Official ACR info

[Catwood]

ok..I'm not allowed to say anything but here's a pic of me driving my old car at willow. I'm not saying those pics of the ACR were at Willow either. I am saying that car sure looks fun to drive....I'm thinking it's fun, not that I know for sure.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

The worst thing about this ACR will be the whiners that will want an ACR with an audio system, hood pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator.

 

[Vipermann]

I do have to ask, how does this make the 08 buyers feel? I mean if you knew an ACR was so CLOSE in coming, would you have just waited for the ACRs? Did they just canibilize their own market by announcing this before they got all the 08's rolling ?

No problem here. I love this ACR, but being realistic, there's no way I would buy it over a 'standard' 2008 Viper (and that's considering I still could change my order, if I wanted to). Simple reason, I don't plan to track the car enough to justify the added cost and also what you give up:

> The 'standard' 2008 Viper is AWESOME
> I GOTTA have a convertible -- no ifs or buts about it -- to me, that doubles the pleasure of driving the Viper
> Don't need the curb scrapes and cracks that will come with the ACR's lowered suspension and front splitter.
> Don't care for the rear wing
> I gotta have that radio (and GPS)
> The ACR graphics are good, but I still like the dual stripes better

However, I will likely add those Stop-Tech rotors, and I like that they are now considered factory mods. I was also hopeful for maybe switching to the ACR wheels, hoping for mesh wheels as in the past, but I'll probably pass on the black Sidewinders.

(If anything, I think this ACR may cannibalize sales of Comp Coupes to all potential buyers except professional race teams.)

 

[Alexarz]

I also would never like to see a viper slower than a corvette again, But what a bad comparison. It is not and never will be the equivalent of 9/11 on the U.S.A. and The U.S.A. doesn't need to take "another hit or two like that in the future" before its catastrophic. Trust me it was!! Bad, Bad analogy!!!

It's not a bad analogy at all. If 9/11 was catastrophic, that's just because we made it so. More people die every day in car accidents than what happened on 9/11. This country is simply not accustomed to such events taking place on our soil, so we freaked the hell out and reacted very poorly. Our ensuing politics and invasion of Iraq is what made matters worse. Mark my words; if this country takes another event or two like that, on the chin, you will know what catastrophic is. If the Viper takes one or two more corvette a$$ whippings, it will lose its identity and die out.

 

[ACR Jim]

this is great-and the first time I've really wanted another Viper since I bought my '99 ACR! (with the only exception being the comp coupe raffle car)

Les, Chuck and Billy P. I'm with you guys 100%

I tore through the article today in AutoWeek and can't wait to hear more tomorrow.

Dodge Rocks!!!

Actually I guess the details that Chris mentioned are available now:

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge announced today that the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10® ACR - short for American Club Racer - will make its public debut at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show.

The latest addition to Chrysler LLC's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) family of performance vehicles, the all-new, 600-horsepower 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is a street-legal Viper engineered to dominate on the race track. Because it is street legal, diehard Viper and track enthusiasts can drive their car to the race track, run it at speed on the track, and then drive it home.

"With the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, SRT has taken the ultimate American sports car and injected it with an extra dose of racing DNA," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communications, Chrysler LLC. "With the Viper SRT10 as the starting point, SRT engineered a combination of reduced weight, race-tuned suspension and aerodynamic improvements to create the ultimate Viper for the street and track."

Derived from the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, the heart and soul of the all-new 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR is SRT's new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR stays true to the five key aspects of SRT: standout powertrain, bold exterior styling, race-inspired interior, benchmark braking, and world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range.

Bold Exterior Styling
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR exterior styling cues offer not only bold aesthetics but functional benefits on the track. These include a variable geometry "fanged" front splitter, an adjustable rear wing sculpted by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and optimized front dive planes. These new aerodynamic devices are formed in high-performance autoclaved carbonfiber. By using both unidirectional and woven laminates, the aero equipment is optimized for the minimum possible weight.

The splitter and dive planes feature a clear coated carbonfiber weave on all Viper SRT10 ACR models.

The front splitter includes three removable rub strips that provide protection and wear resistance. Supported by stainless steel tension cables, the splitter is designed to absorb the energy from minor upward deflections.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR aerodynamics are tuned and balanced to maximize downforce and provide increased levels of lateral grip. Each Viper SRT10 ACR also includes a track extension that replaces the center splitter rub strip and fills out the fanged splitter scallop for closed-circuit events. The aerodynamic effect of the track extension is a reduction in overall drag and an increase in front downforce of nearly one third.

The front fog lamps have been deleted and replaced with lightweight filler panels.

The 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR features a signature two-tone paint scheme with a black center section. An optional driver's stripe is available on a two-tone Viper Red or a Viper Black ACR. The driver's stripe also features a sewn leather accent on the steering wheel. A clearcoated exposed weave is featured on the rear carbonfiber wing of all two-tone and driver's stripe Viper SRT10 ACR models.

A standard Viper SRT10 monotone paint scheme is also available featuring a body color rear wing and dual painted Viper stripes.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is available in five colors: Viper Red, Viper Black, Viper Violet, Viper Bright Blue Metallic, and Viper Very Orange.

Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are painted gloss black to complete the one-of-a-kind exterior styling.

Race-inspired Interior
Based on the 2008 Viper SRT10 interior, the Viper SRT10 ACR goes a step further to satisfy what racers want: the least weight possible. An optional "*********" package offers maximum weight savings by deleting the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The radio is replaced by a lightweight cover that can be configured to mount the included lap timer. The door speakers are replaced by lightweight carbonfiber panels. The ********* package offers a 40 lb. weight savings and provides ultimate street legal race-ready performance.

World-class Ride and Handling
The all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is specifically modified and tuned for track performance. The ACR suspension includes coil-over racing dampers from KW Suspensions that are adjustable for damping and ride height. The shocks are two-way adjustable without removing the wheels - a timesaver on the track - and they include a large range for compression and rebound. The KW dampers and forks are machined from solid aluminum billet, feature spherical bearing mounts, and are optimized to minimize weight and maximize performance.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR features a new front stabilizer bar for increased roll-stiffness.

Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are optimized by using Finite Element Analysis to achieve a lower rotating unsprung mass. Finished in gloss black paint, they wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved (street legal) race tires, providing enhanced grip on the track.

Track performance is maximized in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR via several weight-savings initiatives. The savings were achieved with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires, Sidewinder lightweight wheels, and StopTech brake rotors. With the aerodynamic and suspension elements, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the Viper SRT10 coupe. The optional ********* package further reduces the weight by another 40 pounds, for a total weight savings of 80 pounds.

Benchmark Braking
The Viper SRT10 benchmark brakes are taken to the next level in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. StopTech two-piece, slotted, lightweight rotors combine with the Viper SRT10's Brembo calipers to reduce rotating inertia and unsprung mass, improve brake cooling, and significantly reduce fade even under extreme conditions. The StopTech rotors feature a patented curved-fin design, a key element in improving brake cooling. The StopTech brake rotors combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires and Sidewinder lightweight wheels combine to reduce 60 pounds of unsprung, rotating mass. The 2008 Dodge SRT10 Viper ACR stops from 60 mph in less than 100 feet.

Standout Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR utilizes the Viper SRT10's new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces a ground-shaking 600 horsepower and tire-smoking 560 lb.-ft. of torque. It features a deep-skirted V10 aluminum engine block, cylinder heads equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers, large valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). VVT Electronically adjusts when the exhaust valves are open and closed according to engine speed and load, allowing the engine to "breathe" cleaner and more efficiently.

The two-piece intake manifold combines cast aluminum lower with smooth runners for better air flow, bolted to a die-cast aluminum upper plenum. A revised air-cleaner box with a low-restriction filter sends air through a dual electronic throttle control into the intake module.

The air-fuel mixture in the cylinders is ignited by platinum-tip spark plugs fired by individual plug coils mounted on the cylinder-head covers.

Within the cylinders, pistons are equipped with large-diameter floating pins with bronze bushings for high-load capability. Forged powder-metal connecting rods are secured with aircraft-quality fasteners for increased fatigue strength.

Engine lubrication is managed by the large oil pump and a swinging oil pickup adapted from Viper competition engines, to ensure proper oil pressure in high-rpm and hard cornering conditions.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR sports the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission known as the TR6060. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential.

Manufacturing
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2008 at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $100,000. Complete pricing information will be released at a later date.

 

[Vipermann]

It's not a bad analogy at all. If 9/11 was catastrophic, that's just because we made it so. More people die every day in car accidents than what happened on 9/11. This country is simply not accustomed to such events taking place on our soil, so we freaked the hell out and reacted very poorly. Our ensuing politics and invasion of Iraq is what made matters worse.

