“With no 2011 model-year Dodge Viper cars being produced, SRT joined forces with the Viper Club of America and the ViperExchange by Tomball Dodge team from Tomball, Texas, which supplied two brand-new 2010 Dodge Viper ACR’s off their showroom floor for the record-setting effort,” Chrysler said in a statement.

Click here for more news on the Dodge Viper.

“We’re extremely proud to set the lap record for a second time at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our team returned to Germany knowing we’d left some time on the track when we set our first lap record, so this effort shows the incredible depth and capability the Viper ACR has by running a full 10 seconds faster than we did in 2008.”

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR was driven by GT driver Dominik Farnbacher (on Sept. 14), who was secured by ViperExchange team owner and longtime Viper enthusiast Ben Keating.

Hit the jump for the video.

Here’s how the Nurburgring track times rank right now.

• Radical SR8 LM: 6:48 (Aug. 2009).
• Radical SR8: 6:55 (Sept. 2005).
• Gumpert Apollo Speed: 7:11.5 (Aug. 2009).
• Dodge Viper ACR: 7:12.13 (Sep. 2011).
• Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition: 7:14 (Sep. 2011).
• Porsche 911 GT2 RS: 7:18 (Apr. 2010).
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: 7:19.63 (Jun. 2011).
• Dodge Viper ACR: 7:22.1 (Aug. 2008).
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: 7:22.68 (Jun. 2011).
• Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition: 7:22.85 (Jun. 2011).
• Porsche 911 GT2 RS: 7:24 (Nov. 2010).
• 2012 Nissan GT-R: 7:24.22 (Oct. 2010).
• Maserati MC12: 7:24.3 (Aug. 2008).
• Pagani Zonda F Clubsport: 7:24.44 (Aug. 2008).
• Ferrari Enzo: 7:25.7 (Aug. 2008).
• Ferrari 458 Italia: 7:32.02 (Nov. 2010).
• Koenigsegg CCX: 7:33.6 (Aug. 2008).
• Koenigsegg CCR: 7:34 (Oct. 2005).
• Lexus LFA: 7:38 (Sept. 2010).

The Viper ACR holds benchmark lap times at the following road courses:

Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, Ill. 2:37.70
Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, Calif. 1:55.70
Gingerman Raceway (1.88-mile original course), South Haven, Mich. 1:26.70
Grattan Raceway, Belding, Mich. 1:22.70
Laguna Seca Raceway, Salinas, Calif. 1:33.90
Miller Motorsport Park (3.05-mile outer loop), Tooele, Utah 1:59.90
Monticello Motor Club, Monticello, N.Y. 2:26.37
MotorSport Ranch (3.1-mile full course), Cresson, Texas 2:19.00
Nelson Ledges Road Course, Garrettsville, Ohio 1:08.90
New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, N.J. 1:28.08
No Problem Raceway, Belle Rose, La. 1:16.90
Nürburgring Nordschleife, Nürburg, Germany 7:12.13
Putnam Park, Mount Meridian, Ind. 1:12.60
Sebring Full Course, Sebring, Fla. 2:19.47
Spring Mountain (2.2-mile layout), Pahrump, Nev. 1:45.40
Texas World Speedway, College Station, Texas 1:47.56
Top Gear USA (El Toro), Irvine, Calif. 1:22.00
Virginia International Raceway (3.27-mile full course), Alton, Va. 2:00.63
Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond, Calif. 1:26.00

- By: Omar Rana

Most recently, Lexus made headlines in the automotive industry after the company’s LFA Nurburgring Package lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:14.64. Well, the Dodge Viper is back and has apparently reclaimed its lap speed record for a production car at the Nurburgring… unofficially.

According to preliminary results from the Viper Club of America, the Dodge Viper ACR lapped the Nordschleife in just 7:12 seconds. That also tops the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1′s recent time of 7:19.63.

We expects something official from Dodge very soon.

Here’s how the Nurburgring track times rank right now.

