Dodge Targets Enthusiasts with Race-Ready 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X Special

Today, Dodge unveiled the third limited, special-edition version of the soon-to-be-discontinued Viper SRT10 sports car, dubbed ACR-X. Based largely upon the Viper SRT10 ACR, the new model is a turn-key, non-street legal, racer that's powered by a tweaked version of the standard Viper's 8.4-liter V10 that gains new headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, increasing output by 40HP to 640 horsepower.
The Viper SRT10 ACR-X's suspension has been upgraded and tuned specifically for track usage, while the sport car's weight is lightened by 160 pounds (73 kg) over the standard production model.

Dodge said that the car also features additional aerodynamic upgrades to improve downforce as well as to enhance stability and grip in high-speed cornering.

As a track racer, the Viper ACR-X comes with all the usual factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat.

Dodge said that during a testing session of the ACR-X at Laguna Seca raceway last month, professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course.

This means that Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Viper SRT10 ACR which 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."

The limited production 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will go on sale in the States in Spring 2010 with prices starting from around $110,000.

Mercedes-Benz Considering to make Next S-Class a Hybrid-Only Lineup, U.S. Dealers Say 'Nein'

The next-generation of Mercedes-Benz's S-Class flagship limo -including the high-performance AMG models- which is due to go on sale in Europe in 2012 and in North America the following year, could be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains if the company's bosses get their way.

According to a report from Autonews citing inside sources, the premium automaker's board is considering the shift to hybrids and the elimination of models with only internal-combustion engines for a number of reasons.
These include to help meet tightening European CO2 emission and tougher corporate average fuel economy standards in the United States, as well as to highlight the company's hybrid technology and to compete against Lexus which is considered the leader in premium hybrid vehicle sales.

However, some of Mercedes-Benz's U.S. dealers are not liking the idea of a hybrid-only S-Class range as they believe that hybrids are "not perceived as true performers in the market" and that the switch "would change the perception of the brand."

Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealer board and a Charleston, S.C., Mercedes dealer, told Autonews: "The most important thing in the American market - regardless of hybrid, lithium or electric cars - is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines. For S-class buyers the goal is not gas mileage."

Currently, Mercedes-Benz offers only a mild-hybrid version of the S-Class, the S400 HYBRID that uses a 279HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine, a 20HP electric motor installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission and a set of lithium-ion batteries. The car cannot be driven on electric power only.

If Mercedes-Benz's board gets its way, all version of the next S-Class including the AMG variants, will be full-hybrids capable of operating in electric-mode only.

According to an inside source, a decision by the company's board is expected within three months.

Audi R-Zero

Audi R-Zero specs Top Speed: 286 mph / 460 km/h0-60 mph: 3 secondsEngine: Four electric in-wheel motorsAmong the major head turners in 2006 car shows was the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car. Audi has truly outdone itself with this one. The supercar exemplifies the perfect union of the dynamism of sports car designs and the importance and respect it gives for the environment. How's that you might ask? The Audi R-Zero is an electric car.So if you think all environmental friendly hybrids and other cars are boring and attractive, the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car will definitely change your mind. The original concept was a product of the minds of an ingenious group of students hailing from the International School of Design, ISD France. The R-Zero sports car will be equipped with four electric in-wheel motors as its engine. Each engine will be powered by lithium-ion 800 volts batteries that are capable of releasing great mass of power, not less than 450 watts/kg in fact. The supercar will have an estimated weight of 2.2 tons (4,850 lbs), given that the batteries will weigh around 1,200kg and the four engines around 340kg, plus the body weight and accessories. Torque is expected to reach 2,168 lb-ft while horsepower is set at around 1,091 hp at 12,900 rpm. With individual batteries providing power to each individual engine, the sports car is estimated to go at a top speed of 460 km/h (286 mph), with the fast car capable of going from 0-100 km/h in less the 3 seconds. Now, who's going to say that an environmental friendly, electrical-powered car is sissy?The great thing about the R-Zero sports car are the engines themselves. Not only do the engines protect the environment by not consuming fossil fuels, the electrical motorization is able to transmit great power to the engine as well as bring out high reactivity.But the R-Zero has more to offer. Now the Audi R Zero Concept is actually a concept car that has its foundations in the popular two-seater super sports car Audi TT and the Bugatti Veyron. The car itself was made using a superstructure that allows air to flow and cool the motor and the brakes. The airflow creates a steady aerodynamic support as well. These attributes and characteristics, of course, brought forth the supercar's optimum performance.One of the fast car's major attributes is a front latticed grille with a chrome frame where you can find the Audi emblem. The front headlights are made from LED technology and are divided into three separate parts, each made to serve specific purposes. If you look at the R-Zero's curves and design, you will have a Zen like impression of calmness, but at the same time will be affected by the car's voracious nature appeal.The electric car's wheels are also unique. The 5-wide-radial wheel discs are basically massive. They have been set in low-profile Michelin tires. The large air-cooled disc brakes with red colored brake stirrups can be clearly seen from the spokes of the radial wheel.