New Vipers prepare to attack race tracks

Ferrari, McLaren and other GT-class race car manufacturers beware: Chrysler unveils the Viper GTS-R. Chrysler expects to build as many as 30 of the $200,000-and-up, 525-hp to 700-hp race-only Vipers at its new Viper plant. Executives unveiling the most venomous snake yet say a number of teams are interested in the car and expect to see it running in the 24-hour races at Lemans and Daytona next season. Not to be outdone by its steroidal stablemate, the '96 Dodge Viper GTS coupe gets the nod to set the pace at next year's Indianapolis 500. Chrysier President Robert A. Lutz will drive the pace car.