Dodge Viper ACR: Spotted

It's in the UK, it's registered and it's ready to ruin a GT3's day

How much did you know about the Dodge Viper ACR before it appeared on BBC2 a couple of months back? Hopefully a little bit, given you're reading PH. But if you had missed it until then, where have you been?! It's one of the most ridiculous (and supposedly brilliant) track cars currently available. But we'll come to that later. The point being that there was considerable PH interest in the American Club Racer before it featured on the TV and an Internet video.

Which way to Oulton Park?

Need proof? We've written about the old version (including its mad 'ring lap) and then got rather excited about the new one when it was announced last year. How could we not be when a car features an an Extreme Aero Package, 645hp and standard 355-section rear tyres?

Be in no doubt, this Viper ACR is a very serious performance car. In case you hadn't guessed already. The top speed is 30mph less than a Viper GTS because of how aggressive that aero is, it's claimed to generate 1.5g from its Kumho Ecsta tyres and the standard ceramic brakes use 360mm discs. At the back (!). This is not simply a case of ramping up the power and slapping on a sticker or five.

As has been mentioned quite a bit previously, the Americans are in a rich vein of track car form at the moment, so it will be interesting to see how the response is now there's one in the UK. Bring on the GT350R Mustang and next Z/28!

As you might expect, this is the only Viper ACR in the PH classifieds. However, the spec shouldn't bring about any complaints. Despite what the advert says, there's definitely a manual gearbox in there. It's painted a suitably moody shade of Billet Silver Metallic with a few red details, the aero bits then easy to identify in carbon fibre. Should it have stripes though?

Out of my way puny Porsche!

Now of course it's left-hand drive, but arguably that matters less if you're going to be using a car on circuit than on the road. A trip to the shops might be a little tricky, granted. However, a steering wheel on the 'wrong' side doesn't stop people buying 911 GT3s and Speciales in the UK, does it?

Yep, the story has got this far before mentioning The Porsche. Believe it or not, even at £164,950, the Viper looks good value against a GT3. For a left-hand drive RS with similar mileage to the Dodge, you'll need another £15K. For the privilege of right-hand drive, expect to pay £200,000. At least. And, well, there's very likely going to be another GT3 RS at your next track day; there's little danger of that happening in the ACR.

Which is probably a key part of the car's appeal. Not only do you get the rarity and incredible power so often found in American cars, but now it's backed up with real ability and talent too. It may be too outlandish for some but, as an alternative mega track car that requires no excuses, you'll find us at the very front of the queue for one.

DODGE VIPER ACR COUPE
Engine: 8,390cc, V10
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 645@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 600@5,000rpm
MPG: 18
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 640
Price new: $118,795
Price now: £164,950