Next to the road-going version of the SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show was the SRT Viper->ke4220 GTS-R - a model that marks SRT Viper Racing team's return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2012. There will be two GTS-R models entering the competition with four drivers currently being signed to drive including Dominik Farnbacher, from Ansbach, Germany; Marc Goossens from Geel, Belgium; Ryan Hunter-Reay from Dallas; and Kuno Wittmer from Montreal.

The GTS-R racing version will be based on the standard Viper, but the model will be updated for track use. The GTS-R version was built in cooperation with Riley Technologies, based in Mooresville, N.C. Both models will race on Michelin GT tires.

"Racing has been a significant part of the illustrious history of Viper not only with wins on the track, but also in the continued development of the street cars – and our new 2013 SRT Viper models are proof of those lessons learned," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Now with our new team and the launch of the GTS-R, we’re excited and proud to begin writing more chapters in the racing history of the Viper later this summer."

UPDATE 07/06/2012: The new SRT Viper GTS-R has been taken to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for a new testing session. Check out the sports car in action by clicking on the image above!

UPDATE 07/13/2012: Chrysler announced today that the company will return to the American Le Mans Series with the 2013 SRT Viper GTS-R. The return has been made after 12 years of absence and Chrysler has big hopes for their first racing appearance on Aug. 4 at the Mid-Ohio (Lexington, Ohio). "We’re thrilled to return to the world-class competition in the American Le Mans Series with our flagship American supercar," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. 'The new SRT Viper GTS-R represents a rebirth for us on the race track. It epitomizes the best of what our new SRT performance brand represents and showcases the Viper’s natural affinity for road courses. Now the time has finally come to go head-to-head with the best sports car teams from around the world."

UPDATE 08/08/2012: The new SRT Viper GTS-R made its official racing debut at the American Le Mans Series racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. According to the company, it was a pretty impressive racing debut, with the car finishing in the top ten. The video we've added includes brief scenes of the Vipers on the track, and the reactions from SRT Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles and driver Kuno Wittmer.

2013 SRT Viper GTS-R

Specifications
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  • Model: 2013 SRT Viper GTS-R
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Jay Leno reviews the SRT Viper GTS-R