[pawan]

After Nissan announced in May of this year that its 480-horsepower, all-wheel-drive GT-R lapped Germany's infamous 20.8-km (12.9 miles) Nurburgring Nordschleife in a time of 7:29, Viper people became restless. Then, just a month later, following Chevrolet's declaration that its 638-horsepower supercharger corvette ZR1 was the king of the hill, breaking the GT-R's record with a time of 7:26, Viper people became downright mad. Not the folks who work for dodge, mind you, but the members of the Viper Club of America, a group of Viper fanatics that in fact stretches its arms well beyond America, as far as Japan and Germany. Sick and tired of hearing about other cars setting records at the Nordschleife, they wanted to see their pride and joy-namely, Dodge's new track-attacking 600-horsepower Viper ACR (American Club Racer)-take a shot at the record books. But what could they do about it?


Well, they could (and did) bug Dodge-specifically, the Street & Racing Technology team-to the point that SRT said, What the heck, let's go for it. So SRT rented the Nordschleife for a half-day (at a cost of $2000 Euro per hour), shipped two ACRs over to Germany, hired a pro driver through Zakspeed (a race team that runs Vipers in the ADAC Zurich 24h Race at the Nurburgring), and hoped for good weather and, more important, a lap time quicker than 7:26. And, for posterity, the SRT team figured having a media outlet on-hand was a wise idea, so they invited Motor Trend, and yours truly was fortunate enough to get the call.


Chasing the Record
On August 18, the day of the record attempt, the climate gods appear to be on Dodge's side-temps are in the 60s Fahrenheit and rainclouds have come and gone the day prior, so, save for two, slightly damp spots, the track is dry (a rarity at the Nordschleife, as precipitation is common in the Eifel region of Germany, often leaving the 'Ring damp, in parts or entirety). At 8 a.m., FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel, who pilots a Leon TFSi for SEAT Team Holland, arrives at the track, ready to be debriefed and prepped for his 9 a.m. start time. In addition to his time in WTCC, Coronel, a Dutchman, has compiled extensive experience in Formula 3, Formula Nippon, and, most significant on this day, the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. After donning his race suit and conversing with the SRT engineers, Coronel squeezes into the red-and-black ACR (a black-and-gray ACR was brought along as a back-up) and departs on his warm-up lap.


(A note on the two Viper ACRs: Except for a Racetech seat with a six-point harness, each ACR is factory stock and fitted with the Hard Core package, a no-cost option that cuts 40 pounds off the curb weight. About 10 percent of ACR customers order the HCP, which deletes the audio system, trunk carpet, rear cabin sound insulation, tire inflator kit, hood insulator, and steel battery cover.)

If there were any skeptics regarding Coronel's ability to hustle a Viper around the 'Ring, his first two laps-a 7:42 and a 7:35, respectively-silence all of them. Informed of his times, Coronel seems somewhat pleased and then asks, "And what time are you trying to break?" After hearing that he's nearly 10 seconds behind the record, he shrugs and says, "I think that is possible." To address Coronel's complaints that the ACR is displaying light understeer in medium- to high-speed turns and its steering feels a little light, engineers stiffen the front dampers for both compression and rebound (up three clicks to position 11, out of 14 total) and the rear dampers for compression (again, up three clicks to 11). The adjustable rear wing, which offers seven hole positions with the seventh offering the most down force, remains in position three, while the front splitter stays at its initial setting (0) as does the ride height (0.5 inch lower than stock).


breaking the Record
Coronel's second and third stints, each with one hot lap, render the same record-breaking time of 7:24, evidence that the suspension alterations, along with fresh Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, are cutting time. The team is happy but not overjoyed-the record is theirs but they know the car can do better. According to SRT engineer Mike Shinedling, computer simulations done back in Michigan showed the ACR capable of times well into the teens, so a sub-7:20 is the ultimate goal.

