Dodge Viper Powers Into 2016 With New ACR Model, Expanded Custom Options and Industry-Exclusive Colors

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Jun 26, 2015, 08:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

The new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) model returns and is the fastest street legal Viper track car ever.

New 2016 Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) model returns; fastest street legal Viper track car ever
New matte-finish exterior color options double the Viper's custom "1 of 1" exterior paint options to 16,000 colors and more than 50 million unique build configurations for the ultimate in model year exclusivity
Now more than 48,000 unique stripe combinations across the lineup, for a truly one-of-a-kind, hand-built American supercar
New high-impact, show-car quality exterior color – Stryker Purple – now available on 2016 GTC model, and introduction of Stryker Orange on ACR model
ACR now available through the GTC program creating the ultimate "1 of 1" street legal track car

The Dodge brand will continue electrifying the performance car world in 2016 with its flagship, hand-built American supercar.

Not only is the new Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) back in the lineup as the ultimate track car, Dodge is also expanding the Viper's exclusive production elements like never before.

With the introduction of matte-finish exterior paint, the 2016 Viper is now offered in more than 50 million unique build configurations, made up from the more than 16,000 unique paint color options and more than 48,000 unique stripe combinations. Now more than ever, Viper customers have the ability to choose a truly one-of-a-kind, hand-built American supercar.

Fastest street-legal Viper track car ever
The Viper ACR returns in 2016, prepared to honor its long-standing legacy as the ultimate street-legal track car through significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades.

Originally introduced in 1999 and last available for the 2010 model year, the Dodge Viper ACR has a long-standing legacy as the ultimate street-legal track car for club racing. The new 2016 model honors that performance legacy with significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new Brembo® Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes with six-piston front calipers and Kuhmo high-performance tires specifically designed for the ACR. Standard equipment highlights include:

Ultimate stopping performance combined with unprecedented brake fade resistance through ACR-exclusive Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix 15-inch two-piece rotors and six-piston front calipers
Unique track suspension features 10-setting, double-adjustable, Bilstein coil-over racing shocks and unique race alignment, delivering up to 3 inches of suspension height adjustment for fine-tuning corner weight
Latest race tire compound technology with massive Kumho® Ecsta V720 high-performance tires (295/25/19 front, 355/30/19 rear), designed and developed specifically for the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, delivers lap times that are 1.5 seconds faster than off-road-only race tires
Combination of suspension, aero treatment and ACR-specific tires delivers sustainable 1.5 g cornering during high-speed turns
Lightweight battery, lightweight carpet, minimal three speaker audio and manual seats designed to manage weight and maintain optimal 50/50 weight distribution
Powered by iconic, hand-built 8.4-liter V-10 engine rated at 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world
Unique Alcantara hand-crafted interior to assist driver stability under high G-loading features iconic "ACR" dash badge and accent stitching
Optional ACR Extreme Aero Package (late availability) delivers nearly 1 ton of peak downforce at top speed through massive, adjustable, dual-element carbon fiber rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, unique SRT hood with removable louvers, detachable extension for the front splitter and additional dive planes

More than 50 million unique build configurations = truly exotic, one-of-a-kind snake
For 2016, the Dodge Viper is available in more than 50 million unique configurations with the introduction of matte-finish paint across all exterior colors and stripes. Customers can choose from more than 16,000 unique paint colors and more than 48,000 unique stripe combinations from the "1 of 1" customization program, for a truly one-of-a-kind, hand-built American supercar.

Customers can also choose the matte finish option on all 11 additional production colors, including Adrenaline Red, Billet Silver Metallic, Black Venom, Bright White, Ceramic Blue, Competition Blue, GTS-R Blue, Gunmetal Pearl, Stryker Orange, Stryker Purple and Yorange.

All 2016 Dodge Viper models are available with stripes. GT, GTC, GTS and ACR models offer optional "GTS" stripes that run the length of the coupe from the front to rear fascia. The SRT and GTC models are available with "SRT" stripes starting on the clamshell hood and making their way onto the roof and finishing on the rear hatch. Viper GTC and ACR models are available with the ACR center band and driver's side stripe.

Stripe configurations are expertly applied in the paint booth before the main body color. Only after the paint is cured, a final clear coat is used to ensure the stripes are an integral part of the finished product.

Exterior stripes are offered in Black Venom, Billet Silver, Bright White, Gunmetal Pearl and Adrenaline Red or from the custom "1 of 1" color palette.

Each 1 of 1 GTC model Viper features a personalized instrument panel badge with the customer's chosen name to commemorate their exclusive design.

