Chrysler issues the first 2013 SRT Viper teaser

As you can see in the image on the right, the first official 2013 Viper teaser doesn’t offer us a great look at the next generation of the fabled American supercar but this shadowy picture does present a decent look at some of the features that have become commonplace on the mighty Viper.

First, and not surprisingly, we can see that the 2013 Viper will have a very wide stance, much like that seen on the previous Dodge Viper SRT10. It looks as though the new Viper will come equipped with projection headlights in a housing that creates an angry, scowling look. In the middle of the front end, we can expect that the 2013 Viper will sport the familiar crosshair grille treatment but what we can see is an air intake opening that flows downward to the redesigned Viper badge on the nose of the car. That air opening sits in the center of a hood that looks to offer a raised center area – another feature that has become common as Chrysler looks to make room for the high performance V10 engine. Finally, it looks as though the 2013 Viper will feature a double bump roofline, similar to that found on the older Viper GTS coupes and like those early, we can presume that those bumps in the roof allow for a little extra head space for a driver and/or passenger wearing a racing helmet.

Sadly, the first teaser of the 2013 Viper did not include any details but what we know so far is that the next Viper will feature traction control and likely other babysitting functions to help aging babyboomers handle the power of this wicked American supercar. The Chrysler Group and the folks at the SRT division have not spoken on what will be under the hood but rumors suggest that there will be a newly revised version of the Viper V10 – possibly packing 8.7 liters and offering a power output in the range of 650-700 horsepower. This engine may feature engine technology from the Fiat group, including items like their popular MultiAir design so in addition to making lots more power, the new Viper might get better fuel economy. You know…for those Viper owners who care about fuel economy.

The 2013 SRT Viper is planned to make its grand debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show but with that event some time away, we can expect (and hope for) more teasers leading up to the big day.