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To
celebrate the final production year of the
current generation Viper SRT10, the venerable
sports car is receiving some minor mechanical
tweaks and new paint finishes as Dodge chases an
ambitious 2010 target of 500 unit sales.
Introduced in 1992, this iconic American sports
car has seen its sales rapidly tailing off over
the last year and Dodge hopes that it can eke
out the production through 2010 with several new
limited edition models that are mostly focused
around exterior and interior cosmetic trim and
paint upgrades.
At the heart of
the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter
(510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW)
horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 Nm) of torque. Benchmark
performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4
seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and
0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph,
continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired,
street-legal two-seater performs without apology.
Body style
offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster
and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer)
package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the
2010 model year.
With the
introduction of two new exterior colours–Toxic Orange Pearl
Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat–Dodge Viper SRT10
is now available in 12 different colours – the most
regularly available choices in one model year. And with six
stripe options in the new wider configuration, five
different interior colour combinations, four different wheel
choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper
SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations–the
most for any one model year–significantly adding to the
exclusivity of each car like never before.
New across the
Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from
0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and
higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has
improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result
of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology
team’s experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife
circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008,
it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted
in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time. The
Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc
clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces
clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel.
Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty
six-speed manual transmission.
Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the
Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by
Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and
Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system
results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in
less than 100 feet.
Interior colour options for 2010 include: standard black,
two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone
black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black
and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent
stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with
premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan centre console, lower
instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009
model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package
includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.
Viper
SRT10 ACR
The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR receives a new
short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience
and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates
are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics
and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes combined with
the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of
4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model). The enhanced
four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance
aluminium control arms and knuckles, KW suspension with
two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers
with remote reservoirs. The aerodynamic package features a
carbon fibre “fanged” splitter in front and adjustable
carbon-fibre wing with seven-position stanchions that allow
up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph.
Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors
and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR
package.
New Special, Limited-edition Models
Numerous special, limited-edition models are
planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper
ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new
production car lap record set on Nov. 24 at Laguna Seca
raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat
exterior colour scheme on this model is the opposite form of
the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano
black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented
with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be
produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models. The 2010
Voodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all Black Clear
Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in
red. Only 10 cars will be produced with the unique striping
on both the exterior, as well as on the steering wheel.
Additional special edition models will be announced closer
to their individual introductions. Pricing on the 2010 Dodge
Viper lineup also will be announced at a later date.
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