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Dodge has officially
launched the non-street legal Viper SRT10 ACR-X, the
ultimate special-edition model of the iconic American
sports car, which will be used as the basis for a new
one-make race series promoted by Dodge set to hit the
tracks next month.
Combining the best performance attributes of the
record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper American Club
Racer (ACR) and the safety equipment of
championship-winning Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the
Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter
V-10 engine, equipped with factory headers and a
low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640
horsepower (40 more than the production model) and 605
lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than the production model).
The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically
for on-track usage with unique springs, two-way
adjustable shocks and adjustable sway bar links.
Curb weight of the Viper ACR-X is a full 160 pounds
lighter (compared with the standard-production Viper) to
take on even the most challenging road course.
Additional aerodynamic upgrades including quad-dive
planes and underbody ducts improve downforce, while
enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in
high-speed cornering.
Dodge has built 25 units of the turn-key, non-street
legal race car. All 25 have been purchased exclusively
through Viper Race Headquarters and many will be making
their on-track debuts in July 2010 as part of the newly
formed Dodge Viper Cup series.
“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is a dream come true for
road-racing enthusiasts who are looking for outstanding
performance and safety,” said Ralph Gilles, President
and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This ACR-X is designed and built
for drivers who demand serious speed and want to compete
in our ultimate American sports car.”
Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper
ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such
as a factory-designed roll cage, fire suppression
system, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing
components including a transmission cooler, rear
differential cooling system, unique front rotors with
larger surface area and improved brake cooling via
scoops in the front fascia are added to meet the
significant durability and reliability requirements for
on-track competition.
“We’re continuing to work toward making this final year
of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper in
2010 the most exciting year for Viper and Viper Nation
alike,” added Gilles. “The Viper ACR-X and the launch of
the Dodge Viper Cup series will continue the momentum
for years to come.” Aside from his day-to-day duties as
Dodge President and CEO, Gilles played a role in the
on-track development of the Viper ACR-X. "The Dodge
Viper ACR-X is simply incredible,” said Gilles. “Owners
are going to be blown away by the power and
acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X
navigates even the most challenging road courses and how
friendly it is to drive at the limit. This is a great
package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with
a desire to step up to GT level competition.”
Dodge Viper Cup Series
The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut
in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the
Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the
existing Viper Racing League. Two races per weekend for
five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper
Cup series schedule, which includes: July 9-11 at
Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va.; Aug.
14-15 at Hallett Raceway in Jennings, Okla.; Sept. 11-12
at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.; Oct. 1-3 at Miller
Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah; and: Oct. 22-24 at
Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, in Pahrump, NV. Every
vehicle that competes in the Dodge Viper Cup series must
be a new Dodge Viper ACR-X.
A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and
Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010.
Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers
will be awarded as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts
and accessories. Additional cash awards will be made to
the top-three finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup series
standings. The 2010 champion will win $25,000,
second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will
pay $5,000. 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.
Viper Racing Heritage
The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage
that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry,
the GTS-R, which earned five international GT
championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It
also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours
of Daytona in 2000 – the first for a production-based
American car. Viper finished 1-2 at The 24 Hours of
LeMans in GTS class in three consecutive years: 1998 –
2000 and also captured GTS class, manufacturer’s and
driver’s championships in the American LeMans Series in
1999 and 2000.
The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003,
delivered the next chapter of that history with its
coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready
chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper
Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by
capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title,
championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and
2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.
Viper Racing League
The Viper Racing League is one race series within the
group of three (including Challenge Series and Driving
School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has
11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some
of the country’s most prestigious race tracks.
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