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SRT Viper ACR is coming!

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Unsurprisingly, a more track focused Viper ACR has been confirmed for production (Viper GTS-R shown). SRT CEO Ralph Gilles has previously hinted at a Viper ACR but a high-level at Chrysler has confirmed to Motor Trend that a faster snake is already under development. Apparently, the reason for the delay is not budget or technical difficulties facing the SRT team. Rather, it's a problem with the tires.

The SRT team would like some of the sticky goodness wrapping the Corvette ZR1's wheels - the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. However, Michelin wouldn't sell the tires to SRT. The Corvette team may have had something to do with it but that would be difficult to confirm. Either way, they are now pressing their supplier, Pirelli, to develop something comparable to the Pilot Sport Cup tires to be used on the Viper ACR. The development for the car and tires are expected to be done for the 2014 calendar year.

Along with upgraded tires, the ACR should receive a bunch of performance boosting upgrades. Judging by the previous ACR, the treatment should include stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, upgraded shocks, better brakes, aerodynamic upgrades to increase downforce and a drop in weight. A more hardcore version or package may also strip the interior or at least a few convenience features like A/C or speakers/radio for more weight savings. It is unknown whether or not there will be a power increase.

There has been a power increase in the past for the ACR version but the previous ACR did not receive a power bump. The current power output of the 8.4 litre V10 was kept at 640 hp to keep the weight to power ratio of the Viper at 5.2 lb/hp (power to weight ratio of 424 hp/ton), the same as the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Any higher and the Viper would have had a better power to weight ratio than the Ferrari and  Fiat wouldn't have been too happy about that. More power out of the monstrous V10 can be had relatively easy, though, and could even exceed the 731 hp rating of the F12 Berlinetta. I wouldn't be surprised if they at least give it a different tune that improves mid range torque and response but no increase in top end power a la the Mustang Boss 302's TracKey, except it would be a permanent tune dedicated to the ACR.

If the new Viper ACR follows in the foot steps of the previous one and does include weight saving upgrades, then it should have a better power to weight ratio than the F12 Berlinetta and that's with no increase in power. Do you think the SRT team will be able to convince Fiat to take the 8.4 litre V10 closer to its full potential? A 700 hp Viper ACR wouldn't be so bad..

Source: Motor Trend


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