2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X Ready to Tame Any Road Course

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 4 /PRNewswire/ --

• Turn-key, spec-series racer built to continue 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 to create Viper ACR-X
• Special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety
• Dodge Viper Cup spec-racing series will debut in July 2010

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is "the" ultimate special-edition model of America's ultimate sports car.

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper American Club Racer (ACR) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V-10 engine, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than the production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than the production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage with unique springs, two-way adjustable shocks and adjustable sway bar links.

Curb weight is a full 160 pounds lighter (compared with the standard-production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades including quad-dive planes and underbody ducts improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Dodge built 25 units of the turn-key, non-street legal race car. All 25 have been purchased exclusively through Viper Race Headquarters and many will be making their on-track debuts in July 2010 as part of the newly formed Dodge Viper Cup series.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is a dream come true for road-racing enthusiasts who are looking for outstanding performance and safety," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. "This ACR-X is designed and built for drivers who demand serious speed and want to compete in our ultimate American sports car."

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fire suppression system, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components including a transmission cooler, rear differential cooling system, unique front rotors with larger surface area and improved brake cooling via scoops in the front fascia are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

"We're continuing to work toward making this final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper in 2010 the most exciting year for Viper and Viper Nation alike," added Gilles. "The Viper ACR-X and the launch of the Dodge Viper Cup series will continue the momentum for years to come."

Aside from his day-to-day duties as Dodge President and CEO, Gilles played a role in the on-track development of the Viper ACR-X.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is simply incredible," said Gilles. "Owners are going to be blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigates even the most challenging road courses and how friendly it is to drive at the limit. This is a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step up to GT level competition."

Dodge Viper Cup Series

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. Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup series schedule, which includes:

• July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va.
• Aug. 14-15 at Hallett Raceway in Jennings, Okla.
• Sept. 11-12 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.
• Oct. 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah
• Oct. 22-24 at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, in Pahrump, NV

Every vehicle that competes in the Dodge Viper Cup series must be a new Dodge Viper ACR-X.

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 will be awarded as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Finisher Cash Awarded 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-three finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup series standings. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

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.

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.

Viper finished 1-2 at The 24 Hours of LeMans in GTS class in three consecutive years: 1998 – 2000 and also captured GTS class, manufacturer's and driver's championships in the American LeMans Series in 1999 and 2000.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter of that history 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.

www.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

About Dodge

Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge introduced two new vehicles for the 2009 model year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment's only Stow 'n Go® and Swivel 'n Go® seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Journey and 2010 Dodge Avenger (with ESC) also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC