Autoblog

Viper ACR Roadster built for No. 1 dealer before production ended

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Dodge, Specialty

Being the number one Dodge Viper dealership for 11 years has its perks - like being able to pick up the phone and tell the suits up at Auburn Hills that you'd like a convertible version of the diabolical Viper ACR. According to AutoWeek, that's exactly what Woodhouse Dodge did after hearing that its cash cow was headed to the slaughterhouse, and surprisingly enough, Dodge obliged. What resulted was a mere 20 examples of a drop-top ACR, complete the coupe's tweaked suspension, mammoth brakes and special final gears in the transmission.

If you're thinking that hacking the roof off of a standard ACR-X is bound to play havoc with the car's rigidity and aerodynamics, you're probably right. That's exactly why the ACR crew had to completely reinvent the roadster's aero package with a stubbier rear wing and a redesigned front splitter - just to suit the topless car. As for rigidity, well, that's just a sacrifice buyers are going to have to be willing to make. Dodge built just 20 of the cars for Woodhouse, complete with the same 21B build code set aside for the hard top cars. If you want one, get on the horn with Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Nebraska. Just make sure you've got $107,310 to blow at the same time. Short of cash? Dream the impossible dream by checking out AutoWeek's photos at the link below.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Viper ACR Roadster built for No. 1 dealer before production ended originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge creates three special-edition Vipers for top dealers

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2010 Dodge Viper Dealer-Exclusive Special Editions - Click above for high-res image

For a Dodge dealer, it couldn't get much better than selling a good quantity of Vipers. As if selling Chrysler's flagship model wasn't sweet enough, we bet seeing the smile on a customer's face when they crank over their new 8.3-liter V10 for the first time is a reward in and of itself. The Viper's time on this earth may be limited, but while it's still being offered, the process just got that much sweeter for three dealers.

As part of its "Dealer Exclusive Program," Dodge has created three special editions specifically for the dealers who've sold the most Vipers across the country. The first is the Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster, commissioned by Woodhouse Dodge of Blair, Nebraska, in yellow with black; followed by the "Reverse SRT10 ACR" in green over black for Texas' Tomball Dodge; and finally Roanoke Dodge of Roanoke, Illinois' Black SRT10 Coupe with a split purple stripe up the middle.

All of them look like a pretty darn sweet way to send the Viper rumbling off into the setting sun, but only 50 will be made in total, so we're betting that more than a handful of these will be stashed away by collectors. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading Dodge creates three special-edition Vipers for top dealers

Dodge creates three special-edition Vipers for top dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:01:00 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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Dodge slithers out new 2010 Viper Final Edition models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, Design/Style

2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition Roadster, ACR and Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Dodge Viper that we've all come to know and love is heading to that faraway automotive graveyard in the sky. Fret not - we have it on good authority that all supercars go to heaven. To commemorate the occasion, Chrysler has announced that it will build a limited production run of 50 Viper SRT10 Final Edition models.

Dodge will build 20 Final Edition Coupes, 18 Roadsters and just 12 ACRs, each dipped in a bath of Graphite Clear Coat with a black center stripe that's outlined in red. Coupes and ACRs will also get a black windshield surround that the Roadster does without. Capping off the exterior are anthracite six-spoke wheels for the Coupe and Roadster and black Sidewinder wheels for the ACR.

Inside, each car will get side sill badges along with red accent stitching on the black surfaces, plus red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered plaque will be featured on the shifter bezel and the updates will be finished off with Viper Final Edition floor mats.

The well-known V10 powerplant goes unchanged, but with 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque it's not as if the Viper was ever lacking for power. Pricing is unknown, but Dodge says the cars will be available starting this summer. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge slithers out new 2010 Viper Final Edition models

Dodge slithers out new 2010 Viper Final Edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:28:00 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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Detroit 2010: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition a fitting end note

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We heard about it in Los Angeles, and now we see it here in the D. Meet the 1:33 Edition of Dodge's most potent ever Viper. Why the name? We're glad you asked. Back in November, hot-shoe Dodge Chris Winkler managed to hammer the track-focused Viper ACR around Laguna Seca in 1:33.944, faster than any other production car has ever gone (Note: the spoiler says 1:33.915). Impressive, no? Only 33 of these special Vipers are being built.

Here's what makes 'em so grand: Thanks to new, more bonkers gearing, the 600-horsepower monster does everything quicker. Try this statistic on for size: 0 to 202 miles-per-hour happens 14 seconds quicker with this 2010 Viper ACR than the 2009 model. Can we get a wolf whistle? The 1:33 Edition also gets a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color, the inverse of the original ACR, as well as modified end caps on its massive carbon-fiber wing, too. We're going to miss the uncircumsized Dodge Viper (how would you describe it?), but at least it's going out with a big bang.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition

Detroit 2010: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition a fitting end note originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge special edition models - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago, everyone, including us, was wondering when The Chrysler Group was going to have anything new to show us at next week's Detroit Auto Show. You can look at the latest news about potential Ram models, Chrysler's special editions and Dodge's just-unveiled offerings either as wheezing gasps, or signs of pointing in the right direction. Since it's a new year, we're going to give Chrysler (and Fiat) the benefit of the doubt... for now.

Dodge says it "has taken 'base model' out of its vocabulary" by moving heaps of kit from the Options column to the Standard column on cars like the Journey, which for 2010 will automatically receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. It has also added "Heat," "Hero," "Crew," and "Uptown" packages to the Journey's options list for those who like trim names that sound like they came from an SNL skit.

To match its Chrysler 300 siblings, the Dodge Caliber gets a restyled interior "executed with premium materials and detailed craftsmanship" alongside its new instrument panel. Not left out of the marketing brainstorm, the Caliber wears a number of new trim monikers as well, including "Express," "Mainstreet," "Heat," "Uptown" and "Rush."

Four of Dodge's other models - the Nitro, Avenger, Challenger, and Viper SRT10 - get their loving spoonfuls as well. You can read all about them in the Pasternak-length press release after the jump, and check out the Nitro Detonator and Viper ACR in the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge special edition line-up

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Dodge

Dodge Viper ACR laps Laguna Seca - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Pushing a performance monster like the Viper ACR around a race track at ten tenths takes some pretty massive cojones. But few tracks require the testicular fortitude of Laguna Seca.

The iconic circuit in Northern California is packed full of decreasing radius corners, off-camber turns, and the indomitable corkscrew. Fortunately, Dodge test driver Chris Winkler was up to the task, and pushed the ACR around dry lagoon to a record-breaking lap time of 1:33.944, edging out its cousin the Devon GTX in the process to claim the fastest road-car lap time around the track.

Now we've got footage that takes us inside the cockpit for the record run, which may seem like old hat to the video game crowd, until you realize this was happening in real life. Follow the jump to check it out.

[Source: Chrysler via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca

VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:44:00 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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Dodge Viper ACR wing stronger than your average spoiler

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Technology, Dodge, Design/Style

The elephantine rear airfoil bolted to the rear deck of the Dodge Viper ACR is not only highly functional, but it gets credit as being the first mass-produced carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wing on a production car. Rear wings on high performance vehicles are designed to counter lift. Without aerodynamic aids, most vehicles become less stable and have reduced grip as velocities increase (worst case, the vehicle actually flies as did the Mercedes CLR at Le Mans in 1999).

Chrysler's SRT Performance Group was tasked with building a faster variant of the Dodge Viper with the ACR, yet cutting weight at the same time. The team did extensive studies of wing profiles before settling on a 72-inch wide wing manufactured out of CFRP. While most wings have a structural core or ribbing, the ACR's hollow wing is comprised of just four layers of epoxy/carbon fiber weave with an outer UV-resistant clearcoat.

