The Dodge Viper ACR is no joke of an automobile, especially when it’s been tuned and modified to have even more horsepower than the factory; but even with extra power, is the Viper ACR enough to take out a McLaren 720S?
As far as Vipers go, this one is pretty bad. The one used to try and take out the McLaren is equipped with a new set of cylinder heads, an upgraded camshaft, and custom exhaust system. The end result of the modifications on the Dodge Viper ACR is a 155 horsepower increase, which brings the 8.4L V10 engine up to 800 horsepower to the crank, over the 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque over stock.
In the other corner is the more than capable McLaren 720s, which, in spite of having a smaller 4.0L V8 engine is incredibly powerful and fast. Thanks to the help of two turbos, this supercar makes 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Compared to the Viper, the McLaren has some distinct advantages, including a dual-clutch gearbox in exchange for the Viper’s stick shift, better aerodynamics, and a lighter design.
To be perfectly honest, the McLaren 720S is a better car at the end of the day, and has taken down plenty of impressive cars already, but can it put this modified version of the Viper ACR on its kill list?
Keep in mind that the Viper ACR is at its most impressive when it’s on a road racing type track, and this is straight-line roll racing. While the Viper pulls hard 2nd-3rd, it can’t keep the momentum to hang with the McLaren 720s. As someone who was rooting for the Viper, there’s no shame here, this was a totally honorable loss for the American supercar.