The New 2013 SRT Viper “Stryker” Badge
The long wait for the 2013 SRT Viper to be released has only been about two years but for fans of the car built for speed, it’s been a long one. The wait is drawing near, and as we get closer, we get more of what to expect. Today, it’s the new Viper’s logo, dubbed “Stryker.
The wait for the 2013 SRT Viper has only been about two years–since sales of the previous model ceased–but for fans of the venomous vanguard of American speed, it’s been a long one. The wait is drawing to a close now, and as we get closer, we get more of what to expect. Today, it’s the new Viper’s logo, dubbed “Stryker.”
Designed by Vince Galante, a Chrysler designer and Viper owner, the logo aims to capture the “sinister look and ‘evil grin’ of the original,” according to DriveSRT.
Previous logos were named Sneaky Pete and Fangs. Stryker follows in the theme with a stylized viper’s head, though the newest is the meanest-looking yet. As these sketches reveal, it’s born of the snake itself, but with a healthy dose of artistic interpretation.
For the past 20 years, the Viper’s logo has shared a common shape and subject (a snake, of course), but the design has evolved over time. The first-generation Viper’s emblem was nicknamed “Sneaky Pete” thanks to its conniving, smirking appearance. The second-generation emblem, used from 2003 through 2010, earned its “Fangs” nickname thanks to its prominent teeth. The third generation logo, which is officially known within Viper circles as “Stryker,” has its snake coiled, as if it’s ready to strike.
Thanks to a tight shroud of secrecy, little is known about the 2013 Viper, other than it will no longer be labeled as a Dodge vehicle. We expect a V-10 powerplant to return, perhaps displacing roughly 8.7 liters and producing about 650 hp. If so, that bests the 2010 Viper’s 8.3-liter V-10 by about 50 horsepower. Predictably, that power will be sent only to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
A teaser image of the 2013 SRT Viper was issued earlier this year, although the shadowy sketch revealed little of the forthcoming vehicle. What we can tell is the Viper GTS’ signature double-bubble roof will likely continue, and headlamp assemblies will likely contain some sort of LED illumination. Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the SRT brand, previously suggested the 2013 Viper’s styling was “inspired by a naked woman on a beach,” and that interior design was a high priority when crafting the new car. Expect SRT’s push to move upmarket to be hinged upon this latest Viper.
Expect for more details soon because I will just keep you updated about this venomous vanguard of the streets.