• Radical SR8 LM: 6:48 (Aug. 2009).
• Radical SR8: 6:55 (Sept. 2005).
• Gumpert Apollo Speed: 7:11.5 (Aug. 2009).
• Dodge Viper ACR: 7:12 (Sep. 2011).
• Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition: 7:14 (Sep. 2011).
• Porsche 911 GT2 RS: 7:18 (Apr. 2010).
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: 7:19.63 (Jun. 2011).
• Dodge Viper ACR: 7:22.1 (Aug. 2008).
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: 7:22.68 (Jun. 2011).
• Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition: 7:22.85 (Jun. 2011).
• Porsche 911 GT2 RS: 7:24 (Nov. 2010).
• 2012 Nissan GT-R: 7:24.22 (Oct. 2010).
• Maserati MC12: 7:24.3 (Aug. 2008).
• Pagani Zonda F Clubsport: 7:24.44 (Aug. 2008).
• Ferrari Enzo: 7:25.7 (Aug. 2008).
• Ferrari 458 Italia: 7:32.02 (Nov. 2010).
• Koenigsegg CCX: 7:33.6 (Aug. 2008).
• Koenigsegg CCR: 7:34 (Oct. 2005).
• Lexus LFA: 7:38 (Sept. 2010).

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Miller Motorsports Park Lap Record

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR has a very impressive track record. . In November 2009, SRT vehicle dynamics engineer Chris Winkler lapped the Laguna Seca raceway in 1:33.92, beating the previous record by 1.1 seconds. Before that in August 2008, Dutch driver Tom Coronel set a 7:22.1 production car record at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is now back, once again making history and breaking records.

Click here for more news on the Dodge Viper.

Dodge road racer Kuno Wittmer drove a street legal 2010 Dodge Viper ACR to a record lap of 1:59.995 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, earlier this week. His time ended up breaking the 2-minute mark for the first time in a production car on the Outer Course configuration. That time shatters the previous production car lap record of 2:03.86, held by Jan Magnussen in a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 by almost 4 seconds.

“It’s amazing to come to this world-class track and shatter the production car lap record by almost 4 seconds,” said Bryan Viger, Head of Dodge Motorsports. “We brought our street-legal Viper ACR to see what Kuno could do behind the wheel, and on his second lap he’d already gone faster than the single lap record.”

Hit the jump to see the video and we the press talk.

Refresher: The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is powered by a 8.4L V10 engine making 600-hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. That allows for a 0-60 mph time of less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat. The top speed comes in at 184 mph.

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Miller Motorsports Park Lap Record:

Press Release:

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Does It Again: Kuno Wittmer Sets Production Car Lap Record at Miller Motorsports Park

• Wittmer breaks two-minute mark for first time in street-legal, production vehicle

April 14, 2011 , Tooele, Utah - The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) has made history at yet another storied road course.

Renowned Dodge road racer Kuno Wittmer piloted a street legal 2010 Dodge Viper ACR to a record lap of 1:59.995 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on Monday, April 11, breaking the 2-minute mark for the first time in a production car on the 3.048-mile Outer Course configuration. The Viper ACR shattered the previous production car lap record of 2:03.86, held by Jan Magnussen in a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 by close to 4 full seconds.

A veteran behind the wheel of the Viper on and off the track, Wittmer continues to be impressed by the performance of the Dodge Viper ACR. “Wow, what an awesome supercar!” the Montreal native said after exiting the car. “The Viper ACR is such a blast to drive at the limit, and I can honestly say that I didn’t leave an inch out there on the track and was barely braking in the corners.”

This latest achievement joins a growing list of track records for the Dodge Viper ACR. In November 2009, SRT vehicle dynamics engineer Chris Winkler lapped the 2.238-mile, Laguna Seca raceway in 1:33.92, beating the previous record by 1.1 seconds. Dutch driver Tom Coronel set a 7:22.1 production car record at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife in August 2008.

Dodge Viper ACR

The Dodge Viper ACR remains the ultimate purpose-built, street-legal track car since its introduction in 2008.

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 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 ACR package.

For the 2010 model year, the Dodge Viper ACR received a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. A new short-throw shifter also came in 2010 models for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates were also redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes resulted in an increase in top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph).

- By: Omar Rana

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Convertible

Where would you expect to find a Dodge dealer that has sold more Vipers than any other dealer since 1999? Whatever your answer may be, we doubt it’s going to be Blair, Nebraska, a little town with a population of a little more than 7,500 people.

Apparently, Woodhouse Dodge in Blair is the highest-volume Viper dealer and to help celebrate its achievement and the end of the Viper’s production, Dodge teamed up with the dealer’s in-house tuning arm, Woodhouse Motorsports, to create a limited-edition Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Convertible.