Let's get back to talking cars here!

... but OMG, I must ask, What in the f___king hell are you smoking? We are who we are HERE in AMERICA ... because we DO value life -- no such events are ever insignificant -- and we take them seriously.

 

[Alexarz]

Let's get back to talking cars here!

... but OMG, I must ask, What in the f___king hell are you smoking? We are who we are HERE in AMERICA ... because we DO value life -- no such events are ever insignificant -- and we take them seriously.

Did I say it was insignificant? No, but our reaction made it worse. Yes, we value life but are the same amount of lives lost every day in car accidents any less significant than those lost in 9/11?

Back to the Viper..............great looking, mostly great additions but because of the ZR1, we need more power.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Back to the Viper..............great looking, mostly great additions but because of the ZR1, we need more power.

Is that the same ZR1 Blue Devil I've been hearing about for at least five years?

 

[kaval]

Just tell me where to sign.. Thank you Dodge

 

[PatentLaw]

Would a K&N airfilter for 10 more HP make you haapy?

Thanks for making my point, even though you did not mean to. You see, it appears from the information available that there is ZERO difference. I would rather have 10 hp, than zero.

 

[Vipermann]

More news from Motor Trend:

"In its signature two-tone red and black livery, the ACR looks nothing short of menacing, and a red leather accent to the top of the steering wheel adds an extra touch of class. An optional driver's side racing stripe is available on the red or black sprayed car and the package includes a red stripe at the top of the steering wheel to indicate straight ahead. Standard Viper monotone and twin-stripe schemes are also available, including violet, bright blue metallic, and very orange -- with a body-color wing and dual stripes."

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR - Auto News - Motor Trend

 

[sween]

That Looks Phenominal Thank You Dodge!

 

[PatentLaw]

This car is bad a$$.

I am going to buy one of these. I have long thought that one Viper would be enough for me. This ACR has changed my mind. I will not rest until I get one. I'm going to weld a roll cage into it and flog it like a rented mule.

For all those who are whining about the changes being insignificant, I just have to ask: Have any of you ever tracked your car? If you have, you would realize that better brakes, better suspension, lighter weight, sticky tires, and real downforce are very important for reducing lap times.

Those of you who are calling this car "rice" are a bunch of clueless posers.

All the ******** about the car not having enough horsepower is irrelevant and stupid. With Mopar aftermarket parts, it will be easy to get this car to 675hp. For Dodge to go through all of the regulatory red tape to jack up the power by another 75hp would simply not make economic sense for what will surely be a very very low volume car. The cost for recertification of the car for EPA purposes alone would mean that they would have to charge well over $100,000 for this car. It makes a lot more sense to keep the price low, and allow the customer to pick his own hp level with mods.

I love this car. Dodge rocks for making it.

Herb Helbig is THE MAN.

Clueless? Perhaps you should check your language. I am not "posing". What am I posing? Yes, of course, you can make it go faster with aftermarket parts. You can also make a Gen II faster with aftermarket parts. You really do not make a point here.

Dodge is in the business of doing certification (not recertification - as the ACR was never certified in the first place). With your logic, we might as well buy a Chevy Cobalt, as we can "choose" our hp levels with mods. Silly.

Don't forget to add belts to this car (from the info available), as if you take it to the track, you will not be allowed on!

Sticky tires and better suspension make for better lap times.......wow.....none of us knew that. Thanks. Will have to make a note of it.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

It's not a bad analogy at all. If 9/11 was catastrophic, that's just because we made it so. More people die every day in car accidents than what happened on 9/11. This country is simply not accustomed to such events taking place on our soil, so we freaked the hell out and reacted very poorly. Our ensuing politics and invasion of Iraq is what made matters worse. Mark my words; if this country takes another event or two like that, on the chin, you will know what catastrophic is. If the Viper takes one or two more corvette a$$ whippings, it will lose its identity and die out.

***

9/11 wasn't the first time the terrorist attacked America for being a free society.

Imagine If FDR and Churchill would of over reacted and disarmed the **** in the 30’s.

And how does this relate to the ACR?

 

[ViperRay]

Well, I have had an ACR on order with Bill P. since earlier this year and I am pumped
It will have the "*********" package.

I only wish we could have saved more weight than 80 lbs. Options such as lighter race seats with harnasses, carbon fiber panels, lexan rear window, etc, would be nice.

