We re going to nurburgring

[Fatboy 18]

Just more testing this morning until midday, thats been it!

[stradman]

It's interesting that. Who knows what time they may have achieved. I was reading by comparison when they did the ring record for the gen 4 acr Dominik took only 2 hours to get a good time and apparently hadn't driven a viper before then! Don't know how true that is but interesting if true...

[Stan0268]

Cough Cough!
Here you are then

Magnifique! felicitations! une photo vraiment genial!

congrats, amazing pictures!
and France for the bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin!...

[Fatboy 18]

Due to work commitments have had to leave the Ring, so for now that's it from us But at least we got a few shots to post here
Cheers.

[CopperCrazy]

Thanks for keeping us informed. Appreciate the updates and photos!

[My98RT10]

I guess it does not happen too often in life that all of a sudden you find yourself between guys like Mr. V10 Dick Winkles and FLATOUT Andy Wheeler!! A truly overwhelming moment for a Viperholic like me

Thanks for taking your time to talk to a fan so spontaneously!!









All pics taken by my youngest son, I think they came out real nice... Thanks Lars!

Finally, here's a (very) short compilation of footages I was able to catch. Unfortunately I missed some more opportunities as my camera just took too long to switch on from hibernation mode...



That's it for the weekend, they will resume driving next week as it seems. But I am sure they will "take the gloves off" then

[Snakebit10]

Very cool. Thanks for the pictures and commentary. Interesting that they will run next week. I hope the weather will be as stellar as today. You got to love the calm, confident approach they are taking for this run. You can't rush greatness hehe.

[Pappy]

Very cool. Thanks for the pictures and commentary. Interesting that they will run next week. I hope the weather will be as stellar as today. You got to love the calm, confident approach they are taking for this run. You can't rush greatness hehe.

It's only a forecast, and of course subject to change, but the wx doesn't look as good next week. Fingers crossed. I'm hoping they have a good time "in the bank" and are just looking for an opportunity to get even better.

"The 7 day weather forecast summary for Nurburgring Circuit:

Over the next 7 days the Nurburgring Circuit forecast suggests the average daytime maximum temperature will be around 19°C, with a high for the week of 23°C expected on the afternoon of Saturday 22nd. The average minimum temperature will be 13°C, dipping to its lowest on the morning of Monday 24th at 9°C. Expect the week ahead to have some days seeing a little precipitation and some days with rain. The current forecast indicates Monday 24th will have the most precipitation with an accumulation of around 11.0mm. On the whole winds are likely to be light."

Pappy

[stradman]

Next weeks weather forecast looks dire I'm afraid. Next Friday however could be best bet.

[Snakebit10]

I guess we have to trust they know what they are doing as they have access to the same forecasts as we do. Hopefully they already got in a record run like was said but just want to try for more next week. Today looked like a great day for the run though. It will be a missed opportunity if they don't get another day like today in the time they have remaining.


EDIT:

A little tidbit I got from Rennlist post of a Bridge to Gantry facebook entry:

"Because it rained last night, and everybody's waiting for the track to dry, I'm honoured to bring you guys a little update from inside Fort Viper!

Day 1 went well, but they did experiment with lower than recommended tyre pressures. One set of tyres scrapped. Compared to 2011 the car is almost entirely new, so the baseline setup doesn't translate into an instant replication of that old 7m12s laptime. Dominik and Luka have a challenge ahead, as do the whole team.
I have a lot of respect for what these guys are doing. Two final edition Vipers, straight off the showroom floor. No factory cars, no factory budget. This is teamwork. It's the last drink at the bar for the Viper, the last chance before a forced retirement; Russ and Bernie and the whole team want the Viper to go out with a win, not an open question mark. Respect!"

Looks like they have to find the right setup for this beast before they attempt it. Hope they figure it out soon.

[Scott_in_fl]

When you have great weather like you had today, you make sure that you take a stab a "real" run sometime before putting it on the trailer because you never know if you're going to get another opportunity.

Remember, they've been testing for at least a couple of days, so they likely had suspension dialed in before this morning (which, with tire pressures and wing, is about the only thing they can adjust much). These are pro drivers, who can diagnose and drill down to what needs adjustment pretty quickly.

They also had several hours today to themselves, which means they likely did a couple of sighting laps, put on some fresh meats (i.e. tires) and then gave it a few good runs. Of course, they can continue to tweak forever and try to squeeze the last drop of time, but they likely already have a run that is very close to what the car can do.

Now, most importantly, why is Dick so photogenic? lol

[One Viper Bite]

Am I the only one that is concerned that we are labeling the videos and content Viper GTS-R and NOT ACR?

It just concerns me from an exposure stand point and potentially a validity stand point for the record attempt since the GTS-R is a special edition and many will not understand that the GTS-R is just a visual change for the ACR-E.

Thoughts?

[SlateEd]

Am I the only one that is concerned that we are labeling the videos and content Viper GTS-R and NOT ACR?

It just concerns me from an exposure stand point and potentially a validity stand point for the record attempt since the GTS-R is a special edition and many will not understand that the GTS-R is just a visual change for the ACR-E.

Thoughts?

