The 2015 Viper ACR Concept, first introduced at the 2014 SEMA Show,->ke216 has been green-lighted for production. At least that's what Allpar claims, quoting a "reliable source." According to the report, the new Viper ACR would start production in July 2015 as a 2016 model. The news comes as a surprise, given the Viper has had a rough 2014, with production being halted for two months due to slow sales.

Built for the 2014 SEMA Show on fifth-generation Viper underpinnings, the ACR Concept features all the goodies seen on previous models, including a carbon-fiber splitter and canards for the front bumper, a race-spec vented hood, a massive rear wing, massive brakes and the signature ACR livery. Allpar makes no mention of how many of these features will make it onto the production car, but it's safe to assume that Dodge->ke28 will take no prisoners in making the new ACR quicker than its forerunner.

Should the ACR Concept become a production car you can buy at dealers, expect it to sit at the top of the Viper range in terms of price, with a sticker well above the $100,000 mark.

Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Viper ACR.

Why it matters

Having introduced the "1-of-1" exclusivity program in January 2015, it seems as if Dodge is looking to expand the Viper->ke1404 lineup with a new track-focused car. Likely revived to give the brand-new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 a run for its money, the Viper ACR returns after a five-year hiatus. Given the last version's ability to claim track records the world over, the new ACR has some pretty large shoes to fill. It remains to be seen whether it will live up to the hype or not, but an all-new ACR is the best Viper-related news we've gotten since Dodge slashed the car's sticker price by $15,000 in 2014.

Dodge Viper ACR

Essentially a 2010 model-year ACR updated to fifth-gen Viper visuals and underpinnings, the ACR Concept stormed the 2014 SEMA Show floor with a carbon-fiber aero package consisting of a front splitter and bumper canards and a massive rear wing. A race-spec, vented hood, fender gills, lightweight, 19-inch wheels shod in high-performance tires and a black-and-red stripe completed the visual add-ons. A new brake system with massive, 15.4-inch, carbon-ceramic, two-piece rotors and Brembo six-piston calipers lurks behind the black, multi-spoke rims.

Inside, Dodge focused on weight reduction by removing the radio amplifier, speakers, and floor mats, while replacing every bezel with carbon-fiber pieces. Unique features include Alcantara-wrapped seats and steering wheel, and a Header Red, 12 o'clock stripe for the latter. The drivetrain likely remained unchanged, but the ACR's reduced weight should reduce the time needed to sprint from 0 to 60 mph from 3.3 to around 3.1 seconds.