Video: Dodge Viper V10 powered 300C

Ah, what could have been. Or what could be. The 300C with a Hemi V8 or the SRT version are both formidable cars in their own right. But with a bunch of Viper V10's running around and no new Vipers to put them in, could they be put to better use? Absolutely.

This short video shows a glimpse of what the definition of a sleeper looks like. This Viper powered 300C is a project car that features a manual transmission, but now much else is known about the car. The sound, however, is unmistakable and the possibilities are tantalizing.

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak to have Viper V10

The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, which made its debut back in 2009, is the very definition of a factory prepped drag-ready car. All that have been produced so far have been snatched up quickly, proving that there is indeed a market for a turnkey racer.

The big news for 2011 is that the Drag Pak is is moving on from the 6.1 liter Hemi it has been using for power, and replacing it with an 8.4 liter, Viper V10 backed up with a two speed automatic transmission. Power output is identical to the now defunct Viper at 600hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.

Other race only goodies include built in roll control, body in white construction, fuel cell, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight front brakes, and race style wheels and tires.



Three packages are available. The Competition Package costs $7,950 and features an eight point roll cage, six point safety harness, and mesh window net so you can enter and exit Dukes of Hazard style. The Mopar Body Logo Wrap will cost $950, and if you don't like white for an additional $6,800 you can have one of an assortment of colors.

If you want one, you better hurry. Only 70 examples will be produced, with a starting price of $85,512.



Press Release

Mopar® Introduces 2011 Challenger Drag Pak for Sportsman Racers
This One Has a V-10 and is Race-ready

Mopar® Challenger V-10 Drag Pak built for sanctioned NHRA Stock and Super Stock configurations
Priced at $85,512, Mopar to build 70 serialized units
Production starts 1Q 2011, applications available now at local Dodge dealerships or at www.mopar.com
Past Mopar Challenger Drag Pak model-year programs sold out (2009 and 2010)

October 1, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Racers rejoice. Mopar® is dropping a V-10 into the iconic Dodge Challenger.
The new race-only V-10 powered rear-wheel drive 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak features an 8.4-liter 512 cubic-inch engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission. Mopar will showcase its new drag car this evening at the Dodge Viper Owner's Invitational in Salt Lake City. The vehicle will then make its way to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas from Nov. 2-5, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando from Dec. 9-11.

"With the introduction of our new 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, Mopar will be the only place to get a factory-built V-10-powered race-ready drag car," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Mopar's new Challenger Drag Pak is a race rocket that will appeal to racers, collectors, dealers, and Dodge Viper owners."

Based on the 2011 Dodge Challenger and finished in a Stock Eliminator and Super Stock configuration, the 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak is the first and only 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car. The car features competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gear ratio, a 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with gauge package.

The Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak features a Bright White paint scheme with color options. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $85,512 and production begins early next year.

Mopar offers three options with this vehicle. First, the Competition Package includes an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net (MSRP: $7,950, part number P5155820). Second, a Mopar logo body wrap (MSRP: $950, part number P5155892) and a range of body colors (MSRP: $6,800, part number P5155893). With the Competition Package, the car is ready to go down the drag strip.

Orders must be submitted using the Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Application, which is available now at www.Mopar.com, the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4364), or a local Dodge dealer. Customers should work with their local Dodge dealer to submit their application.

2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Highlights

Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
Primed and painted body, color options available
512 cid V-10 engine
Unique engine calibration
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
No windshield wiper assembly
No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
No rear seats
No power-steering system
No underbody heat shields
Complete fuel cell assembly
Race headers with collectors
Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
Polycarbonate door windows
Smart-glass door window system
Solid engine mounts
Mopar solid rear axle
Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Front chin spoiler
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Lightweight instrument panel assembly
Special cable-operated decklid release
Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
Race-style wheels and tires

Video: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X

With the Dodge Viper getting ready to take a two year hiatus, Dodge promised to have some special models coming out to tide folks over in the meantime. One such model is the ACR-X.

Dodge and it's SRT group created this track day beast to compete in the SCCA and NASA Viper Racing League. Sporting a price tag of $110,000, it bests the standard ACR Viper by putting out a stout 640hp.

The suspension has also been further tuned to perfection, and weight is down by 160 pounds over the "stock" version. Some further aerodynamic enhancements and other racing goodies help further the cause.

Production begins this spring, with the Dodge Viper Spec series kicking off in July of 2010.

PRESS RELEASE

Dodge Targets Road Racing Enthusiasts With 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper's storied racing history
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
Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010
Orlando, Fla., Dec 10, 2009 - Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

"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," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. "This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world."

Combining 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 Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the 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 Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. ""We're going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track," added Gilles. "The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car."

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

"All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue," Wittmer added. "This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!"

