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| Out of all the shots I took while hanging on through the curves, this one is probably the best. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Normally the turbocharged V8 Champ cars would be revving in the teens in 2nd gear through this section but the Viper hardly needed to break 4,000 rpm to achieve its maximum velocity. I looked over at the speedometer, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 mph before the next near 90-degree turn spoiled our progress. I was amazed at how under-stressed the engine sounded, almost idling. The next wave of serpentine corners made up for any lack of high-revving auditory sensation. I was pressed from one side of the seat to the other desperately trying to hold onto my digital camera while attempting to shoot my driver, but in actuality getting some pretty artistic photos of the A-pillar, floor, torso, legs, dash and sky. The ride, like a midway roller coaster, was over much too quickly. What a thrilling experience!
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| Winding down toward the ocean from the ranch Dodge corralled the Vipers in, the ACR looks almost at peace. Little did I know what I was in for. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Yet as good as the hot laps were my goal of driving a racecar hadn't been achieved. Enter the 2003 Viper press event in Santa Barbara, CA. Sitting before me just happens to be a near identical model, covered in the very same red clearcoat and bright silver paint scheme. I immediately claim it by taking a seat behind the wheel. It's not particularly inviting inside, made immediately apparent with fairly low grade plastics and run-of-the-mill HVAC controls. To make matters worse the ACR package deletes the air-conditioner and sound system to save weight. That said a comfort group package was available that replaced these features at an additional charge.