Viper GTC Customizer offers personalized online design
On the 2016 Dodge Viper "1 of 1" GTC model, the new Viper GTC Customizer offers Viper lovers the chance to design their personalized version of the only hand-built performance supercar as part of the enhanced customization program. Available at www.driveSRT.com/Viper, the Viper GTC Customizer lets enthusiasts create their own virtual-reality vision of the Dodge Viper through dynamic elements that deliver a unique online design experience.

Starting inside the Design Studio of the customizer, users create their one-of-a-kind Snake from the ground up. Users can "sit" in the virtual cockpit and take an up-close tour of all 18 available trim options.

Once the design of the perfect Viper is complete, users can place the vehicle in their own lifestyle environments to preview how their custom Viper GTC will look in the real world.

Users also can share their custom supercar designs with family and friends. Images may be downloaded in various resolutions to share on social media or used as wallpaper on phones, tablets or computers. A PDF file of the image, complete with all technical information selected, can be downloaded — an especially useful tool for those ready to purchase. Designers can also share their custom Viper on the GTC Inspiration Gallery for other enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy.

The enhanced "1 of 1" customization program is available exclusively for customer orders (not for dealer stock). No two customers can order the same configuration, including color, in the same model year.

Stryker Orange and Stryker Purple add to Viper's vast exterior color palette for 2016
Available on the 2016 Viper GTC and ACR models, new Stryker Orange expands the world-class exterior color palette with enhanced pigments that add depth to the finish and reflections to show off the dramatic curves of the Viper. Stryker Purple is available on Viper GTC only.

Hand-painted process brings exclusive flexibility
The Dodge Viper's unique hand-painted process enables the flexibility to deliver industry-first custom paint options that offer unequal personalization while meeting the latest industry durability standards.

Each Viper has an extremely high quality level paint finish that ranks as one of the best in the industry. It takes between 145 to 160 man hours to prep and hand-paint the Viper body panels. After paint and clear coat, every Viper body panel is sanded smooth by hand with 1,000 grit paper and polished to a near mirror finish.

The individuals who paint the Viper are truly specialized artisans. The application of the exterior paint is a detailed and intricate process, taking approximately eight hours to complete. The process starts with a base color coat followed by a tinted mid-coat and topped off with a clear finish. Each coat application adds depth and accentuates the curvature of the Viper's exterior design.

Nose to tail stripes are also hand painted and finished – unlike most cars that use decals – underneath the clear coat. This results in a completely smooth surface with no discernable edges to the stripe. A stripe adds 18 hours to the overall paint process.

As a result of this unique hand-painted process, Viper is able to offer industry-exclusive matte finish across its full color palette.

Awe-inspiring V-10 powertrain
The heart and soul of the 2016 Dodge Viper is its legendary, handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine, featuring an ultra-high-flow, lightweight composite intake manifold; high-strength forged pistons; sodium-filled exhaust valves; exhaust system catalysts to ease backpressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses.

Power output of the SRT-engineered V-10 is 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world.

Approximately 25 pounds have been shaved from the fully dressed engine compared with the previous-generation model (2010 model year).

The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission features close gear ratios and a final-drive ratio of 3.55. Short shifter throws make the 2016 Dodge Viper models extremely engaging to drive. Its top speed of 206 mph is achieved through 6th gear with maximum engine speed (redline) at 6,200 rpm.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability
Starting with a stiffer structure that provides 50 percent more torsional rigidity than the previous generation model, the 2016 Dodge Viper chassis benefits from numerous enhancements – many learned through racing efforts with Viper GTS-R, Competition Coupe and ACR-X models.

In addition to the aluminum X-brace under the hood that ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting, an aluminum impact beam at the front of the car contributes to 50/50 weight distribution, while providing excellent crashworthiness. This also benefits torsional rigidity and stiffness.

Structurally, many reworked chassis components take advantage of new materials able to accommodate reduced thickness and complex shapes without compromising structural rigidity. The result is an overall weight savings of approximately 100 pounds versus the previous generation model.

The Dodge Viper SRT model includes a standard single mode, high-performance suspension, while the GT, GTC and GTS models add a driver-selectable suspension system featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with street and track settings. The new ACR features a unique track suspension with 10-setting, double-adjustable, Bilstein coil-over racing shocks and unique race alignment delivering up to 3 inches of suspension height adjustment for fine-tuning corner weight.

Dodge Viper SRT, GT, GTC, and GTS models ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires with outstanding grip, steering feel and cold-weather performance, regardless of road surface, while also broadening the performance envelope on the street or the track. The new ACR rides on the latest race tire compound technology with massive Kumho Ecsta V720 high-performance tires (295/25/19 front, 355/30/19 rear), designed and developed specifically for the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR.