The wing is amazingly strong (as evidenced by the picture at right), yet it weighs just 7.5 lbs, 50 to 80 percent less than an aluminum or thermoplastic counterpart. Working in conjunction with a variable-geometry front splitter and dive planes, the oversized rear wing helps the Viper ACR achieve its targeted 1,000 lbs of downforce at 150 mph. That's enough to help Dodge's supercar sustain a cornering load of 1.5 Gs at speed - superior to many GT racing cars.

[Source: Composites World]

Dodge Viper ACR wing stronger than your average spoiler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Devon GTX chasing the production car 'Ring record

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance

Why it was just last week that we talked about the Devon GTX "setting" the one lap "record" at Laguna Seca. We actually got on the horn and called Devon, ~~begging~~ asking for a detail or two about the GTX's upcoming reveal at Pebble Beach in just four short days (August 15). All we could get out of 'em is that yes, the GTX has a V10 under its hood -- and that was all they'd say. "Everything will be revealed" come Pebble Beach. Oh yeah?

Spy photographers working for Autocar caught some nice shots of the GTX at -- you guessed it -- the Nurburgring. According to the Brit pub, Devon is going after the production Nurburgring time (6:55) currently held by the Radical SR8 (which hardly qualifies as a "production car," but whatevs). Our British friends also speculate that the GTX has an all carbon fiber body to keep its weight low, low, low. Also: Justin Bell, son of five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell, was at the wheel for the 'Ring attempt. We believe that last part 100% as Devon told us Justin was the driver for the Laguna Seca "record."

Obvioulsy, it's not August 15 yet but it's safe to assume a big part of the GTX's launch is going to be how it did on the Nurburgring. As Tom Leykis says, "Do you care?" Either way, that's marketing for you.

One more little point: As we learned last week, the GTX's one lap Laguna Seca time was one tenth of a second faster than the Dodge Viper ACR. Laguna Seca is two miles long, the Nordschleife section of the Nurburgring is fourteen miles long. Taking all the other variables off the table and the GTX could run the 'Ring about half a second quicker than the Viper ACR. To refresh your memory banks, the Viper ACR did the deed in 7:22, and the GTX is chasing 6:55.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Devon GTX chasing the production car 'Ring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Misc. Auto Shows

Devon GTX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time I brought up the fallacy of purchasing a car (or even being a fan one one) based off a "lap record," I was called a pimp and much worse. Luckily, my skin is rhino-thick - so here's me doing it again. But first, let's talk about the car claiming to be the new King of the Corkscrew, the Devon GTX. Well, we know very little. It's been speculated that the GTX is powered by Viper, meaning there's an 8.4-liter V10 beating under its presumably carbon fiber skin. Word overheard on the street is that the serpent heart has been reworked to spit out 650 horsepower, 50 more venomous ponies than stock. And that's all anyone knows. Maybe.

What we do know is that Southern California-based industrial design haus Devon Motorworks is claiming that its new car - the "next American Supercar" - just set a "production car" one-lap record around the fabled Lagauna Seca race track. Time? 1:35.075. Having driven Laguna Seca once or twice my own self - came very close to setting the all time slowest lap, thank you - that's quite a fast time. But... to quote (once more) Jack Baruth, "Lap times set on different days, under different conditions, simply aren't comparable. It's that simple. Some days are hot, some days are cool, some days there's rubber on the track, some days there's oil. The same competent driver, in the same car, might have a fifteen-second variation from one 'Ring session to the next."

Obviously, the Nurburgring is much longer than Laguna Seca - 14 miles versus two. Even still, if you divide Jack's fifteen-second variation by seven you get a bit more than two seconds, i.e. a lifetime on a racetrack. Cut that time differential in half and you're still talking over a second per lap, just based on environmental factors. For comparison's sake, a 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR lapped Laguna in 1.35.117. Is the more powerful Devon GTX only one tenth of a second quicker than the big Dodge around a two-mile track? Couldn't the wind account for that much time? Or a few birds flapping their wings? A larger point (also brought up by Jack) is that this particular lap attempt was closed to the public and (presumably) conducted by Devon. Without calling the results meaningless, we would like to point out that the brand new Autoblog Track-a-Tack-a-Kuh GTR3X just lapped Laguna in 1:35:065. What, you won't take our word for it?

