as soon in the images on the right. In 1996, the original Dodge Viper GTS Coupe was introduced to the world in a stunning bright metallic blue with full length bright white twin stripes. When the next generation of the Viper Coupe was introduced in 2006, it too wore the blue and white scheme so it is very fitting for the 2013 SRT Viper to call on this “old school” paint scheme to usher in the latest generation of the mighty Viper Coupe.

“Designed with Viper loyalists in mind, the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition model brings back the classic paint schemes that have adorned all previous Viper coupe launches to help us celebrate the return of our brand’s flagship performance machine to the supercar market,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our American-built supercar showcases the very best we have to offer by incorporating superior craftsmanship, the finest materials, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its focus on outright performance.”

In addition to the unique paint scheme, the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition is fitted with deep dish, high gloss forged aluminum rims with a 5-spoke star pattern along with a unique ‘Stryker’ logo on the hood of the car with a blue background rather than the standard grey background found on the Viper logos on other 2013 Viper models. Inside, the 2013 Viper GTS Launch Edition wears a serialized dash plaque featuring the vehicle identification number and the build sequence number. The entire interior is decked out in Black Laguna leather with contrasting stitching, including the steering wheel, the seats, the door trim panels, the instrument panel, the door grab handles, the shift knob and the padded center console. The Viper GTS Launch Edition also features an Alcantara headliner and unique Satin Silver interior bezels.

Update: We had a chance to speak with a representative of the Chrysler Group who explained that while the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition will be in limited edition, the exact number of production has not been determined. Pricing will be announced with the rest of the Viper lineup once we are closed to production. As an interesting note, the SRT Track Package is not available on the Viper GTS Launch Edition so if your ultimate goal is to go as fast as possible - you may want to stick to a non-special edition Viper GTS.

Most importantly, the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition is packed with the new 8.4L Viper V10 that churns out a whopping 640 horsepower and 600lb-ft of torque and with a curb weight of just 3,431 pounds…making it one of the most powerful cars in the world in terms of power to weight ratio. Since it is based on the GTS model, the Launch Edition Viper Coupes will be fitted with Chrysler’s advanced multistage mode stability and traction control system.

The 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition will be formally introduced at a special preview on Friday August 17th from 10am to 4pm at the Quail Lodge as part of the “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering”. The special edition Viper will then make its public debut on Saturday August 18th on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition will also be on display on Sunday August 19th in Monterey California.

Unfortunately, Chrysler’s decision to unveil the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition in Monterey California probably means that those of us attending the Woodward Dream Cruise will not get to see this new limited edition American supercar in person. The 2013 Viper will be one of the featured vehicles at Chrysler’s massive Dream Cruise display at the corner of 13 Mile and Woodward but if I had to guess – that display Viper will likely be the new deep metallic red.

Check out the gallery on the right by clicking any of the thumbnails for a closer look at the 2013 SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition.