There are some people out there who are absolute purists. They don’t want aftermarket or anachronistic parts on their car, even if those can make it easier to drive and enjoy. But automotive enthusiasts as a whole aren’t so rigid when it comes to enjoying cars because they’ll get their fix in a variety of ways. Yes, full-size, drivable cars are the ideal form, but gearheads also gladly accept diecast scale models, Hot Wheels and/or Matchbox cars, posters, T-shirts, etc. If you like to build cool cars in LEGO form or race cars digitally, keep reading. Stellantis collaborated with LEGO on a new Technic Dodge Viper GTS-R kit and Microsoft to bring a 2016 Dodge Viper ACR with a special livery to Forza Horizon 6.
Photo courtesy of LEGO
For the 1999 model year, Dodge released the first Viper ACR (American Club Racer) as a more aerodynamic version of its V-10 monster. By 2017, Dodge had discontinued the Viper lineup as a whole. Fortunately, the year before, it equipped the Viper ACR with new carbon ceramic brakes, a 10-setting coilover racing suspension, and special Kumho Ecsta tires to make it better on the road and track. The optional ACR Extreme Aero Package, which included a unique hood, huge carbon fiber rear wing, and other enhancements, produced nearly one ton of maximum downforce. Equipped with those upgrades and its 645-horsepower/600-lb-ft 8.4-liter V-10, the 2016 Viper ACR went on to set 13 Sports Car Club of America lap records at 13 road courses, including Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, and Virginia International Raceway.
Photo courtesy of LEGO
Photo courtesy of LEGO
LEGO’s new Dodge Viper GTS-R Sports Car kit is part of its more advanced Technic line, which presents engineering to kids “in an approachable and realistic way.” Designed for children 10 and older, the 805-piece kit features an opening hood and doors, a LEGO-ized version of the Viper’s V-10 with moving pistons, and, of course, the big wing in the back. All that’s missing is a track for it to fly down in record time. You can pick up the Dodge Viper GTS-R in a LEGO store or online for $64.99.
Photo courtesy of Stellantis
Gamers who are into Microsoft’s XBOX system can also get in on the action. Forza Horizon 6 recently added the 2016 Viper ACR — complete with a unique LEGO Technic livery — to its line of available vehicles. Now you can knock off lap after lap in what Dodge called “the ultimate street-legal race car” without spending a dime on gas or tires.
