The crazy, manly Dodge Viper SRT10 was lifted to a full 600 hp for the 2008 model year. Now, only months later, Dodge brings out an even hotter version, the ACR - American Club Racer.
- The engine is left alone: 8.4-liter pushrod V-10 with 600 hp at 6100 rpm and 560 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. Max engine speed is still 6250 RPM.
- The 6-speed Tremec T56 transmission and the GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential also caries over from the standard Viper.
- The cool bits that should make the ACR a real track weapon include: a coil-over suspension from supplier KW Suspensions in Germany that is fully adjustable for compression, rebound, and ride height. Plus, a new, stiffer front anti-sway bar is fitted. Forged wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires (20 mm wider in front), and StopTech, two-piece brake rotors combine to give a savings of 60 pounds in unsprung, rotating mass.
- Outside, a giant, adjustable carbon fiber rear wing is added along with a front, carbon fiber splitter supported by stainless steel tension cables. A track extension piece is also supplied with each Viper ACR that owners can fit for track events, pushing front downforce up another 1/3.
- Even with all the extra parts added to the car, the Viper ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the standard Viper. The optional Hard Core package shaves yet another 40 pounds off the car, to 3366 pounds, according to Dodge. This package deletes the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpeting, and tire inflator. The radio is replaced with a cover that can house the included lap timer.
- Buyers can choose between five exterior colors (red, black, violet, bright blue metallic, and orange). They can also spec either a monotone or a two-tone paint treatment with a black stripe down the center of the car. Finally, a driver's stripe is available that runs the length of the car and includes a leather accent on the steering wheel.
- Prices are not finalized but Dodge has said that the ACR will cost under $100,000.
The standard Viper is a rude, crude machine but comes into its own on the track. It is balanced and actually quite a pussycat when tossed around a circuit. The amount of race track performance the ACR should add for not much more money screams "smoking deal". Plus, it's not like you can make a Viper perform any worse on the road -- so the car should no more miserable on the drive to and from track events than the standard car. We have little doubt that the Viper ACR will thrash a Porsche 911 GT3 on a track, and maybe even a GT2. How about a race?