Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X – The New Non-street Legal Race Car

Posted on 19 December, 2009

Dodge introduced the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a  non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand said: “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. 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.

”The best performance qualities of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, well, here it is –  the Viper ACR-X! It 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 up 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. The Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. It is accented on additional racing components 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.

Gilles added: “We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track. 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.

Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series was behind the wheel, 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.

Wittmer said: “The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible! 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. 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. For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com