Decent point, although I think when Viper Exchange and/or whoever is creating the 'official' video releases everything they've put together they will be careful to call it exactly what it is. For now it's just fans and unofficial into.

[My98RT10]

Am I the only one that is concerned that we are labeling the videos and content Viper GTS-R and NOT ACR?

It just concerns me from an exposure stand point and potentially a validity stand point for the record attempt since the GTS-R is a special edition and many will not understand that the GTS-R is just a visual change for the ACR-E.

Thoughts?

I guess you are referring to my video. And you are right. This mistake was caused by the purest form of excitement possible ;-)

[Arizona Vipers]

)

This car seems to be sitting WAY lower than the 4" front/ 5.5" rear frame heigh factory track recommendation, does anyone agree?

[timberwolf]

Love the Texas plate! Makes this extra Murica!!

[Snorman]

Pretty hard to tell. I believe it's somewhat at speed in the bottom two pics, and the top is rolling slowly but with the wheels turned.
I would be interested if they'll share their setup with everybody after they are done.
S.

[ACRucrazy]

A Subaru just ran 6:57


http://media.subaru.com/pressrelease...r-special-sets

Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special Sets Sub-Seven Minute Nurburgring Lap

Lap time of 6:57.5 is fastest ever for a sedan
Nurburg, Germany - Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that the Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special set a new lap record for a four-door sedan at the famous 12.8-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, achieving a time of 6:57.5. A video will be released shortly. The time was achieved using the Nurburgring timing equipment and was officially verified by track officials.

The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special was designed to show the capabilities of the Subaru sedan and all-wheel drive. This time attack car has set lap records at the Isle of Man TT, the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb (where it was also 3rd fastest overall) and now it has conquered the 12.8-mile (20.6-kilometer) lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes. Achieving a time of six minutes and 57.5 seconds, the Prodrive-built time attack car is equipped with a rally spec 2.0-liter Boxer engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Subaru Product Communications manager Dominick Infante commented: "We brought the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special here to set a record and call attention to the WRX STI Type RA that we will launch later this year. The WRX STI Type RA promises a great deal, with improved performance and styling and even better handling dynamics than the current car."

The WRX STI Type RA NBR Special is a custom built race car built by Prodrive using a stock 2017 WRX STI with a full roll cage welded into the standard WRX STI unibody for added strength and stiffness. It has a modified 2.0-liter Subaru WRC-spec boxer motor. It uses a 75-mm intake, and the turbo runs at 25 psi of boost. This produces more than 600 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Prodrive calculated the top speed at the ’Ring would be 179 mph at 8,500 rpm in top gear. The car has 9-inch-wide slick tires all around. It uses a WRC gearbox with an automatic clutch, modified with hydraulics for paddle-shift operation. Shift times are some of the fastest at 20 to 25 milliseconds. A redesigned aero-package, different than last year’s TT car set up, delivers improved handling and top speed on the NBR Special. At top speed the whole package produces about 650 pounds of downforce. The design includes a Drag Reduction System rear wing similar to the technology found in Formula 1 cars. With its combined electric and hydraulic operation, the wing can deploy for full downforce/drag under braking or in fast turns and then open for less downforce/drag on long straights. The driver has full control of the DRS via a steering wheel mounted control taking less than 20 milliseconds to change position fully.

WRX STI Type RA
The RA designation stands for “Record Attempt” and has been applied to various Subaru performance models. The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 mph.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades. The new, numbered limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-in. forged alloy wheels shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the limited edition WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to an estimated 310hp with the help of an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.

Handling has been upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC gives the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, features an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the WRX STI Type RA badge.

In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.

[SRT_BluByU]

Meh,
Purpose built race car with slicks and specially modified engine and chassis. Woopie.

[ViperTony]

Am I the only one that is concerned that we are labeling the videos and content Viper GTS-R and NOT ACR?

Not really as both ACR-Es are badged as GTS-R's.

[ACRucrazy]

Meh,
Purpose built race car with slicks and specially modified engine and chassis. Woopie.

Kind of like the ACR-X that ran 7:03

[SlateEd]

Kind of like the ACR-X that ran 7:03

yup... hopefully that says more about the new pavement than anything.

[SRT_BluByU]

Kind of like the ACR-X that ran 7:03

Kinda.. only the ACR-x had a measly 40hp over stock.. this is a spec rally race motor with 25psi of boost.. more like one of the factory GTR-S that ran in the Rolex series..

[PkB2014]

Not really as both ACR-Es are badged as GTS-R's.

It will make for moderate confusion in the general internet folks since the Gen V GTS-R is a race car. And these special edition ACR-E looks like the classic GTS-R.

[Pappy]

It will make for moderate confusion in the general internet folks since the Gen V GTS-R is a race car. And these special edition ACR-E looks like the classic GTS-R.

You are right it will cause a lot of "fake news" on the internet. We will spend a lot of time and effort explaining: 1) that it is not a special addition race car, 2) that it is a car that could have been ordered as a factory option and called a GTS-R, 3) and that the record was actually set by an available option ACR-E. I sure hope they post any times as "achieved by a production ACR-E."

Pappy