2009 Dodge Viper ACR

According to RideLust: What distinguishes the ACR from the regular Viper is not horsepower, both have the same 8.4 liter V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound feet of torque. The ACR includes mostly handling, braking, suspension and weight upgrades to enhance its cornering abilities. This is not just lip service. Purportedly at 150 mph, the regular Viper coupe generates 100 pounds of downforce; at the same speed, the Viper ACR generates 1000 pounds of downforce. Therefore, the giant carbon-fiber rear wing is clearly not meant for show. There’s also a new carbon-fiber front splitter that extends way back under the car and incorporates seven steps to diffuse the airflow. The new hood louvers unveiled with the 600-horsepower engine upgrade a year ago play a part, too. Suspension changes include race-style KW shocks all around that can be adjusted for stiffness and ride height, springs twice as stiff as those in a normal Viper, and a larger front stabilizer bar. Forged “Sidewinder” alloy wheels save 30 pounds of unsprung weight, and new two-piece StopTech brake rotors save a further 30. The standard ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the regular Viper coupe.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR

All of the upgrades result in the SRT10 Viper ACR getting to 60 mph in around 3.7 seconds, but more importantly stops it in less than 100 feet. Impressive as it is, the Viper will probably go the same way as the RX-7, NSX or anything else that is too expensive and inefficient for the world we live in. With Chrysler on the brink of bankruptcy and the executives having to justify every business decision they make to Congress, we should all enjoy it while it lasts.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Interior

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Engine