Regardless of your feelings (or ours) regarding the Devon GTX, it will be making its debut next weekend at Pebble Beach. Cars should be available for public consumption come quarter one of 2010. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Devon Motor Works GTX renderings

[Source: Devon Motorworks]

Continue reading Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca

Devon GTX sets one-lap "record" at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stock Dodge Viper ACR taken for a ride at Bonneville Salt Flats

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Dodge

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for high-res gallery

The battle between America's preeminent supercars continues as Inside Line has taken a stock Dodge Viper ACR to the Bonneville Salt Flats to see what it can do. We'd say it did rather well. On the final run of the day, Dodge's ultimate Viper slithered its way to 173 miles per hour on the 10-mile long strip of salt. There's a great story about what it took to reach that terminal velocity, click here to read it.

By way of comparison - and because we know you're all wondering - Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson was able to wring a stock Corvette ZR1's neck to about 176 miles per hour at Bonneville in an episode that aired late last year. Different days with different weather conditions to be sure (update: as pointed out in the comments, the ZR1's figure was achieved with just 1 mile of runway), but it's always fun to stir the pot, right?

It's not just in straight-line acceleration where the two American heavyweights duke it out, with the Viper ACR recording a blistering lap of the Nurburgring in just 7:22.1, which compares rather favorably to the ZR1's 7:26. Strapped to the dyno, the Viper ACR puts down a whopping 546 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque compared to the supercharged ZR1's 549.9 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. Now, when does round 4 begin?

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

[Source: Inside Line]

Stock Dodge Viper ACR taken for a ride at Bonneville Salt Flats originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Viper ACR on dyno: More power than advertised

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Dodge

Click above for a gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR

There's really only one way to get an accurate measure of a car's horsepower, and that's by strapping it on a proper dyno. Even then, not all dyno's produce the same results, but in our numbers-driven society, we'll take what we can get. Two of the fiercest 'Ring competitors are the new Corvette ZR1 and the Dodge Viper ACR, which currently holds the unofficial fastest lap record with a blistering time of 7:22.1. Wondering how they stack up power-wise? According to reports on DragTimes, the duo are pretty darn close with the naturally-aspirated Dodge posting an impressive 546 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque compared to the supercharged ZR1's 549.9 horsepower and 500 lb-ft.

Considering that both vehicles use a six-speed stick and power the rear wheels, drivetrain losses should be similar, so these figures are relatively comparable and they prove once again that the horsepower wars are alive and well. For what it's worth, Dodge officially (under) rates the ACR at 600 horsepower, and an estimated 15% loss through the drivetrain would put this beast at an actual 642 horses. Thanks for the tip, FikseGTS!

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

[Source: DragTimes.com]

Dodge Viper ACR on dyno: More power than advertised originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viper still selling like hotcakes, ACR sold out

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the Viper ACR

Chrysler may be burning to the ground like ancient Rome, but its craziest citizen, the Dodge Viper, is out dancing in the streets. Because even while General Motors prepares to ransack Chrysler LLC, the Viper sales are continuing undeterred. Although Chrysler sales overall are reportedly down a whopping 32%, Dodge continues to produce and sell Vipers at a rate of 100 units per month. Not just that, but the Viper ACR - the $105k track-prepped super-snake - is all but entirely sold out... not in spite of the poor economy, but because of it. Chrysler reports that with stock portfolios rapidly losing their value and dollar values plummeting, investors are seeing the Viper ACR - potentially to be discontinued and retaining a high resale value - as a sound investment opportunity. With smile inducing dividends, too.

While GM and Cerberus talk take-over turkey, the fiscal viability of the Viper unit is bound to make it an attractive asset for any number of buyers. So while Chrysler may be counting its days, the Viper is likely to live on for some time yet.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

[Source: Inside Line]

Viper still selling like hotcakes, ACR sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge Viper ACR's record 'Ring lap (two views!)

