Viper ACR continues to set lap records at various race tracks

[Widewing]

Taken directly from the assembly line, a factory stock Viper ACR set a new production sports car lap record at Laguna Seca. A factory Engineer was at the wheel (not a professional race driver). This is one of six track records established by the Viper ACR, the most prestigious being at Nurburgring, where it lapped 4 seconds faster than a 2009 Corvette ZR1 prepared by a GM factory team.

What the future holds for the Viper is unknown, but as of right now, it's mighty impressive.


http://media.chrysler.com/video/assets/lowres/flvplayer.swf?file=http://chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/video/1689/Driver View of Viper Record Lap.flv&image=http://chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/video/1689/Driver View of Viper Record Lap.jpg&height=260&width=320

My regards,

Widewing

[Bronk]

The anti American brigade will be here shortly to pee on the thread.

[Serenity]

The anti American brigade will be here shortly to pee on the thread.

Not anti-american, but I think the nose is a bit too long. Makes it look kinda awkward from certain angles. Other than that, VERY sexy car!

[phatzo]

good to see the viper doing what its meant to do. Go fast no matter what shape the road is.

[GFShill]

Needs to be at Sebring in March if it wants to be a serious race car.  ALMS baby! 

[MrRiplEy[H]]

good to see the viper doing what its meant to do. Go fast no matter what shape the road is.

Looking at the front clearance any road with any kind of curbs is a big no-no.  

[Bronk]

Looking at the front clearance any road with any kind of curbs is a big no-no.  

Looks like its coming off the top of the corkscrew at speed in that pic. Just about any car will bottom out attempting that.

[Widewing]

Looking at the front clearance any road with any kind of curbs is a big no-no.  

The splitter is quickly detached and not recommended for normal street use. A parking lot speed bump would be bad.....



My regards,

Widewing

[Reaper90]

This is one of six track records established by the Viper ACR, the most prestigious being at Nurburgring, where it lapped 4 seconds faster than a 2009 Corvette ZR1 prepared by a GM factory team.

Oranges, apples, etc.

Viper's lap record was set on R-comp race tires.

Corvette ZR-1 time was set on street tires.

Equal tires and the ZR-1 crushes the Viper. The Dodge guys of course test it on race tires because that's the way it comes from the factory.... as it is not a "street car" but a race-ready car (i.e. the ACR, which stands for "American Club Racer") available from the factory that happens to be street "legal" even if not really useable.

[CAP1]

a buddy of mine has 2 vipers. one isn't stock. he's a drag racer, although he's taken the hopped up one to pocono.
 the hopped up one runs mid 10's in the 1/4 mile, and it's his every day driver. he's changing the heads, adding a bigger super charger, and a few other things.

 he's aiming for 9's. specifically, 9.40's.

 i think it's supposed to be in the next month or 2 that he drives it to georgia, and makes his passes. i'll keep yas informed.

[KgB]

The anti American brigade will be here shortly to pee on the thread.

Not to insult your delicate American genius but comments will be about car not the country.
If car criticism hurts your American pride then you should not be here.

[Widewing]

Oranges, apples, etc.

Viper's lap record was set on R-comp race tires.

Corvette ZR-1 time was set on street tires.

Equal tires and the ZR-1 crushes the Viper. The Dodge guys of course test it on race tires because that's the way it comes from the factory.... as it is not a "street car" but a race-ready car (i.e. the ACR, which stands for "American Club Racer") available from the factory that happens to be street "legal" even if not really useable.

"Crush"?? Pure hyperbole.

The Viper was running street legal tires; Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires to be precise, as installed at the factory. These tires are also factory installed on BMW M3s and Porsche GT2s as well as the Viper. The Vette was running Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber.

The class rules are simple. Unmodified, street legal, factory sports cars.

The Viper ACR is quite usable for the street. Loud and harsh, but perfectly okay if you don't mind the rough ride.

One fact overlooked is that Dodge Engineers are certain that if they had more time to dial in the Viper that day, they would have shaved at least another 5 seconds off of the lap record.

I'm sure Chevrolet would like the record back... They'll have to step it up though. A set of tires won't be enough to beat the improved and revised (revised gear ratios) 2010 ACR, which is projected to be able to run sub-7:10 laps at the Ring.

If you watch the video of the ACR's hot lap around the ring, you see that in many short stretches and on every long straight, the engine is on the rev limiter. Simply not enough gear... You'll also see the driver is not pushing it quite as hard as he could, lifting at times and missing shifts.

A link to the video is below. Just remember, this is almost a two year-old record... When Dodge goes back in 2010 (scheduled to share the track with Ferrari in May), I expect to see lap times in the 7:07-7:09 range.

http://www.motortrend.com/av/features/112_0811_2009_dodge_viper_acr_nurburgring_record_video/index.html

My regards,

Widewing

[Strip]

Poor engine, sounded down right nasty on the rev limiter down the long straightaway. I think the car is capable of 6 minute lap times with a better driver or at least better lap from this driver. The Viper did seem a little touchy and harsh even for this type of track as well....


Strip

[Bronk]

Not to insult your delicate American genius but comments will be about car not the country.
If car criticism hurts your American pride then you should not be here.

Yeaaa look at all those russian cars crushing ring lap times.

Shaddaappp

[Serenity]

Yeaaa look at all those russian cars crushing ring lap times.

Shaddaappp

Look at the hypocritical jerk bringing country into it...