Dodge has began production of its turn-key, spec-series Viper SRT10 ACR-X with the first model rolling off its Detroit assembly line this week.
As the final year of production for the current-generation Viper, the 2010 model ACR-X is certain to be highly sought-after among road racing enthusiasts and combines what Dodge says is “the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe” in the one exciting package.
“The 2010 model year is going to be unique for the Dodge Viper in many ways both on and off the track, so to kick it off with production of our ultimate special-edition Viper ACR-X is our way of paying tribute to the performance engineering expertise of our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the tradition going strong,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge US (pictured below).
“With its amazing on-track performance, the Viper ACR-X is going to seriously turn the heads of all road-racing enthusiasts, whether it is the grassroots driver all the way up to the professional.”
Powered by an SRT-developed 8.4-litre V10 engine, the Viper ACR-X features factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust to develop a total output of 477kW of power and 820Nm of torque – 27kW and 60Nm more than the production model. Each engine is then shipped to a dynamometer laboratory where it is tuned and its outputs verified before being electronically sealed. It’s then returned to the Dodge factory for final installation.
The Viper ACR-X also features suspension specifically upgraded and tuned for on-track use, while weight reduction sees the vehicle lightened by a total of 75.5kg over the standard production model. Additionally, an upgraded aerodynamic package increases downforce, enhances stability and improves cornering grip at high speeds. A factory designed and installed fuel cell, race seat and roll cage are also included.
“We’re proud to be the exclusive home of America’s ultimate performance car,” said Shelly Gordon, Plant Manager.
“For 15 years, our dedicated workforce has hand built a vehicle that inspires dreams and captures the imaginations of young and old,
“That passion and attention to detail continues with the launch of some of the most unique Dodge Vipers ever built.”
The first Dodge Viper was built in 1992 with the Viper SRT10 roadster joining the range in 2003. The current generation Viper SRT10 Coupe followed in 2005 with ACR models added in 2008.
To celebrate the final year of production, Dodge plans to release a number of special, limited edition models throughout 2010.
Included in that line-up is the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition. Finished in a unique two-tone black and red colour scheme, the model will pay tribute to the production car lap record the model set at Laguna Seca raceway last year. Inside, the Viper ACR 1:33 Edition features highlights such as piano black console bezels with red-faced gauges and red stitching on the seats. A limited run of 33 cars is planned.
A special Voodoo-edition Viper ACR will also be released and will be finished in gloss black with a graphite driver’s stripe outlined in red. The motif will also feature on the car’s steering wheel. Only 20 examples of this model will be produced.