John Neff — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Dodge

Click above to view videos after the jump

You may remember last week we showed you a split-screen video of the Dodge Viper ACR and Corvette ZR-1 lapping the famed Nurburgring in Germany. As you already know, the Dodge Viper ACR now holds the fastest lap record with a blistering time of 7:22.1. What you may not know is that the record lap was set by SRT engineer Tom Coronel on just his fifth lap ever around the 'Ring. His team arrived in Germany just the day before, none of them ever having run Germany's most famous track before. Coronel actually broke the record on his third lap with a time 7:24.1, but then proceeded to break his own record two laps later.

What we have for you after the jump is some of the official video of that record lap from two different angles. The first you saw a bit of in the split screen video with the ZR1, but this is the full-screen version with G force data and track location data on the screen. The second comes courtesy of the Viper Club of America, who put together an exclusive video of the same lap using an outboard camera on the passenger side. Both are amazing to watch, if only to understand just a bit more how terribly fast the Viper ACR is.

[Source: Streetfire.net, ViperClubofAmerica.org, Allpar.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Viper ACR's record 'Ring lap (two views!)

VIDEO: Dodge Viper ACR's record 'Ring lap (two views!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, Dodge

Click above to view video after the jump

A couple months back, the bone-stock Corvette ZR1 put supercars everywhere on notice when it took on the famed Nurburgring and ran a Nissan GT-R-beating 7:26. The track-ready, fire breathing Viper ACR bested the Corvette's amazing effort by posting an incredible 7:22 lap time. Despite a four second difference in total track time, blogger Andi Baritchi slapped both track videos together (after 30 seconds of annoying scrolling text) to verify that the Viper ACR came out on top. Hit the jump to view the two fastest American-made, street legal, 600+ hp beasts as they tangle in a 'Ring battle for the ages. The video proves what we already knew, but it's still fun to see how two very different, yet very similar vehicles, handle the twists and turns of the Nurburgring. Check out the vid after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Jordan!

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring

VIDEO: Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Viper ACR possibly spotted at 'Ring, fangs bared

Dan Roth — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Supercars, Chrysler, Dodge

It's got the preposterously huge wing, and race-burlesque stripe job; could this Viper spotted at the Nurburgring possibly be a Viper ACR? The red and black Viper was nabbed on one of the 'Ring's cameras, and there's also reports of a black Viper with graphite stripes tearing around the German racing venue. While the pictures showed up on the Viperclub forums, nobody's got any lap times, unfortunately. Could the ACR turn laps as fast as the scorching GT-R or ZR1? Who knows, but there's no doubt that it'll be fast. That big, silly wing is acceptable in this instance, as it will actually work to enhance downforce on the drive wheels. It'd be the first thing removed for street duty, were we the owners of a Viper GTS. Alas, we're not Viper ACR owners, though the idea of an astoundingly fast car that can kill you if you don't know what you're doing just seems right in these days of electronic safety nets. Cowboy attitude aside, we hope that this Viper owner managed to not stuff it into any hazards, and that his lap times eventually bubble to the surface. Thanks for the tip, Gustavo.

[Source: forums.viperclub.org]

Dodge Viper ACR possibly spotted at 'Ring, fangs bared originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

Drew Phillips — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Dodge, First Drives

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

I have to admit that I'm biased when it comes to the Dodge Viper. I've had a soft spot for the venomous snake since the GTS coupe hit the streets in 1996. The aggressive design, powerful 8.0-liter V10 with 450 horsepower (doesn't sound like much now, but it sure seemed like a lot then), and the blue paint scheme with white racing stripes were the ideal combination for my dream sports car. I'm going to be that guy at the 2030 Barrett-Jackson purchasing a mint, low-mileage, numbers-matching 1996 or 1997 Dodge Viper GTS, and, of course, you'll be the one watching on SPEED commenting how I'm paying way too much for a classic American muscle car.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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