MONTREAL, April 4, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Kuno Wittmer who broke the timed single-lap record at Miller Motorsports Park, USA one year ago, on April 11 2011, is set to unveil the new Street and Racing Technology (SRT®) Viper GTS-R today at the New York International Auto Show marking the Viper's big comeback.
Until now, no mechanical details regarding the 2013 SRT® Viper have been announced making this unveiling one of the industry's best kept secret in decades. The next-generation SRT® Viper promises to be 'engineered to test your imagination'.
"After a gut-wrenching period of uncertainty, the Street and Racing Technology brand team is extremely proud that our hand-built in Detroit, flagship supercar is back and ready to take on the performance car world," said Montreal-born Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Beyond being the flagship for the new SRT brand, the launch of the 2013 Viper proves that we simply would not let the performance icon of the Chrysler Group die. Willed to live on by a very special group of performance enthusiasts inside the company and across Viper Nation, this SRT team under our new leadership was challenged to not just continue the legendary Viper, but to create a world-class supercar that would showcase the very best we have to offer."
When asked how being associated to the most highly anticipated supercar comeback of the decade felt like, the Montreal-born driver stated; "The unveiling of the new SRT® Viper GTS-R and the SRT-Viper returning to the top level of professional sports car racing are some of the year's biggest news in the automobile industry. I am both proud and thrilled to be part of this exciting adventure with The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team".
About Kuno Wittmer
Born in Montreal (Quebec), Kuno Wittmer is a pilot in the SRT team (Chrysler) of the American LeMans Series. In 2000 he became the youngest driver to compete in the Toyota Atlantic Championship when he was just 17 years old. Kuno Wittmer scored six victories while competing in the SCCA World Challenge GT class in the United States from 2008-2010. In April 2011, driving a Dodge Viper ACR, he broke the timed single-lap record for a production vehicle on the track Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
About SRT Motorsports
The engineering expertise within SRT extends well beyond our street vehicles. It is a little known fact, but technical support for the Chrysler Group's motorsports programs is provided by the astute engineers at SRT. Lessons learned on the track directly translate to improved vehicles for our customers. SRT Motorsports is expanding its racing presence this year, so follow them throughout the 2012 season for more news from pit lane. Four drivers currently are signed to drive including Dominik Farnbacher, from Ansbach, Germany; Marc Goossens from Geel, Belgium; Ryan Hunter-Reay from Dallas and Kuno Wittmer from Montreal.
SRT site: http://drivesrt.com
About SRT
The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring power trains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance roots.
The expansion of the SRT vehicle line-up in the 2012 model year features four new products that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. These products include the Chrysler 300 SRT8®, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
Making its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market in late 2012 is the new 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS. The SRT flagship performance machines arrive with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.
Chrysler media site: http://media.chrysler.com
About APOLLO AGENCY
Established in 2009, APOLLO AGENCY specializes in the fields of communications, marketing and public relations. APOLLO AGENCY favours a creative approach in personalized and web marketing, communications, public relations, event coordination and management.
Image with caption: "Montreal race car driver Kuno Wittmer to unveil much anticipated next generation VIPER GTS-R (CNW Group/APOLLO L'AGENCE) (CNW Group/Kuno Wittmer)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120404_C3346_PHOTO_EN_11964.jpg
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