Standard safety technologies include electronic multistage stability control and traction control, which helps to maximize traction performance at virtually any speed and driving environment.

All 2016 Dodge Viper models feature a steering-wheel-mounted switch for the standard launch control, allowing for optimal acceleration from standing starts.

Aerodynamic performance to the maximum
The optional Advanced Aerodynamics Package, TA 1.0 Package and Time Attack Group 1.0 include carbon fiber front corner splitters and a carbon fiber rear spoiler, which provide 278 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and 460 pounds of downforce at top speed.

The optional TA 2.0 Package and Time Attack Group 2.0 feature lower dive planes, carbon fiber front corner splitters and a larger rear wing, which provide 400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and 662 pounds of downforce at top speed.

The Viper ACR sports a rear wing that is 40 percent larger than the TA 2.0. For maximum downforce, the optional ACR Extreme Aero Package with its larger, adjustable dual-element carbon fiber rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, unique SRT hood with removable louvers, detachable extension for the front splitter and additional dive planes all add up to produce unprecedented peak downforce numbers of nearly 1 ton at top speed.

Benchmark braking
Brake performance for the 2016 Dodge Viper is engineered to provide short stopping distances, low modulation, outstanding durability and balanced brake performance without fading under extreme conditions.

Each corner of every Viper features four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed aluminum calipers and vented rotors boasting a diameter of 14.0 x 1.26 inches (355 x 32 mm). Brake calipers are forged. All surfaces are machined for full weight optimization. The calipers are among the stiffest available. Heat distortion is nearly eliminated, even under the most demanding braking conditions.

Lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech are standard on the Dodge Viper GT, GTC and GTS models for 2016.

Four available equipment packages (TA 1.0, TA 2.0, Time Attack 1.0 and Time Attack 2.0) feature a Brembo brake system with unique, slotted, vented high-thermal calipers and two-piece, wide annulus rotors and pads, to increase thermal capacity and optimize heat dissipation providing improved extreme use.

The new ACR features standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes with 15-inch two-piece rotors and six-piston front calipers, which deliver ultimate stopping performance with unprecedented brake fade resistance.

Race-inspired, high-performance interiors
The driver-oriented interior cabins of all 2016 Dodge Vipers feature superior craftsmanship, premium material appointments and performance-oriented technologies.

All major interior surfaces are sewn and wrapped, with additional padding applied in comfort areas.

Ballistic 2 Premium high grip seats are standard on the SRT model. The Viper GT model brings in standard Nappa leather with Alcantara inserts and is available with full Nappa leather seats. SRT and GT models are both adorned with suede panels and accent stitching. Color combinations include a black interior with black seats, a black interior with Sepia seats, and a black interior with Demonic Red seats.

Standard on the Viper GTS model, Nappa leather-wrapped surfaces surround the cabin; Laguna leather seats and an Alcantara headliner are standard. Accent colors are applied to the seats, doors, center console and stitching, including black and two-tone combinations of Sepia and black, and a Demonic Red and black combination.

Also available on the GTC model is a fully wrapped premium Laguna leather interior in all black, all Sepia or all Demonic Red resulting in a luxurious full-dipped look.

Standard on the Viper ACR and optional on the GTC are high-grip Alcantara leather seats in black with either Header Red or silver accent stitching, Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, ACR badge, Alcantara door trim panels with laser etched race-flag design and Moroccan sun interior bezels.

Quality fit and finish is showcased across the lineup with details such as the triple paint-finished gun-metal appliqués on the cluster bezel, HVAC outlets, window-switch bezels, shifter base, park-brake bezel and the integrated passenger grab-handle on the center console.

An optional Interior Carbon Fiber Accents Package, which includes carbon fiber trim on the steering wheel, door trim and switches, instrument cluster, panel vents, grab handle, console shifter and center stack bezel, is also available.

Standard high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and passenger enjoy thigh support and deep side-bolsters designed to match the extreme lateral acceleration capabilities of the Dodge Viper.

Seating positions provide ample room and performance-driving ergonomics. Seat travel stretches 3.5 inches (90 mm) overall for numerous seating options. Seat height also can be adjusted by up to 1.6 inches (40 mm) – manually on the SRT (power optional) and ACR, while power-controlled on GT, GTC and GTS models.

A 7-inch, reconfigurable digital display cluster with its full-time analog tachometer is designed specifically for the Dodge Viper.

The dominant center tachometer display features an animated readout that glows red and shows off the "Stryker" logo when engine rpm approaches redline, safely alerting the driver to upshift.

Drivers can configure the tachometer to display their last shift point and a peak rpm hold marker can be set up for optimum performance. Views include tachometer-only or tachometer with digital speed readout.

