If you can remember, back at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dodge promised a few special edition variations of their Dodge Viper for the 2010 model year. Well here's one of them, the SRT10 ACR-X, a track tuned Viper designed specifically for enthusiasts who want to hit the track and can stand to part with $110,000.

Based on the already popular wild winged American Club Racer, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the same SRT developed 8.4 Liter V10 as the standard super car, except that a set of factory tuned headers and a less restrictive exhaust system give the ACR-X a 40 HP kick in the pants meaning that there is a total of 640 HP on tap, combine that with a weight savings of 160 pounds despite the addition of a roll cage and you've got an even more challenging track ready machine. Other items that make the car race track safe aside from the jungle gym are a lone racing bucket, Momo Corse steering wheel and self sealing fuel cell in case things get a little hairy. You can expect to see the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X when it make an on track debut in the summer of 2010.

UPDATE 06/17/2010: The metamorphosis of a car like the Dodge Viper from its standard ACR model to the beastly race track machine ACR-X is quite a fascinating sight to see. Watch the video after the jump to see exactly how a Dodge ACR-X is born.

UPDATE 07/15/2010: Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles sat behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper ACR-X at the Virgina International Raceway. Gilles was able to reach 165 mph in around 1 minute and 35 seconds, while Powertrain Communications Manager Nick Cappa shoots a video of the whole ordeal and holds on for dear life. Check out the video after the jump.

UPDATE 02/22/2012: As we all patiently wait for the new generation SRT Viper to debut in April at the 212 New York Auto Show, the previous generation Viper ACR-X has just established a new record at the Nurburgring race track. The sports car managed to lap the ’Ring in an impressive 7:03.058. This is a 10-second advantage over its road-going sibling – the SRT Viper ACR.

Check out the video after the jump!

Press release after the jump.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

Specifications
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  • Model: 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X
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Record Lap Around the Nurburgring

How a Dodge Viper ACR-X is born!

Ralph Gilles clocks 165mph in one minutes and 35 seconds!

Press release

Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world.”

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. ““We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!"

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.