The SRT Viper GTS sports car is one of the star attractions at United Cars Almana’s pavilion at the Qatar Motor Show.PICTURES: Jayan Orma

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

United Cars Almana’s famous SRT Viper GTS sports car has become one of the main attractions at the Qatar Motor Show 2014, drawing thousands of visitors during the first day of public viewing yesterday at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

“We have received a lot of inquiries and reservations for the new Viper,” sales consultant Nabeel Naveed told Gulf Times while revealing that the fifth generation model is priced at QR615,000. It is lighter than its predecessor because of the added aluminium materials. With its 8.4-liter V-10 engine, it can easily churn out 640-hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.

“The new Viper looks more efficient, cooler and it is absolutely lighter compared with the previous one,” said Naveed. Besides the red colour, it also has “lightning” blue, black and soon it will have white as well. The earlier Viper had also sold well.

Other vehicles distributed by United Cars Almana were also among the top sellers in the region in the past two years. These included the SRT, Dodge Durango 5.7 limited edition and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 “The sales have gone up between 15 and 20% in 2013 compared with the numbers in 2012,” the consultant said.

This year, he noted that the delivery of a particular model such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee takes about three to four months from the day it was ordered.

“The demand has been increasing and if you order one vehicle right now, it may take a few months before we can deliver it,” he said.

All these vehicles offers a number of safety features such as smartphone connectivity (USB port for mobile devices and other gadgets), automatic headlamps, alloy wheels, advanced multi-staged  front air-bags, and anti-lock 4-wheel disc performance breaks.

The 6.4 liter V8 Dodge Charger SRT, for example, can generate 470hp at 6,000 rpm and has a 637Nm torque at 4,200 rpm. It also boasts a 20-inch alloy wheels and dual bright exhaust tips (exterior). The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has also the same features although it has an SRT performance brakes with 6-piston front and 4 piston rear Brembo calipers.

The 5.7 Dodge Durango vouches its 5.7 MDS Hemi, 8-speed automatic transmission and a Sentry key theft-deterrent system as one of its main security features. It also has a park sense rear assistance system and a rear back camera.

It is learnt that demand for high performance vehicles like Ram pick-ups, including SRT line up vehicles, continue to go up in the region.

The show is open to the public today from 1pm to 10pm. The timings from tomorrow, until the last day on Tuesday, are 4pm to 10pm. Entry is free.

BELOW:

SRT vehicles on show at United Cars Almana’s pavilion at the Qatar Motor Show.