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com

Dodge Viper Cup:

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

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.

Per Race Cash Mopar Voucher Total
1st $6,500 $1,000 $7,500
2nd $4,500 $500 $5,000
3rd $2,500 $250 $2,750
4th $1,250 $150 $1,400
5th $500 $100 $600

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.

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.

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 race series within the group of three (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

Dodge Viper enters it's final year with tweaks

The Dodge Viper is entering it's final year of production, at least for the next couple of years. To celebrate it's leaving the model lineup temporarily, Dodge is rolling out new colors, more performance, and a few limited edition models.

The two new exterior colors are Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat. A shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from .74 to .80) improves high speed acceleration, as the 0-200 mph run drops by 14 seconds. The track-bred ACR models get a new short-throw shifter, and aerodynamic tweaks to the rear wing lower drag while improving downforce (top speed bumps up to 184 mph on the ACR model).

Two special edition models of the Viper have been announced, the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33Edition and the Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR. The 1:33 aims to pay homage to the record breaking version of the car that lapped Laguna Seca. It sports a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color.

The Voodoo Edition gets an all black exterior with a Graphite stripe with red outlines. Only ten of the special cars will be produced. Be sure and check out the press release below for all the details.

Dodge Viper SRT10® Lives On As The Ultimate American Sports Car

Last model year for current generation Dodge Viper
More exclusive than ever before with more than 7,600 possible appearance combinations available for limited production run of 500 cars
Two new exterior colors, including Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
New wider, dual racing stripe pattern
Revised fifth gear ratio
New wing endplate and revised wing profile on American Club Racer (ACR) model
Short-throw shifter on ACR model
Various special, limited-edition models available across 2010 lineup
Auburn Hills, Mich., Dec 2, 2009 -

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.

At the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 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 and 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.

Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the 2010 model year.

With the introduction of two new exterior colors–Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat–Dodge Viper SRT10 is now available in 12 different colors – the most regularly available choices in one model year. And with six stripe options in the new wider configuration, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations–the most for any one model year–significantly adding to the exclusivity of each car like never before.

New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team'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 higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.

The Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel. Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet.

Interior color options for 2010 include: standard black, two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan center console, lower instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009 model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.

Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 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 combined with the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model).

The enhanced 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.

New Special, Limited-edition Models

Numerous special, limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24 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 10 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.

Video: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR sets track record at Laguna Seca

The Dodge Viper was never what many would consider a track car, at least until the ACR showed up. Built as a lighter alternative to a regular SRT10 with ten times the downforce (thanks to a huge wing), the ACR has been setting records ever since.

The 2010 ACR is even more serious than the 2009. With a faster top speed of 202 mph, revised gear ratios that take it to that speed 14 seconds quicker than it's predecessor.

The latest record to fall was the single lap record at Laguna Seca when this particular ACR ran it in with a time of 1:33.944, beating the previous record by more than a second. You can see two videos below, one an in car video to capture all the action.

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.

Video: Just another Viper V-10 powered motorcycle

What is it with people and their fascination when it comes to mating V10 engines and motorcycles? I'm not really sure if they have a death wish or they just crave attention. Either way, Allen Millyard from the UK has devised another machine that marries insane power to two wheels. This one actually looks more like a traditional motorcycle than the Dodge Tomahawk, albeit with a very long wheelbase.

Saleen to buy Viper?

Saleen has been in an upheaval of sorts for a while now. Founder Steve Saleen left to do his own thing, then the company's assets were sold off to private investors. It's new owners plan to keep making superchargers and bolt on's, but the turnkey Racecraft series and S could face the axe. Meanwhile, the company's former owners retain possession of it's supercar manufacturing business while they figure out what to do with it.

In the meantime, Chrysler has been openly trying to pawn off it's Viper brand. They have three potential owners, and they're not naming names at this time. At the same time, Saleen is refusing to comment on the possibility that they might be one of the three mystery buyers. You know what they say about silence...

[Source: AutoWeek]

Dodge Viper now available for employee pricing

Chrysler may be trying to unload the Viper brand to the highest bidder, but first it's going to give millions of Americans the opportunity to buy their own supercar at a discounted price.



Until now the Viper remained outside Chrysler's Employee Purchase and Certain Designated Individuals discount program, but that's about to change as the supercar joins the list of eligible vehicles.



While Chrysler employs over 130,000 people, we doubt many of them, especially in this economic climate, will have the means or motivation to pick up the gas-guzzling V10 muscle car. However, an arrangement between Chrysler and Wal-Mart extends the benefits program to employees of the mega-retail chain, and with over 1.2 million employees, we're sure there are a few who'll take Chrysler up on its offer. Don't go rushing to pick up an ACR, however, as the track-focused model remains outside the program.