Now, does anyone want to buy a low mileage copperhead?

 

[Alexarz]

Now, does anyone want to buy a low mileage copperhead?

Hell, I think we are all ready to dump our beloveds now that this new ****** has showed up.

 

[Vipermann]

I only wish we could have saved more weight than 80 lbs. Options such as lighter race seats with harnasses, carbon fiber panels, lexan rear window, etc, would be nice.

Use your imagination, you'll have that ACR stripped down in no time ... light-weight battery, alloy radiator, etc. and wasn't there a carbon fiber version of the new hood posted on here a while ago ... a CF hood would look sick in the middle of that black paint scheme and a red stripe down on one side of it ...

 

[PatentLaw]

Obviously you don't track or you'd realize the importance two-piece rotors provide with brake cooling.

DS shocks "light years" ahead? A couple more rebound and compression adjustments make it "light years ahead?" Try scaling your GenII ACR and then get back to me. But you really don't need to do that when you're just driving to the pose shows and back so you might not wanna bother.

BTW my daily driver is a bone stock 98 RT/10 that I've put 108,000 miles on so far. The avatar is my tracker...until I get my hands on a real ACR.

As always, we disagree. I will just reiterate that the DS shocks were better than the standard units. They have more adjustability than you incorrectly stated.
There have been those who are very knowledgeable stating in PM's to me the advantages and the disadvantages of the DS shocks. All very smart people. Yes, the DS shocks did have some problems. Nobody is denying that. But for the time, the car was unsurpassed. That is what the ACR was about.

I have a real ACR....one of the best. Have fun with your wing mobile. I am sure that you did lots of fluid dynamics calculations to get the angle just right for down force before the guy from Walmart screwed it to the back of your bumper. I guess you now have "wing envy" for the new car.

Also, congratulations that your car has 108,000 miles. Please keep us informed when you hit 109,000 as we all live through your experiences. People across America cannot wait to hear the next adventures of your racing prowess. Please feel free to post more incorrect information at any time. Thanks.

Hopefully, Dodge will up the horsepower as they already have shown it is possible.

 

[sween]

just noticed when it comes out it will be the 10th anniversary of the ACR (sorry if someone already picked that up I didn't want to read through 8 pages lol)

 

[ViperRay]

Use your imagination, you'll have that ACR stripped down in no time ... light-weight battery, alloy radiator, etc. and wasn't there a carbon fiber version of the new hood posted on here a while ago ... a CF hood would look sick in the middle of that black paint scheme and a red stripe down on one side of it ...

I was already thinking about the CF hood. Does anyone know what the weight savings would be with that?

 

[rcl4668]

I think it's great that Chrysler is offering the ACR but it wouldn't sway me to cancel/change my existing order for a 2008 convertible. Since someone asked, here is my thinking on why I will pass on the ACR:

As I posted previously, I already have the Sidewinder rims which will net roughly a 32 lb weight savings. I will be mounting the Michelin PS2s from the car's standard five-spoke rims but I suppose I could order another set of Sidewinders (or an even lighter set of rims) and mount the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups on them strictly for track use. (My understanding from Luke at Tire Rack is that the Pilot Sport Cups are not only "not good" in the rain unlike the PS2s, they are borderline dangerous.) So bottom line, I can replicate the unsprung weight savings and increased traction of the ACR.

(I am, however, interested in the Stoptechs. Based on my prior track experience in a 2006 Viper, the stock brakes are pretty amazing. I would be very interested in knowing (1) the exact weight savings of the Stoptechs over the stock Brembos and (2) whether the Stoptechs in fact offer a significant increase in stopping power and fade resistance. If there is a large difference, I am thinking these too can be retrofitted to the convertible.)

Ditto on the revised front stablizer bar (unless it is calibrated to factor in the downforce generated by the front splitter and rear wing in which case I will pass as the preliminary reviews show the stock 2008 handling to be fairly neutral, stable and understeer free compared to the 2003-2006 cars).

I hear and respect people's comments about the splitter and wing but, again, I am wondering how much this would actually benefit me (who just does HPDEs and not professional racing). For example, on the straights at PIR my 2006 felt very stable at high speeds. Thus, wouldn't the only benefit be in relatively high speed (100+) mph corners where grip is more critical?

I will also be installing an Autoform rollbar and HANS-compatible 6-point Teamtechs for the driver and passenger (woops there goes my 32 lb weight savings). I will also be installing the Mopar/Belanger header package and the Belanger sidepipe exhast kit with high flow cats that are currently in my garage collecting dust. I will also be installing the Mopar (or a K&N) cold air intake when it becomes available. Hopefuly, these upgrades together will net around 50 flywheel hp over the stock car.

Factoring these mods and the fact that I can only have one Viper in the garage, not two or three, the fact that I want I a convertible and the reality that I need a car that is not only a track weapon but is also one I can use to take out my spouse to dinner, listen to the radio, etc., I will pass on the ACR. But I do think it's worth seeing how feasible/cost-effective it will be to "borrow" certain parts for use on my 2008. Guess it's time for yet another call or e-mail to Jon B at Partsrack.

Just my two cents.

/Rich

 

[Viper X]

This new ACR is clearly not for everyone, but for some of us, it is likely the next logical step.

 

[Les Quam]

Patent law,

Stop it your killing me!
"Guy from wal mart screwing on the wing". "Wing envy". That is some classic and hilarious material. LOL LOL LOL
Really got a smile out of that stuff thanks. Just really cracked me up!

 

[SnakeBitten]

Im happy at the notion of the ACR but I dont think its ******** enough imho...40-80lbs lighter and the same 600hp aint gonna cut it against the ZR1.......Not really a fan of the wing...Looks very ricerific to me, however at least its funtional....I guess I was expecting a comp coupe-ish ACR with at least 650hp and 3100-3200lbs.....Oh well at least we are lucky the new owners kept the Viper around...

 

[Finally got it !]

Im happy at the notion of the ACR but I dont think its ******** enough imho...40-80lbs lighter and the same 600hp aint gonna cut it against the ZR1.......Not really a fan of the wing...Looks very ricerific to me, however at least its funtional....I guess I was expecting a comp coupe-ish ACR with at least 650hp and 3100-3200lbs.....Oh well at least we are lucky the new owners kept the Viper around...

The problem is you are making a comparison to a car that still has no offical stats. Lets all wait and see what the real world numbers are on a ZR1. I am sure SRT will come right back with a answer!!!!!

 

[ViperCollector]

13 photos here, along with the official press release. Apologies if already posted - didn't read all 8 pages!

Article says the ACR will be at the LA Auto Show next week!
La Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

 

[Les Quam]

Where exactly is this new mythical super Vette?

Is their a dealer that has one I can go look at?

Or does Chevy have a websight I can read about it and see some pictures??

Can someone point me in the direction of this new Viper killing ground pounding uber Vette? LOL
Does Bob Lutz have one in his garage we can see? Is it like sasquatch only seen in grainy out of focus photo's.

I thought not????? It won't be built IF at all until 2009 and that is if they solve the cooling problems they are having at the current HP level they desire. Meanwhile The 2008 Viper is 600 REAL HP rolling down a REAL assembly line, soon to be delivered to REAL customers hands. With a REAL 2008 ACR ready and waiting.

Dodge doesn't have to worry about this Loch Ness Monster/boogerman Vette until it actually goes into production. And with 10 cylinders and a huge displacement coaxing another 50 to 75 HP out of this motor shouldn't be too much trouble. Dodge hasn't let us down before I don't think they will now. Dodge has had a long time to develop an answer to this new area 51 Vette, the desired HP has not been a very well kept secret.

But for 2008 Viper rules. Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow a wise teacher once said.

 

[Finally got it !]

Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow a wise teacher once said.

My grammer and High school teachers said that they would see me in prison..

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Also, congratulations that your car has 108,000 miles. Please keep us informed when you hit 109,000 as we all live through your experiences.

Will do. And you let us know when you match my miles with the Zaino equivalent in gallons...if you haven't matched it already.

 

[REDSLED]

(I am, however, interested in the Stoptechs. Based on my prior track experience in a 2006 Viper, the stock brakes are pretty amazing. I would be very interested in knowing (1) the exact weight savings of the Stoptechs over the stock Brembos and (2) whether the Stoptechs in fact offer a significant increase in stopping power and fade resistance. If there is a large difference, I am thinking these too can be retrofitted to the convertible.)


Just my two cents.

/Rich

I think your two cents are off. Not Stop-Tech calipers, but Stop-Tech 2pc. rotors. Any two piece rotor with the proper aluminum hat is going to save approximately 11 pounds per corner. That is alot of unsprung weight savings.