Viper ACR-X primed for racetrack duty
The Chrysler Group's enduring musclecar set to duke it out on the racetrack before being laid to restChrysler's hulking Dodge Viper refuses to lie down quietly, and the V10-powered coupe is being given a rousing send-off via the race-prepped SRT10 ACR-X special edition, conceived for the new Dodge Viper Cup race series.
The one-make series fires up on July 9 at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) and concludes on October 24 at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Nevada.
Each of the five rounds in the Dodge Viper Cup will comprise two races, and the eventual champion stands to bag $US25,000, the second-place-getter snares $US10,000 and third-place gets $US5000.
In addition, a program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during the series. Payouts for each race will be in cash and Mopar vouchers -- awarded as credit toward the purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.
Recently appointed Dodge boss Ralph Gilles recently had a stint behind the wheel of the ACR-X and also provided his views about the future of the Viper.
The Viper ACR-X is powered by the same SRT-developed 8.4-litre V10 engine as the ACR, but the addition of factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system boosts outputs to 478kW (30kW more than the production model) and 820Nm (61Nm more than the production model).
The suspension is tuned and upgraded for on-track action with unique springs, two-way adjustable shocks and adjustable sway bar links. Meanwhile, kerb weight has been pared by 73kg (compared with the standard Viper) to further boost performance.
Aero tweaks include "quad-dive planes" and underbody ducts to generate downforce and thereby enhance stability and boost high-speed cornering grip.
The ACR-X also scores a transmission cooler, rear differential cooling system, unique front brake rotors with larger surface area and improved brake cooling via scoops in the front. Safety kit includes a factory-designed roll cage, fire suppression system, fuel cell and race seat.
Dodge is building just 25 units of the turnkey, non-street legal racecar, and Gilles is touting the car as "a dream come true for road-racing enthusiasts who are looking for outstanding performance and safety."
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