As is the case with every new American car, Jay Leno is the first civilian to have a look at the 2013 SRT Viper. This car here is the very first Viper produced, the prototype or pilot car as they call it, and it’s the same car you saw at the New York autoshow, or on the cover of every car magazine, or on the homepage of every car website. But because it’s a prototype Jay can’t drive it. He does however give you a full tour of the car and shows you under the bonnet and inside the boot. He also fires it up. Man that 640-hp V10 engine sounds dirty.

So check out an in-depth look at the new Viper. And stay tuned for a road test of it, as Jay promises to get one as soon as it comes off the production line.

For the 2013 model year, two new models of the iconic supercar will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit – the home for Viper since 1995. Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials and new exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details that are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin. On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies.

Improvements for 2013 include a new, ultra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. More than 25 pounds has been shaved from the fully dressed engine.