Race-ready Dodge Viper revealed

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X, a special-edition turnkey racing car targeted at road-racing enthusiasts and priced from around $110,000, will be the centerpiece of a new Dodge Viper Cup spec series that kicks off next July. The current-generation Viper is slated to go out of production at the end of the 2010 model year.

Developed by the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team, the ACR-X combines attributes of the Viper Competition Coupe and the Viper ACR. Powered by a special version of the production Viper's 8.4-liter V10, fitted with a low-restriction exhaust and factory headers, the ACR-X delivers 640 horsepower.

The Viper ACR-X will commence production in the spring.

Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the Dodge brand, said, "The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional."

The Viper ACR-X is 160 pounds lighter than a standard production Viper, with a track-tuned suspension and aerodynamic upgrades designed to improve high-speed stability and grip. The car is also equipped with a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat.

The ACR-X is designed for SCCA and NASA competition events as well as the new Viper Cup, a 10-race spec series that begins on July 9 at Virginia International Raceway and ends on October 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Dodge says it will pay out more than $200,000 in contingency prize money.