The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on the heels of its recapturing the production car lap record on the road course in Monterey, California.
The SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) was driven by SRT vehicle dynamics engineer Chris Winkler to a lap record of 1:33.915 around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course, defeating the previous lap record by more than 1.1 seconds.
In 2008, professional road racer Randy Pobst drove a 2008 Dodge Viper ACR to a one-lap, production car record of 1:35.117 at Laguna Seca raceway while working with Motor Trend. That record stood until August 2009 when a one-off exotic prototype reached 1:35.075.
The Dodge Viper is going into its final year of production for the current-generation model, with approximately 500 scheduled for production in 2010. Dodge has confirmed that it intends to continue producing the vehicle.
Changes to the 2010 ACR include a new short-throw shifter, and redesigned rear wing profile and end plates to increase vehicle aerodynamics and top speed.
At the Chrysler Group business plan presentation today, Ralph Gilles, the recently appointed President and CEO of Dodge, made several product announcements, but one in particular stood out. Gilles announced that when the current run of 500 Vipers is completed by the end of the year, production will end.
The V-10-powered Viper has become an iconic vehicle since production began in 2002. And our drive of the Viper ACR left little doubt that the Viper is still a world-class sports car.
But thankfully, that's not the end of the story. Gilles went on to say that a new Dodge super sports car is in the works, and it should be on the market by summer of 2012. Gilles said that the new car will draw from the Italian performance car heritage of his new Fiat/Alfa overlords and that it will utilize Fiat alliance resources. So it's clear that the new car will have a generous share of Italian DNA.
At this point, it is unclear if the new car will indeed be called Viper. Given that it will likely be an extreme departure from the present car, the question becomes, should it be? Would anything less than a V-10 be a disappointment? What about a hybrid or other next-generation powertrain?
Let us know what you think about the future of the Dodge's next halo sports car.
Chrysler’s only about a third of the way through unveiling its extensive five-year business plan to investors and the media, but sports car enthusiasts will likely be interested in this note: The current Dodge Viper will be no more after July 2010.
Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand, revealed production of the Viper (one of the first product lines to resume production post-bankruptcy) would cease next summer. Between now and then, only 500 cars will roll off the assembly line in Detroit, Michigan.
This isn’t the end of the line for the Viper altogether. A next-generation model is scheduled to launch in 2012, although details of the future snake are still sketchy. Could the new Viper bear some influence with Fiat’s halo brand, Ferrari? Possibly, but very unlikely. Some Fiat influence will possibly be seen, but we’d be a little surprised if the folks in Maranello were tapped to supply Auburn Hills’ latest serpent.
The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team from Chrysler Group LLC arrived at Laguna Seca raceway today on a mission - to recapture the production car lap record at the world-renowned road course in Monterey, Calif.
Mission accomplished.
Chris Winkler, an SRT vehicle dynamics engineer piloted a black and red 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) to a lap record of 1:33.915 as recorded by Motech in-vehicle data recorder (1:33.944 - as unofficially recorded by trackside clock) around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course, shattering the previous lap record by more than 1.1 seconds.
"It was definitely exciting but a somewhat uneventful lap overall from behind the steering wheel," said Winkler, who is still learning the intricate details of Laguna Seca raceway, having spent only one other session on the course. "The Dodge Viper ACR has amazing power and handles like a dream, so following my first practice here last month, I came away pretty confident that we'd be able to set a new record."
In 2008, professional road racer Randy Pobst, drove a 2008 Dodge Viper ACR to a one-lap, production car record of 1:35.117 at Laguna Seca raceway while working with Motor Trend. That record stood until August 6, 2009 when the most recent record of 1:35.075 was established by a one-off exotic prototype.
Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand and Senior Vice President, Product Design Office, Chrysler Group LLC, was impressed with the Viper's performance. "I've been closely tied to this car my entire career and even after owning one myself for some time, I'm still amazed with what the Dodge Viper can do on and off the race track," Gilles said. "After our record-setting lap at the Nurburgring circuit, we're excited to set a second performance benchmark record at another world-famous road course."
The Dodge Viper is going into the final year of production for the current-generation model. Approximately 500 Vipers will be produced in 2010.
"We're going to keep Dodge's performance icon alive and well by not only producing some of the most special Vipers ever built, but we're also investigating what the next-generation Viper is going to be," added Gilles. "When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports carmakers in the world, the future opportunities are huge."
2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
The Dodge Viper ACR remains the ultimate purpose-built, street-legal track car since its introduction in 2008.
New for the 2010 model year is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. This improvement is a direct result of SRT's experience at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in a higher speed capability and potentially a shorter elapsed time.
The Dodge Viper ACR also receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes result in an increase in top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph).
Powered by the venerable 8.4-liter, V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Viper ACR continues to offer extreme performance, including 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat.
The Dodge Viper ACR with optional Hard Core Package is more than 80 lbs. lighter than the production SRT10 and offers race-ready hardware and competition tuning for optimal on-track performance.
The four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, KW suspension with two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.
The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber "fanged" splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.
The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will make its worldwide auto show debut on Dec. 2, 2009 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
About Dodge
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.
Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment's only Stow 'n Go® and Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.
Here is a video from Red Letter Dodge of the 2010 Viper ACR crossing the finish line on its record breaking run.
Dodge today announced an exclusive production run of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 featuring the classic Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color. Both Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology — now with an extra dose of nostalgia.
“The new Plum Crazy R/T Classic and SRT8 feature more than just memorable blast-from-the-past design cues and HEMI engines; both models exude the very core of Dodge Challenger’s roots,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our new Plum Crazy limited-edition models pay homage to Challenger’s heritage while delivering the passion and excitement Dodge fans and customers demand.”
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.
2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy
Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy edition is the first to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.
When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” And when it’s time to deliver, the Plum Crazy R/T Classic can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.
2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy
If the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is not exciting enough, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version delivers even more punch and exclusivity with its 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.
The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Plum Crazy is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.
Production of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in Plum Crazy
Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start in late November 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
SpeedFactory to Debut the First All-Aluminum, Supercharged, 440 Hemi-Powered Challenger at the 2009 SEMA Show
SpeedFactory, a top-tier modern muscle car builder, will introduce the first modern supercharged, all-aluminum, 440 Hemi-powered Challenger at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov 3-6, 2009.
The SpeedFactory prepared 2009 SRT8 Challenger is powered by a bored and stroked 6.1L Hemi Mopar aluminum block, increasing the displacement to 440 cu. in. (7.2 liters). It includes CNC ported Mopar aluminum heads and a completely forged rotating assembly. A Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger boosts the output of this reliable, modern Mopar power plant to 700HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.
SpeedFactory performance modifications include Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15" Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20" BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.
SpeedFactory's Signature interior package includes logo-embossed seat backs, matching door panel stripe with logo, custom floor mats, Mopar door sills and T-handle shifter. Visually, the exterior of the car has also been enhanced with a race-inspired, matte-finish, full carbon fiber hood and rear deck spoiler, as well as SpeedFactory Signature badging and graphics.
This car is part of SpeedFactory's research and development platform for its line of tuned, advanced engine, and supercharged modern muscle cars.
The SpeedFactory Challenger will be on display at the MOPAR Booth, #43127 , from Tuesday, Nov 3rd thru Friday, Nov 6th at the SEMA Show.
