The Dodge Viper ACR has always been synonymous with raw power and track-focused performance, and the 2017 model year continues this legacy, cementing its place as the ultimate street-legal track car. Born from the spirit of American muscle and engineered for unparalleled handling, the 2017 Dodge Viper Acr Specs reveal a machine meticulously crafted to dominate road courses worldwide. Building on the foundation of previous ACR models, the 2017 iteration represents the pinnacle of Viper engineering, blending cutting-edge aerodynamics, braking technology, and track-tuned chassis components into a singular, breathtaking driving experience.
This article delves into the comprehensive 2017 Dodge Viper ACR specs, exploring the key elements that make it a track day legend and a coveted piece of automotive engineering. From its monstrous V10 engine to its extreme aerodynamic package, we’ll dissect every aspect that contributes to its blistering performance and lap time supremacy.
Aerodynamic Prowess: Sculpted for Speed and Downforce
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR’s aerodynamic package is arguably its most defining feature, visually and functionally setting it apart from any other production car. The engineers at SRT (Street and Racing Technology) meticulously sculpted the Viper ACR to manipulate airflow, generating immense downforce for maximum grip and cornering prowess.
The standard aerodynamic configuration of the 2017 Viper ACR is already aggressive, featuring a prominent front splitter, lower dive planes, and a substantial 1,776mm-wide adjustable dual-element rear wing. This setup alone generates an impressive 1,101 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and a staggering 1,533 pounds at its top speed of 177 mph. These figures are not just numbers; they translate directly to increased stability, enhanced cornering grip, and ultimately, faster lap times.
However, for drivers seeking the absolute zenith of aerodynamic performance, the available Extreme Aero Package takes the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR specs to an entirely new level. This package is designed to produce the highest downforce of any production car, pushing the boundaries of what’s aerodynamically possible for a street-legal vehicle.
The Extreme Aero Package includes:
- Massive Adjustable Dual-Element Rear Wing: Wider than the standard wing at 1,876mm, this rear wing boasts a 62 percent larger surface area compared to the Viper TA 2.0, maximizing downforce generation. Its unique design, including endplates and a gurney lip, is tailored to the Viper’s body shape, optimizing airflow and minimizing drag.
- Rear Carbon Fiber Diffuser: Extending forward of the rear axle, the diffuser features six removable strake extensions. These strakes are designed to interact with the track surface, further enhancing straight-line stability and optimizing downforce.
- SRT Hood with Removable Louvers: Strategically placed louvers on the SRT hood, positioned above the front tires, reduce air pressure within the front wheel wells. This reduction in pressure contributes to additional downforce over the front axle.
- Detachable Front Splitter Extension and Dive Planes: Working in concert with the rear aerodynamic elements, the detachable front splitter extension and dive planes ensure balanced downforce distribution across the car, resulting in exceptional grip and predictable handling on the track.
With the Extreme Aero Package, the 2017 Viper ACR achieves unprecedented downforce figures exceeding 1,200 pounds at 150 mph and a colossal 1,700+ pounds at 177 mph. This represents more than three times the downforce of the Viper TA 2.0 Package and translates to a significant advantage in high-speed corners and overall track performance.
Braking Mastery: Carbon Ceramic Stopping Power
Harnessing the immense power and aerodynamic grip of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR demands equally exceptional braking capabilities. To meet the rigorous demands of track driving, the ACR is equipped with state-of-the-art Brembo® Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes. These brakes are engineered for optimal stopping performance, unparalleled brake fade resistance, and enhanced handling due to reduced unsprung weight.
The 2017 Viper ACR brake specs include:
- Front Rotors: 390-millimeter (15.4-inch) two-piece Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors.
- Rear Rotors: 360-millimeter (14.2-inch) two-piece Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors.
- Front Calipers: Six-piston Brembo® calipers.
- Rear Calipers: Four-piston Brembo® calipers.
These Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes boast the largest brake pad area ever fitted to a Viper, ensuring maximum contact and friction for rapid deceleration. The system is meticulously integrated with the ACR-tuned ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), taking into account the enhanced grip provided by the aerodynamic package and specialized Kumho® tires. Furthermore, detachable front brake ducts are included to provide additional cooling to the brake calipers, crucial for maintaining consistent performance during extended track sessions.
Chassis and Tires: Glued to the Asphalt
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR’s chassis and tire combination is meticulously engineered to work in perfect harmony with its aerodynamics and braking systems. The goal is to maximize grip, responsiveness, and driver feedback, creating a truly connected and confidence-inspiring track experience.
Key chassis and tire specifications for the 2017 Viper ACR include:
- Kumho® Ecsta V720 High-Performance Tires: These tires are specifically developed for the Viper ACR, featuring a unique tread pattern and compound formulation for both front and rear axles. In testing, these tires demonstrated lap times 1.5 seconds faster than off-road-only race tires, highlighting their exceptional grip and performance on the track. The sidewalls proudly display a raised ACR logo, a testament to their bespoke nature.