The reconfigurable digital cluster provides an unmatched presentation of the exclusive SRT Performance Pages' statistics and feedback to the driver, including 0-to-60 mph; 0-to-100 mph; eighth- and quarter-mile elapsed times; launch control; braking distance; instant g-force measurement readouts and top-speed performance.

The 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center doubles as a display for SRT Performance Pages content, such as quarter-mile elapsed time and speed. Data also can be stored for future reference.

Uconnect provides new level of connectivity
For 2016, Uconnect is introducing new features that include the all-new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and Do Not Disturb features, all of which can be viewed via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Drag and Drop Menu Bar: Dodge Viper owners now have the ability to personalize their dashboard to fit their lifestyle and have one-button access to the features and services they value most. From Travel Link, to climate control and Yelp, drivers now can simply drag their favorite feature or service icon from the apps menu and move them to their Uconnect system's main menu bar.
Siri Eyes Free: Via the voice button on the steering wheel and compatible with an Apple iPhone 4s or later, with Siri Eyes Free drivers can speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls and access turn-by-turn directions. Drivers simply push and hold the voice recognition button on the steering wheel until the Siri screen appears on the 8.4-inch touchscreen and hear the audible tones.
Do Not Disturb: Viper owners who prefer not be interrupted with phone calls or text messages while driving can choose to turn on the new "Do Not Disturb" and "Reply with Text Message" feature. Located within the Uconnect system's phone screen, once enabled with a push of button or via voice command, the Do Not Disturb icon will route all incoming mobile calls to voicemail and suppress text messages. If the Viper owner chooses to enable the Do Not Disturb feature, they also have the ability to send a default or customized response once a call or text message is received.

Aggressive and functional exterior designs
The timeless exterior design of the 2016 Dodge Viper SRT lineup blends contemporary execution with evolutionary refinement.

Carbon-fiber hood, roof, decklid and aluminum door panels result in significant weight savings, high-speed stability and a .369 drag coefficient while still achieving negative lift.

The forward-hinged hood offers unobtrusive access to several service points underneath. Six standard air extractors on the Viper SRT and ACR models (available on GTC) or two standard air extractors on the GT, GTC, and GTS models remove heat from the SRT-engineered V-10 engine. The "Stryker" badge is positioned in the center of the hood in front of the air intake.

The classical low-stance, extreme cab-rearward proportions and dramatic fender "gills" – another traditional Viper design cue that also helps to extract heat from the engine compartment – comprise the unmistakable silhouette of the iconic supercar.

The 2016 Viper models feature a contemporary take on the traditional "double-bubble" roof configuration that maximizes headroom for the driver and passenger while maintaining a low frontal area – allowing additional room for helmets during recreational competitive driving.

The optional Exterior Carbon Fiber Package includes carbon fiber brake ducts located in the front grille opening, carbon fiber rear brake ducts behind the side glass and a carbon fiber rear applique.

Dual-function, bi-xenon projector headlamps are tightly packaged with white light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and LED turn signals in a sinister "snake eye" configuration.

LED tail lamps integrate stop-and-turn illumination in one element to provide a unified "crystallized" illumination effect.

The lower-front grille is purposefully designed as an evolution of the traditional Viper low-profile cooling opening configuration and discretely carries a refined V-shape structure.

The class-exclusive dual side exhaust system carries further refinement with cast-aluminum, sill-mounted exhaust bezels.

The five-spoke, forged-aluminum "Rattler" wheel design on the 2016 SRT model is available in polished (standard), Hyper Black, Matte Black or Black Vapor Chrome finishes.

The split six-spoke forged-aluminum "Venom" wheel design is available with three finishes, including polished, Hyper Black or Matte Black.

The available Sidewinder II wheels are lightweight, track-ready wheels in Hyper Black or Matte Black finishes. The newly designed ACR wheel is available in Gloss Black or Brass Monkey finish.

All Dodge Vipers are hand built exclusively at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

About Dodge Brand
The Dodge brand is America's mainstream performance brand. With the purification of the brand and consolidation with SRT, Dodge is getting back to its performance roots with every single model it offers. The Dodge and SRT brands offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out within their own segments. Dodge is the "mainstream performance" brand and SRT is positioned as the "ultimate performance" halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.

From muscle cars to compact cars, minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs, the Dodge brand's full lineup of 2015 models deliver best-in-class horsepower, class-exclusive technology, unmatched capability and a slew of cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment centers and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge clusters, to name a few. For the 2015 model year, customers will be able to drive the new 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger, as well as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Charger SRT Hellcat. The Dodge brand lineup also includes the 2015 Dodge Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, including the new Crossroad model, and its flagship, the Dodge Viper.

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