Video: Birth of a Dodge Viper ACR-X

This video by Chrysler shows just exactly how a "normal" Dodge Viper becomes an ACR-X, the track only model. While the job is done at the same facility that produces the built-from-the-ground-up Viper Competition coupes, the ACR-X is retrofitted with race goods after it is assembled.

The list of goodies is long: roll cage, brake cooling ducts, racing fuel cell, fire suppression system, and huge brakes. All of which make the ACR-X track ready, almost from the showroom floor.

Video: Ralph Gilles discusses the future of the Dodge Viper

While everyone anxiously awaits some news regarding the future of the Dodge Viper, there has been much speculation about what the brand will become. Will it be reborn as a purpose built sports car or race car? Will it retain much of its current traits and stay similar to the current car?

While Dodge CEO Ralph Giles takes the time in this video to discuss the current Viper and its pending retirement, he does not clue us in to any future Viper news. He does, however, acknowledge that demand for the outgoing 2010 Viper is very strong, and Dodge is considering building more ACR-X models to meet demand. Gilles also tells us that consumer demand is shaping decisions for the future of the brand.

Dodge rolls out 2010 Viper Final Edition lineup

The Dodge Viper may be going away, at least temporarily, but you know that Dodge wasn't going to let it die quietly. To commemorate the car that defines the term "American sports car," Dodge has created these Final Edition Vipers.

Chrysler will build a total of 50 of the Final Editions. 20 will be coupes, 18 roadsters, and 12 ACR's, each painted Graphite clear coat with a black center stripe outlined in red. Anthracite six spoke wheels will be placed on the coupe and roadster, and the ACR will feature black Sidewinder wheels.

The interior features a host of badges and special touches, including a numbered plaque on the shifter bezel. Power is unchanged from the stock Viper, and pricing at this time is unconfirmed. Check out all the details in the press release below.

Press Release

Dodge Pulls Skin Off 2010 Viper SRT10 Final Edition Models

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 6, 2010 - To celebrate the final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper, Dodge is building a limited production run of just 50 2010 Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models.

Available in Coupe, Roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations, each 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.

The black interior features 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 located on the shifter bezel just above the unique Viper Final Edition floor mats.

All Viper Final Edition Coupe and Roadster models will wear six-spoke wheels painted in Anthracite, while ACR models will come with five-spoke Sidewinder wheels in black.

The venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine remains the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10. With 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque, benchmark performance numbers, (including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range, 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat and a top speed of 202 mph) continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

This build of 50 Final Edition 2010 Dodge Vipers includes all three model configurations for the first time - 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs. In 2002, a total of 360 Viper Final Edition Coupes (326) and ACRs (34) were built with Viper Red Clear Coat exterior and white stripes.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition models is scheduled to begin in early summer.

Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012?

At a recent Chrysler business plan meeting, CEO of the Dodge car brand Ralph Gilles dropped some big news. After going back and forth on what to do with the Viper brand, Chrysler has decided to end production of the car in July 2010. 500 final cars will be built, that according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers built to date. The explanation given was that Chyrsler wants to preserve the value of current Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely.

It's not time to mourn the loss of the American supercar just yet, however, as Gilles also announced that an all new car is in development with a target release date of 2012. And this new Viper will be getting a little input from Chrysler's Italian colleagues (see: Fiat, Ferrari). All we can hope is that they retain the Viper's distinct American personality.