On the fourth run, another single hot lap, Coronel puts down the best time of the day, a 7:22.1, slicing over four seconds from the ZR1's time. It's not a sub-7:20, but it'll more than do. Per Shinedling, "Had we shortened the gearing and had more than a day to develop the car for the Nordshcleife, we probably could have dipped below 7:20, but we're very happy with our time, nonetheless." So is Coronel, who suggests the team celebrate with a round of beer at the famous Pistenklause restaurant. Everyone obliges, as there is much to rejoice and, let's face it, likely little time to enjoy it-undoubtedly, the ZR1 will be back as will the GT-R (rumors abound that a V-Spec version has lapped a 7:25). But for now, the Viper ACR is the most lethal 'Ringer around.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Sets Nurburgring Lap Record - Auto News - Motor Trend

[Rahulkool]

nice effort and results .....

[Amien]

The ACR Dodge Viper is an out and out race car, infact, this one is the first street-legal ACR Viper. Even though the 7:22 lap time is unofficial, i wont be surprised if its confirmed

[pawan]

Originally Posted by Amien

The ACR Dodge Viper is an out and out race car, infact, this one is the first street-legal ACR Viper. Even though the 7:22 lap time is unofficial, i wont be surprised if its confirmed

no it isnt it just has a wing tunable suspension and some wheels compared to the viper. neither was the original acr a race car nor is this.

if this is a all out race car so is the s2000cr the gt3rs the 430 scuderia and so on.

[Amien]

The original ACR wasn't street legal. And you're right, the 430 Scuderia and the GT3RS would be described as "out and out race cars" loads of weight trimming, removal of extra seats/addition of roll cage/removal of basic equippment(stereo etc.) all put them in that category. However, why is this a bad thing? They're still production vehicles, i wasn't suggesting they get any less credit for their performance figures, just like i woudn't take credit away from the GTR Vspec or a super lightweight version of the ZR1(if it comes out)

Oh and ,you mentioned something about it only having functional aerodynamic additions, adjustable suspension, racing brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Its got more
"Weight is also decreased by as much as 80 lb (36 kg) by way of the "Hardcore Package" which deletes radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk carpet, hood pad and tire inflater."

That being said, it is an AWESOME machine and being a viper fan its nice to see the snake back angrier and more venomous than ever!

"Although the 2008 Viper ACR is street legal, it is clearly meant for track use."

[abhinav.gupta88]

Gosh
7:22

I saw a few runs by Jeremy Clarkson in a JAG Deisel and he clocked about 9.59
even a girl ( who is known to know the ring best did it in 9.20 odd minutes)

7.22 Is Amazing.
Hats off.
Wonder how fast will bugatti or Koenigsegg do it.

[srijit]

abinav, that was in a diesel car. This is in an entirely different league. Impressive, nonetheless.

[punterccrx8s]

Awesome car.Definitely deserves the record.My choice over Zr1.Well done VIPER!

[Amien]

Originally Posted by abhinav.gupta88

Gosh
7.22 Is Amazing.
Hats off.
Wonder how fast will bugatti or Koenigsegg do it.

7:22 is beyond amazing my friend,

Koenigsegg CCR did it in 7:34 (Driver: Horst von Saurma)
Buggati Veyron did it in 7:40 according to Wheels magazine.

The Japanese and the Americans give the biggest bang for the buck, and performance figures that are scond to none in real world situations.
z06, GTR, ZR1 and now the Viper ACR
not to forget, The GTR Vspec and the Lexus LF-A(possible vapourware) still in the stable

It's a great time to be a sports car fan, the year 2008 will go down in history.

[abhinav.gupta88]

The GTR is a pretty amazing car
Would anyday choose it over many super cars and mitsubishi evo also.

What a machine.
Even TG Team were surprised by such an extraordinary car. ( Its the 6th fastest sedan in the world , if i remember correctly.)

[Cyrus43]

Bravisimo Dodge!! Dodge has always been the "Bad Boy" of the American Car Scene.

[autopsyche]

Whazzammm my fav car conquers the ring! Now all left to ask is ...GTR Who? ZR-1 Who?

[IronWolf]

Nice record by the Viper. I though the American muscle would be sloppy around corners, well I was wrong.

Any timing by a Subaru WRX/Evo X? 8.20 odd?

[autopsyche]

8.06 Subaru WRX STi Spec-C
8.25 Mitsubishi EVO VII

[IronWolf]

Thought as much. I am sure the new lil Sti coupe or the EVO X could get a 7.40.

Also wonder how much a certain White TCed OHC Vtec would do.