- Tire Sizes: Low-profile 295/25/19 front tires mounted on wider 11-inch wide wheels, and massive 355/30/19 rear tires. This combination provides the largest combined tire contact patch of any production car, maximizing grip and traction.
- Bilstein Race Shocks: Aluminum-bodied, double-adjustable coil-over Bilstein race shocks are custom-designed for the Viper ACR. These shocks provide independent 10-way rebound and compression adjustability, allowing for precise fine-tuning of weight transfer and handling characteristics. The suspension system also offers over 3 inches of ride height adjustment, enabling further optimization for specific track conditions.
- Stiff Springs: Front springs rated at 600 lbs./in. and rear springs at 1,300 lbs./in., more than doubling the stiffness of the Viper TA model’s suspension. This increased stiffness minimizes body roll and enhances responsiveness during aggressive cornering.
- Race Alignment: Unique race alignment settings, including 1.4 degrees more negative camber than the standard SRT Viper, optimize tire contact during cornering, enabling the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR to sustain lateral acceleration exceeding 1.5 g in high-speed turns.
The ACR-tuned ABS and five-mode Electronic Stability Control system (Full-on, Sport, Track, Rain, Full-off modes) further enhance the car’s handling dynamics, providing tailored levels of intervention to suit various driving conditions and driver preferences.
V10 Powerhouse: Naturally Aspirated Fury
At the heart of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR lies the iconic, handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter V-10 overhead-valve engine. This naturally aspirated behemoth delivers a staggering 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the sports car engine with the most torque in the world in its class.
Engine specifications for the 2017 Viper ACR:
- Type: 8.4-liter V-10, Naturally Aspirated
- Construction: All-aluminum block and cylinder heads
- Valve Train: Overhead valve
- Horsepower: 645 hp
- Torque: 600 lb.-ft.
To ensure optimal performance under demanding track conditions, unique exhaust tips are integrated into the side-mounted exhaust pipes to minimize backpressure. All Vipers are engineered to withstand severe track duty even in ambient temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit with professional drivers at the helm, highlighting the robustness and thermal management capabilities of the powertrain. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a standard Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, providing a direct and engaging connection between driver and machine.
ACR-Exclusive Interior: Race-Inspired Cockpit
The interior of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR is designed to complement its track-focused mission, creating a race-inspired cockpit that prioritizes driver engagement and performance.
Interior highlights include:
- Alcantara Suede Accents: The instrument panel cluster hood, lower instrument panel, and door armrest panels are wrapped in unique Alcantara suede, providing a premium feel and reducing glare.
- ACR-Exclusive Steering Wheel: A new, ACR-exclusive Alcantara-wrapped high-grip steering wheel features a color racing stripe and unique badging, further differentiating the ACR from other Viper models.
- High-Grip Seats with Alcantara Inserts: New high-grip seats also incorporate Alcantara inserts, providing enhanced lateral support and comfort during high-G maneuvers.
- Carbon Fiber Dash Plaque: A unique dash plaque finished in carbon fiber adds a touch of exclusivity and motorsport pedigree.
- Accent Stitching Options: Customers can choose between silver or Header Red accent stitching throughout the interior, allowing for a degree of personalization.
While focused on performance, the ACR interior still maintains a level of refinement and driver-centric design, creating an environment conducive to both spirited driving and track day dominance.
‘1 of 1’ Customization: Craft Your Unique ACR
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR offered the unparalleled ‘1 of 1’ customization program, allowing buyers to create a truly bespoke and unique vehicle. With over 25 million possible build combinations, customers could tailor their ACR to their exact preferences, ensuring no two Vipers were exactly alike.
This extensive customization program encompassed:
- 8,000 exterior color options
- 24,000 custom stripe colors
- 11 wheel options
- 16 interior trims
- Seven aero packages
- Three brake packages
- Four suspension options
This level of personalization underscored the Viper’s hand-built nature at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit and allowed owners to express their individuality while owning a piece of automotive history.
A Legacy of Performance: The ACR Heritage
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR stands as the culmination of a lineage of track-focused Vipers, building upon the successes and lessons learned from previous ACR models. The original Viper ACR debuted in 1999, followed by a second iteration from 2008-2010. Each generation pushed the boundaries of street-legal track car performance, setting records and establishing the ACR as a benchmark for American sports car engineering.
The 2017 model year represents the final chapter in the Viper ACR story, embodying the spirit of innovation, performance, and driver-focused design that has defined the ACR nameplate. It remains a highly sought-after machine for enthusiasts and collectors alike, a testament to its exceptional engineering and enduring legacy as the ultimate track-ready Viper.
In Conclusion
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR specs paint a clear picture of a vehicle purpose-built for track domination. From its extreme aerodynamics and carbon ceramic brakes to its track-tuned chassis and monstrous V10 engine, every component is meticulously engineered to deliver blistering performance and an unparalleled driving experience. The ACR is more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent, a testament to American engineering prowess, and a legend in the world of high-performance automobiles. For those seeking the ultimate street-legal track weapon, the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR remains the definitive choice.
