Autoblog

Dodge releases official video of Viper ACR reclaiming 'Ring title

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Dodge, Racing

When Dodge first made waves about the company's Viper ACR whipping around the Nürburgring in 7:12, the world immediately began clamoring to see video of the lap in action. Well, clamor no more. SRT has officially released a video of the mighty Mopar doing the deed around the infamous German track. As you may recall, Tomball Dodge in Texas provided a set of brand-new 2010 Viper ACR models just for the task, as the Viper has been discontinued, and the trio was prepared for Nürburgring duty by the minds at Mintgen Motorsports.

With driver Dominik Farnbacher behind the wheel, team SRT was able to see the Viper around one of the world's most challenging road courses in blistering time, beating out the unofficial record set by the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition by nearly two seconds. Farnbacher knows his way around a race car thanks to his extensive experience in the American Le Mans Series, Rolex Grand Am Series and the European Le Mans Series, among others. Hit the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Dodge releases official video of Viper ACR reclaiming 'Ring title

Dodge releases official video of Viper ACR reclaiming 'Ring title originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Viper ACR breaks Miller Motorsports Park production car lap record [w/video]

Drew Phillips — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Dodge Viper ACR at Miller Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Dodge Viper ACR is no longer in production, but it remains one of the most impressive sports cars ever built as evidenced by a recent trip to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Dodge Motorsports brought a 2010 Viper ACR to the track along with road racer Kuno Wittmer, and the result was a record-smashing lap time of 1:59.995 - nearly four seconds faster than the previous record of 2:03.86 held by a Corvette ZR1 driven by Jan Magnussen.

This isn't the first time the Viper ACR has broken a track record for a production car. In 2008, Dutch driver Tom Coronel piloted a Viper ACR to a record 7:22.1 lap time around the Nürburgring, and one year later, an SRT vehicle dynamics engineer broke the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca lap record with a time of 1:33.92.

You can read more about the Dodge Viper ACR's lap record at Miller Motorsports Park as well as watch video footage of the car on track after the jump.

Gallery: Dodge Viper ACR at Miller Motorsports Park

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge Viper ACR breaks Miller Motorsports Park production car lap record [w/video]

Dodge Viper ACR breaks Miller Motorsports Park production car lap record [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ralph Gilles talks Dodge Viper, considering track-only model

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above to view the video after the jump

At a recent event at Gingerman Raceway in western Michigan, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles took some time to discuss the Viper as it heads off into retirement in its current form. Unfortunately, for those hoping for clues to the future of the V10 sports car, Gilles said almost nothing of consequence. He did acknowledge that demand for the 2010s has been surprisingly robust, particularly the limited edition ACR-X. As a result, Dodge is considering building an additional batch of the track-only models. Gilles has high hopes for the Viper spec racing series that begins next month, since this will be one of the first chances for Vipers to be running unrestricted in competition.

Many of the 2010 models are being special-ordered by customers with unique finishes and interiors, and according to Gilles, all of this data is being factored into decisions about the future of the brand. He gives no other hints about the car or when (if ever) it might appear. Check out everything Gilles has to say after the jump.

Gallery: Dodge Viper ACR-X Begins Production

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Video: Ralph Gilles talks Dodge Viper, considering track-only model

Video: Ralph Gilles talks Dodge Viper, considering track-only model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dodge Viper ACR-X V10 glows red hot on the dyno

Drew Phillips — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Videos, Dodge, Racing

2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X on the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There's something about glowing hot metal that gets our hearts racing here at Autoblog. Whether it's disc brakes on a racing prototype during an endurance night race or an exhaust manifold at redline during dyno testing, there's something about metal resisting the forces of incredible heat that appeals to the gearhead in us. That's why we took particular interest in this video of the new 2010 Viper ACR-X that shows Dodge's engineers going through final testing of its 8.4-liter V10.

Because it's built for the track and not the street, the ACR-X gets a few tweaks compared to the stock Viper V10. Gone are the catalytic converters and in go forged pistons, a modified calibration and long tube headers good for 640 horsepower and 605 lb-ft torque. Those headers not only look fantastic when the engine is off, they glow bright orange when the V10 is strapped to the engine dyno and revved to redline for sustained periods. You can see both the Viper ACR-X in action and the dyno tests in the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X

[Source: Dodge via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Dodge Viper ACR-X V10 glows red hot on the dyno

Video: Dodge Viper ACR-X V10 glows red hot on the dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ralph Gilles puts the brakes on Viper-Ferrari collaboration rumors

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Ferrari

2008 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for high-res image gallery

After setting a new lap record at Laguna Seca the other day, Dodge announced some minor revisions to the all-conquering Viper ACR for the 2010 model year. The snake that swallowed the famed 11-turn race track whole will be treated to some revised gearing and aerodynamics, a new short-throw shifter, the addition of a new color to the catalog and an updated interior to boot. There'll also be a special edition ACR to commemorate the record-breaking lap time. But in the process, a senior Chrysler executive clarified some rumors that have been circulating regarding the next generation Dodge supercar.

Back in August we reported that the next-gen Viper could get a heart transplant in the form of a Ferrari-developed modular engine. The program spearheaded by Chrysler's new corporate cousin in Maranello was tipped to form the basis for new engines that would find their way into the bays of upcoming Maseratis, Ferraris and Vipers. But in speaking with AutoWeek, Dodge brand chief Ralph Gilles reportedly put the brakes on the rampant speculation, saying that any collaboration between Dodge and Ferrari on the Viper's replacement wouldn't extend beyond some input from the Italian marque on the car's development. And while that doesn't necessarily mean the engine programs couldn't be merged, "Ferrari is Ferrari, according to Gilles, and "Viper is Viper".

[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Ralph Gilles puts the brakes on Viper-Ferrari collaboration rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge

2010 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above to watch the video

The Dodge Viper is many things to many people. An object of unparalleled lust to some, a big-mouthed, truck-engined Corvette ripoff to others. And an ankle burner to still others. But no one ever thought of Dodge's V10 quarter-mile thug as a serious track car. Until the Viper ACR showed up.

Lighter (especially in Hardcore Package guise) and producing ten times as much downforce as the "regular" SRT10 Viper, the ACR model set off some pretty big waves when the big-winged snake debuted (especially in the Nurburgring record community), even though most of the rippling came from the street-legal slicks. But never mind all that, the new 2010 Dodge Viper ACR is here, and it's even better than the 2009 version.

Why? Well, it's faster (top speed is now 202 mph) and quicker (it can reach said top speed a whole 14 seconds sooner than the 2009 model). How? Gearing, specifically 5th gear, which has been revised from 0.741 to 0.796. Also, the end caps on the giant wing have been revised, resulting in that higher top end. Some new colors, too. We have tons of videos of it rumbling/blasting around Laguna Seca for your perusal, after the jump. Hat tip to Ryan!

UPDATE: Looks like Dodge, the Viper ACR and driver Chris Winkler just broke the Laguna Seca single-lap record with a time of 1:33.944. Those of you with longish memories will remember that a Devon GTX (powered by a Viper motor) recently set the (now) old record at Laguna -- 1.35.075. In other words, the new Viper ACR just beat the previous record by more than a second. Impressive. And yet another video, after the jump.

UPDATE 2: Gallery of images from the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR's day at the track added.

UPDATE 3: Chrysler just twittered: "To honor Viper's record-breaking lap at Laguna Seca, Dodge will rollout a Laguna Seca Special Edition Viper." Now that's planning product on your feet!

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR at Laguna Seca

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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