Woodhouse Motorsports will get some help from the SRT engineering staff to turn the coupe into a convertible, which will require things such as the adjustable KW suspension, Stoptech rotors, lighter wheels, a short shifter along with some aerodynamic improvements.

Only 20 units of the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Convertible will be produced with prices starting at $107,310. All units will only be sold at Woodhouse Dodge.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

2010 Dodge Viper Dealer Special Edition

The 2010 Dodge Viper has just gotten more exclusive until the supercar’s replacement arrives in 2012. Chrysler announced that it is building a total of 50 special-edition Viper units for dealers that sold a sufficient volume of the car.

Shown in the image above are the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster, developed specifically with Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Neb., featuring a Race Yellow Clear Coat exterior with yellow driver’s stripe; the “Reverse SRT10 ACR” developed with Tomball Dodge in Tomball, Texas, featuring the reverse color combination of the Snakeskin Green Special Edition introduced earlier this model year; and the Black SRT10 Coupe with Plum Crazy dual racing stripes developed with Roanoke Dodge in Roanoke, Ill.

If you want to look for Dodge dealers who have 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10s on order including the various special-edition models, check out the new dealer locator function at the Viper Headquarters website.

About 500 cars will make up the 2010 model year production run, and each one is more exclusive than ever before with more than 7,000 different possible appearance combinations.

2010 Dodge Viper Dealer Special Edition:

- By: Omar Rana

Chrysler will celebrate the final year of production of the current-generation Dodge Viper with a limited production run of 50 units of the 2010 SRT10 “Final Edition.” The 2010 Dodge SRT10 Final Edition Viper is available in coupe, roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations.

The Final Edition Viper exterior features a Graphite Clear Coat body with a painted black center stripe traced in red. Viper Coupe and ACR Final Edition models include a black windshield surround. All Final Edition models carry unique side sill badges. On the inside, the Final Edition model gets custom red accent stitching, red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered dash plaque (1-50) is also located on the shifter bezel. All Dodge Viper Final Edition Coupe and Roadster models will ride on 6-spoke wheels painted in Anthracite, while ACR models will come with 5-spoke Sidewinder wheels in black.

Power still comes from the 8.4L V10 making 600-hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0-60 mph run in less than 4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition models will begin in early summer.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Final Edition:

- By: Kap Shah

Chrysler has kicked off production of the new 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X. The first unit rolled off the assembly line at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Monday.

“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 Brand. “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.”

Power for the 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X comes from the same SRT-developed 8.4L V10. The engine is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that helps it produce 640-hp (40 more than production model).

Price for the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X starts at $110,000.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X:

Press Release:

Dodge Begins Production of 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

Spec-series Racer to Make Debut in New Dodge Viper Cup Series

* Production of turn-key, spec-series racer kicks off 2010-model-year build of Dodge Viper lineup at Conner Avenue (Detroit) Assembly Plant
* Viper ACR-X aimed at continuing Dodge Viper”s storied racing history
* Dodge Viper Cup spec-racing series will debut in July
* Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
* Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety at affordable price
* Final year of production of current-generation car will see some of the most special Vipers ever built

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 30, 2010 – The next chapter in the storied racing history of the Dodge Viper is being written as the first 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X rolled off the assembly line at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Monday, March 29. Built for road racing enthusiasts, the Dodge Viper ACR-X combines 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.

The SRT-developed 8.4-liter V-10 engine that powers the Viper ACR-X is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than production model). Following the initial build at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, each engine is shipped to a dynamometer lab where it is verified for proper outputs and electronically sealed before being sent back to the plant for final installation.

The suspension on the Viper ACR-X also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the overall vehicle weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the non-street legal Viper ACR-X boasts safety features such as factory-designed and installed fuel cell and race seat and factory-designed roll cage. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

Manufacturer”s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X is $110,000.

Dodge Viper Cup
The Dodge Viper ACR-X will make its competition debut on July 9-10, 2010 in a newly developed, 10-race spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Vehicle sales of the Viper ACR-X will be used to self-fund the racing efforts.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes the following:

* July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Va.
* Aug. 14-15 at Hallett Raceway, Jennings, Okla.
* Sept. 11-12 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
* Oct. 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
* Oct. 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.

Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Dodge Viper ACR-X. A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

Conner Avenue Assembly Plant
The Dodge Viper ACR-X is built on the same production line and using the same quality manufacturing techniques as the street-legal versions of the Dodge Viper.

“We”re proud to be the exclusive home of America”s ultimate performance car,” said Shelly Gordon, Plant Manager ““ Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Chrysler Group LLC. “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.”

Production of the Dodge Viper began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Oct. 1995. Viper V-10 engine production was transferred to Conner Assembly from Mound Road Engine in May 2001. In 2003, the Viper SRT10 roadster hit the market, and the current generation Viper SRT10 Coupe followed in 2005. In March 2008, production began on the new Viper ACR (American Club Racer) – the highest performance street-legal vehicle ever built at Conner Assembly.

Viper Racing Heritage
The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 ““ the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

Wide Array Of New Special, Limited-edition Models
To celebrate the final production year of the current-generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.

Numerous special, limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which pays tribute to the production car lap record set on Nov. 24, 2009 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.

The 2010 Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all-Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver”s Stripe outlined in red. Only 20 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior, as well as on the steering wheel.

Additional special-edition models will be announced closer to their individual introductions. Pricing on the 2010 Dodge Viper lineup also will be announced at a later date.

viperheadquarters.com
Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com.

Viper Racing League
The Viper Racing League is one of three race series (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country”s most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com.

- By: Kap Shah

• Key Competitors: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lexus LFA.
• Power: 8.4L V10 – with 600-hp / 560 lb-ft of torque.
• Performance: 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds; top speed over 200 mph.
• Availability: On sale now – only 500 units of the Viper left.
• Pricing: TBA.

Fresh off from its 1:33.915 record breaking lap at Laguna SECA, the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR made its world debut today at the 2009 LA Auto Show today. Besides just an impressive 0-60 mph run in less than 4 seconds, the 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR does the quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat. It can also hit the 200-mph mark 14 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Dodge will only produce 500 units of the 2010 Viper with a replacement coming in 2012. The supercar won”t be anything like the current model. For those of you hoping for a Ferrari/Dodge collaboration (since Chrysler Group LLC is now running in an alliance with Fiat SpA), your dreams were shattered last month when Dodge president and CEO Ralph Gilles confirmed that the brand is just looking for advice from Maranello.

Make the leap for live high-res images from LA.

2009 LA: 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Record Lap at Laguna SECA:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Yesterday, Dodge casually broke the track production car lap record at Laguna SECA. We reported a time of 1:33.944 yesterday but the official time (completed by Chris Winkler, an SRT vehicle dynamics engineer) was actually 1:33.915 as recorded by Motech in-vehicle data recorder.

Chrysler has now released the official video of the lap to show you who’s boss.

Refresher: The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is powered by a 8.4L V10 engine making 600-hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. That allows for a 0-60 mph time of less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat.

Click here to see our original post on the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR breaking the Laguna SECA record.

Make the jump for the video.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Record Lap at Laguna SECA:

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Record Lap at Laguna SECA:

- By: Omar Rana

The 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR has been hanging out at Laguna SECA all day with Dodge president and CEO Ralph Gilles and driver Chris Winkler. The group has just wrapped up the exciting day by breaking the Laguna Seca track production car lap record with a new time of 1:33.944. But before we get into all that – let us introduce you to the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR.

Power comes from an 8.4L V10 engine making 600-hp and a maximum torque 560 lb-ft, along with 1,000 pounds of down force pushing peak Gs above 2.0. 0-60 mph comes in under 4 seconds while 0-100 mph comes in 11 seconds flat. It can also run a quarter mile in 11 and a half seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph. The stop from 60-0 mph comes in 100 feet. Thanks to a new gear change for 2010, the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR can hit the 200-mph mark 14 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Dodge says that all 2010 Viper models have customizable looks that stand out in any crowd with the addition of new colors including Toxic Orange and Silver. Viper now offers 10 other exterior colors, six stripe colors, five interior colors, three interior bezels, and four wheel options. That means buyers can pick from 7,000 different combinations. Since only 500 Vipers will be produced (it will be replaced by a new supercar in 2012), each and every 2010 Viper can end up with its own unique look.

Back to the record Laguna SECA lap. After 3 laps, drive Chris Winkler broke the record with a new time of 1:33.944 – beating the Devon GTX (also powered by Viper engine), which had a lap time of 1:35.075.

