For a Mopar car enthusiast, the SRT Viper is just about as good as it gets. This world-class supercar packs a 640 horsepower V8, a sleek and aerodynamic body, backed by a suite of technology that makes even some European supercars envious. There isn’t a whole lot of room for improvement short of some crazy forced-induction that would push power to 800 ponies or beyond.
That is why for 2014, the SRT Viper gets only a handful of improvements and changes, including two new color options and a much-needed “Rain Mode” that the Chrysler blog reports helps temper the Viper in wet condition.
Chrysler really wants to emphasize the Viper’s racing credentials, and to that end they’ve introduced two new color palletes based on their American Le mans racing efforts. The Viper GTS-R wears a color called Billet Silver, which is now an option for the standard production models, as is GTS-R Blue, which replaces Shadow Blue Pearl. Viper GTS buyers opting for the Anonized Carbon Special Edition will get a unique matte black finish.
The other big news is the all-new Rain Mode, designed to reel in the Viper’s 600 ft-lbs of torque on both wet and dry roads. The new driving mode lets the traction control system intervene more aggressively on the driver’s behalf should things get a bit too slippery. It’s essentially a higher level of traction control than the historically rowdy Viper has known, helping infrequent driver’s keep their Chrysler sports car out of the ditch.
Maybe a few years from now, Chrysler will feel the forced induction itch, but for now a couple of new colors and a safer driving mood should be good enough.