The ACR has always taken the traditional Viper formula to the next level, and the 2016 is no exception. While the existing TA (“Time Attack”) Viper package may seem like a track star, the ACR is just that much more extreme.
The tradition of the Viper ACR dates back to 1999, when the second-generation GTS was the first to bear the name. Modest by today’s standards, the old 8.0L V10 boasted 465 horsepower (up a few ponies from the base car’s) and efforts were made to drop weight and improve track handling. The 2008 ACR was the first to be offered without any engine upgrades, and a well-prepped example went on to set records at the Nurburgring.
Eight years later, Dodge still believes the heart of the beast beats strong enough as it is. After all, no naturally aspirated engine in the world makes more torque than the Viper’s 8.4L, 645-horsepower V10. Emphasis has instead been placed on handling and aerodynamics, with the entire package revolving around the ability to customize both to achieve the fastest lap times on the track of the owner’s choosing.
Exclusive to the ACR are 15″ carbon ceramic matrix, two-piece rotors clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers. All four corners of the suspension are equipped with adjustable coil-overs based on Bilstein racing shocks. Owners can adjust the ride height by up to 3″ for corner-balancing or aerodynamic needs.
Key to the new ACR’s performance are its race-ready tires. Dodge opted for Kumho Ecsta V720s in 295/25/19 up front and 355/30/19 in the rear. They were engineered specifically for the ACR and Dodge says that they’re good for 1.5 g of sustained lateral grip (and at least 1.5 seconds off a lap time, depending on the circuit).
For those who simply must be able to customize it all, Dodge is offering the ACR Extreme Aero Package. Capable of delivering nearly 1 ton of peak downforce at top speed (177 mph), this package includes a massive adjustable dual-element carbon fiber rear wing, a rear carbon fiber diffuser, a unique hood with removable louvers, a detachable extension for the front splitter and additional dive planes. The Extreme Aero package delivers more than three times the downforce of the Viper TA 2.0 package.
Inside, minimalism is the story of the day. To save weight, Dodge went with a simple, three-speaker stereo system with few extra features. Everything from the seats to the carpeting was selected with weight savings in mind.
“The Viper has always been more of a street-legal race car than a track-capable streetcar, and the new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand and SRT Brand, FCA – North America, in the ACR’s announcement. “Our goal is to arm our enthusiasts with the ultimate Viper track car to dominate road courses around the world.”
Expect firm specifications and pricing information to come as the ACR begins to arrive in the hands of customers later this year.
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