Dodge chose a surprisingly low key setting for its most potent hardware, nestling a pit of five Vipers in the back of the convention center’s West Hall. Five to signify the last five hundred Vipers they plan to build before shuttering the division as a replacement is developed? Perhaps.
It is a display that needs little explanation. A small trophy case displays just a few of the many trophies Vipers have collected during years of racing. A wall-mounted monitor continuously loops the Viper’s record setting Nurburgring run. Nearby is the actual car that set the record - a fierce looking black and red Viper ACR, decked out with a special red and black paint scheme, red wheels, and upgraded aero.
Next to it, and looking as if it just came in after victory laps, is the #91 Team Viper ORECA GTS R/T that that won the 1999 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. A chipped front fascia and mud spattered rockers never looked so good.
Another ACR flanks the ORECA, and it’s a rare serpent indeed – the first Viper to receive the special, limited edition Vodoo treatment. Both the name and black on black with silver treatment pay homage to acclaimed Chrysler designer and newly minted Dodge brand chief Ralph Gilles, who is of Haitian descent. It’s a mean looking combination that is literally not for everyone as only 10 will be made.
Flanking the hard tops were two SRT10 roadsters in the two new colors for 2010, toxic orange pearl coat and silver metallic clear coat. Both look exceptionally sharp, particularly the bright orange and beige combination.
But new paint isn’t all that is changed for the 2010 Viper. Along with the new colors, Vipers receive a new wider, dual racing stripe pattern and a shorter fifth gear ratio that gets the car up to its 200mph top speed 14 seconds quicker. ACR Vipers receive a revised rear wing with endplates as well as a short throw shifter.
Dodge claims a number of 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 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca raceway. See our new Laguna Lap section on MotorTrend.com for all the dirt.
Like what you see? Then you better act fast. Only 500 Vipers will be built in an undetermined mix of coupe, roadster and ACR packages.
Thanks to: Motor Trend