“The car has been a lot more successful than we ever imagined,” Gilles said. “There”s some very serious Dodge legend being built again here, and I really like that. That”s a dimension of Viper I really wanted to keep fanning the flames of.”

To honor Viper’s record-breaking lap at Laguna SECA, Dodge will rollout a Laguna Seca Special Edition Viper.

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will make its world debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show next week.

Click through to watch the video some videos from Laguna SECA.

Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR at Laguna SCEA:

Press Release:

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Recaptures Lap Record at Laguna Seca

Street-legal, Production Supercar Sets New Mark

Monterey, Calif., Nov 24, 2009 – 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 Nürburgring 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 Nürburgring 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.

- By: Omar Rana

Killing all the controversy over its Viper business, Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the production of the Dodge Viper SRT10 will continue through 2009. The company said today that its Viper business is no longer for sale and that it will continue making the model through 2010 and beyond.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand.”

Chrysler put the Viper business up for sale in August of last year. It was looking for $10 million for the Conner Avenue plant that produces the Viper.

Chrysler will continue on with its 2009 model year lineup and is expected to switch over to the 2010 model year in January.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

Dodge Viper SRT10 Will Live On

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 10, 2009 – Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant – the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 – will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand.”

Introduced as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production sports car.

The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three years.

In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminum V-10 was a “go.”

Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior and interior color combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customization options than before.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), setting an American sports car benchmark.

To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built.

- By: Omar Rana

While General Motors is disbanding its High Performance Vehicle Operations to focus more on mass-produced cars and Ford continues its SVT operations, Chrysler has confirmed that is SRT department will not get the cut.

“SRT is sticking around and we have to make final calls on the lineup,” said Chrysler’s vice president for global product planning, Steve Bartoli. “We are big fans of SRT, what it does for us and our customers.”

Bartoli would not comment on what Chrysler model SRT is currently working on but said that the division “will weather the storm” and “will not sit around and await fate” He said that the department is currently working on a sedan.

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8:

Source: Red Letter Dodge (via Inside Line)

In a time of economic turmoil and in a time where gas-guzzling models aren’t popular, Chrysler’s hottest-selling vehicle is its most expensive and one of its least fuel-efficient – the Dodge Viper. According to Chrysler’s Vice Chairman Jim Press, the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is basically ‘sold out.’ In reality, dealers still have a few units left according to Chrysler’s spokesman Nick Kappa.

Press says that the horrible economy is exactly the reason why Viper sales have been steady.

“Those customers are in a high-income group, and [a Viper] is a safe haven,” Press said. “Look at what’s happened in their stock portfolios: The resale value of Vipers shows they’re still in great demand. Smart investors figure out it’s a safe place to put their money “” and also have a lot of fun.”

Chrysler is selling about 100 units of the Viper a month. In the meantime, talks for the sale of the Viper business are progressing. Sources say that even if Chrysler ends up merging with GM, the Viper business will still be sold.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR:

Source: InsideLine

Last week we told you about Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR’s record breaking 7:22.1 lap around the famous Nurburgring in Germany. Chrysler has now released an official video of the lap. The car was driven by Dutch WTCC driver Tom Coronel who beat Corvette ZR1″s 7:26.4 time.

Refresher: Power comes from an 8.4-liter aluminum V10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft. of torque. Pricing starts at $98,110 including an $850 destination charge. Oh, and Chrysler may sell its Dodge Viper business.

Click through for the video.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR:

We’d just like to start off by saying – what a horrible time for Chrysler to announce that it may sell its Dodge Viper business. According to Motor Trend, which makes it pretty official, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR recently brought in a Nurburgring lap time of 7:22.1, beating the Corvette ZR1′s 7:26.4 and Nissan GT-R’s 7:29 time.

FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel piloted the Viper SRT10 ACR around the Nurburgring with his first attempt bringing in a time of 7:42. The second and third attempts came in at 7:35 and 7:24 respectively. The fourth time Coronel took the Viper SRT10 ACR around the Nurburgring he shocked the crowed with his record breaking time of 7:22.1

You can check out the video of the run over at Motor Trend.

Refresher: Power comes from an 8.4-liter aluminum V10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft. of torque.

Click through for more pictures.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Gallery:

Source: Motor Trend