When Dodge dropped a V10 truck engine into a roadster back in 1991, it made the biggest, heaviest and most powerful front-engine go-kart in the world.
The Viper had to be the answer for the European supercars and its performances were far better than anyone expected. Its speed and handling abilities transformed it into a mad track-weapon. Its unique styling was unmistakable. Even though it was introduced as a roadster, the carmaker offered it in a coupe version later on. Dodge prepared the ACR (American Club Racer) version for weekend racing, which was even more hard-core than its regular model.
In 2007, Dodge presented the fourth Viper generation in both shapes: coupe and roadster. Unlike the original version, it didn't feature any safety arch or B-pillar. In the ACR version, the car featured a carbon-fiber front splitter and front canards on the sides to divert the airflow to the sides. The six vents on the hood helped to cool the engine while the side extraction ones took the air out of the wheel-wells. In the back, the carmaker installed a huge, adjustable wing.
The Viper ACR interior showed a minimalist style with a tall center console where the gear-stick was mounted closer to the driver and one cup-holder. On the center stack, Dodge placed an audio system and the climate control. These were offered as an option since the racer did not need them on the track. Its sport bucket-seats with high bolstering offered great support during high-speed cornering.
But the real changes were under the bodywork. Even though it was an open-top vehicle designed for racetrack and cruising, the carmaker installed adjustable K&W suspension and bigger Brembo disc brakes in all corners. The engine was still a V-10, while the stability control was still unknown for the Viper.