2016 Dodge Viper ACR

The Viper’s current resurrection has come at a time when rival American marques are setting new standards for power and performance (see the Corvette Z06). So Dodge is upping its game for 2016, starting with the return of the Viper ACR: the American Club Racer. Essentially, the ACR is a stripped down, hardcore track version of the Viper that’s still legal for street use. Featuring the same ferocious 8.4 liter V10 generating 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the ACR shows very marginal power increases, but still inches within spitting distance of the Z06 in the numbers race. The most drastic changes come in the form of aerodynamics, weight reduction and handling. The custom aero package – constructed predominantly of carbon fiber – consists of a rear diffuser, adjustable rear wing, front splitter, and hood that enables this Viper to achieve up to a full ton of down-force at speeds of 177mph. Superfluous interior features like electronic seats and excess speakers have all been stripped from the ACR to bring its overall weight down as much as possible. Coupled with upgrades like the adjustable race-tuned Bilstein coil-overs, custom Kumho Ecsta V720 tires and carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, Dodge has made sure the Viper ACR is ready to do battle with any supercar – countryman or otherwise – that comes its way. Pricing has not been announced, but look for the 2016 Viper ACR to start racing Fall 2015.