Dodge pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.
"The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. "This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world."
Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).
The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.
Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.
In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. "We're going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track," added Gilles. "The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car."
Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.
"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.
"All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue," Wittmer added. "This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!"
The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.
Company press release, last updated on December 11, 2009
I noticed something pretty interesting about the interior. It has a control to turn on the heat (scratches head). Also it has vents like a normal street legal car would have and one is pointed where the passenger seat would be. Last thing i noticed was it had a glove compartment. These all seem pretty confusing to me since the car isn't street legal and Dodge is aiming it at professional teams.
General specifications
Country of origin
United States
Numbers built
N/A
Produced in
2010
Engine
Configuration
90º V10
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement
8.382 liter / 511.5 cu in
Bore / Stroke
103.0 mm (4.1 in) / 100.6 mm (4 in)
Compression
10.2:1
Valvetrain
2 valves / cylinder, OHV, VVT
Fuel feed
Multi Point Fuel Injection
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
640 bhp / 477 KW
BHP/Liter
76 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Chassis
fibreglass and aluminium body on steel backbone spaceframe
Front suspension
double wishbones, coil springs, gas pressurised shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
double wishbones, toe control links, coil springs, gas pressurised shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Steering
rack-and-pinion, power assisted
Brakes
ventilated discs, all-round, ABS
Gearbox
6 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
1480 kilo / 3262.8 lbs
Length / Width / Height
4459 mm (175.6 in) / 1911 mm (75.2 in) / 1210 mm (47.6 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2510 mm (98.8 in) / 1565 mm (61.6 in) / 1547 mm (60.9 in)