Even though it’s a rumor we hope Dodge makes its big coupe a Viper-rivaling star athlete.
According to automotive gossip, the next Dodge Challenger special Edition will revive the ACR nameplate which was first used on the nimble Neon then last used on the Viper supercar. We were eager to see what a Mopar two-door coupe with a more handling focus might look like. For some inspiration, we turned to InsideEVs’ star rendering artist Andrei Nedelea. This is just conjecture and Dodge has not confirmed it. However, we can’t help but dream about our road-course Challenger.
ACR stands for American club racer and is reserved for Dodge’s track-ready cars. The Challenger ACR will likely have carbon-fiber or aluminium bodywork in key areas such as the trunk and front clip. This would improve weight distribution and handling balance, and reduce pounds from the large coupe. A modern ACR builds must have improved aerodynamics. This Challenger render obliges with an aggressive, removable rear splitter and Viper-inspired rear wings. The artist also created a mockup with a smaller rear fin, inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger Trans-Am racer.
The Challenger’s Widebody configuration will include the ACR, which will have a 305-millimeter-wide tire and adaptive suspension. The ACR will likely have lightweight wheels and larger brakes. It is expected to be powered by the 6.4-liter Hemi-V8 with 485 horsepower (362kW) and 475 pounds (644 Newton-meters). Privateers could enter their Challenger ACRs in many racing series that ban forced induction or supercharging with such a powertrain.
An ACR equipped with Hellcat Redeye’s 797 horsepower (594-kW), supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 would make a compelling consumer choice to the Shelby GT500 Mustang. This would allow the ACR, which is not boosted, to pursue the GT350 or Chevy Camaro 1LE.
We predict that the 2021 Challenger ACR will feature a much more contented interior than the Vipers before it. The rear-seat deletion could be standard or creditable. Manual air conditioning, stereo delete and reduced insulation may further reduce weight. A Challenger ACR-equipped will weigh in at under 4,000 pounds with its base engine and around 4,100 with the supercharged V8.
We expect that Dodge will announce the Challenger ACR before the end of summer if it is indeed included in their product plans. We’re sure keeping our fingers crossed.