Alastair's BLE 2 Blog

Ally Evans

All you anxious and restless fans of the Dodge Viper can now rest easy. After a one-year "sabbatical," the 2013 Viper is coiled up and ready to strike at the 2012 New York Auto Show on April 6, 2012.

According to Viper Club of America, no less than SRT President and CEO Ralph Giles confirmed the date for the Viper’s return, complete with a new halo look that is bound to make fans welcome the sports car back with open arms.

Patience has truly been a virtue for Vipermaniacs who have waited long and hard for the Viper to come back from the ashes. Understandably, Dodge execs have been very tight-lipped about the car, opting to keep us sweating at what lies in store for us when the 2013 Viper returns.

There have been many rumors surrounding the new Viper, most of which surround the type of engine that will be found under the hood. The first rumors suggested it would get a new direct-injection 8.4-liter V10 engine that would deliver around 700HP. However, European magazines are talking about a V8 engine with an output of 500 HP for an entry level version. A Viper mule was recently caught testing with the new Viper front end attached to the old body style. Something was cooking under that hood and whatever engine that may be, it will need plenty of fresh air to keep it cool. There was a big air intake in the front bumper and what looked to be three air intakes in the hood. This engine will be a beast and Dodge is doing whatever it can to keep it at bay. Rumors suggest this new engine will not come from Ferrari, but could be a variation of Chrysler?s new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with some form of forced induction.

Whatever engine is finally chosen, at the very least, we now have an official date to circle on our calendars. With all the secrecy surrounding this car, that alone is already a battle won.