If you’ve got $110,000 ($154,000 NZ) burning a hole in your pocket and want to go racing in a piece of American automotive history, then it’s time to check out the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X. The special edition model is a brutal machine that marks the beginning of the end for Viper production. It comes with 640 horsepower and can lap the Laguna Seca track a full three seconds faster than the rapid Viper ACR that owns the track record for a regular production car.

If you’re keen (who wouldn’t be) then now is the time to strike because Chrysler has just announced that production of the ACR-X has already started at its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant.

The SRT-developed 8.4-litre V-10 engine that powers the Viper ACR-X is equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than the production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than production model). Following the initial build, each engine is shipped to a dynamometer lab where it is verified for proper outputs and electronically sealed before being sent back to the plant for final installation.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the non-street legal Viper ACR-X has safety features included such as factory-designed and installed fuel cell and race seat and factory-designed roll cage.

Dodge Motorsports and Mopar have even provided Americans a way to put the cars to good use. The Dodge Viper Cup will run at five racetracks starting this summer, with prize money on offer owners have a chance to earn back some of the purchase price of the car. In total more than $200,000 USD will be paid out, including $25,000 to the 2010 season champion.