What the 2017 Dodge Viper Offered

The 2017 Dodge Viper came in two main trim levels — the base model and the ACR (American Club Racer) — each with the same engine but different performance packages and interior features. Both versions used an 8.4-liter V10 engine producing 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The real differences lay in suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and whether you wanted a street-focused car or a track-focused one.

This was the final generation of the Viper before Dodge discontinued the model after 2017. Production had restarted in 2013 after a seven-year gap, so the 2017 represented the mature version of that revival, with refinements made over four model years.

Key Takeaways

  • Both 2017 Viper trims used the same 8.4-liter V10 engine with 645 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission.
  • The base Viper focused on street driving with standard leather, a touchscreen, and Bluetooth, while the ACR added track-specific suspension and aerodynamic upgrades.
  • The ACR included a more aggressive front splitter, rear wing, and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires designed for road course performance.
  • Interior options were limited; both trims offered the same basic cabin layout with choices mainly in leather colors and seat materials.
  • 2017 was the final model year for the Viper, making it a collector's milestone for enthusiasts.

Base Viper Trim: Street-Focused Configuration

The base 2017 Viper was built for drivers who wanted the raw V10 power without track-specific modifications. It came standard with a fixed roof (no removable targa top option in 2017), power windows, power locks, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior featured a seven-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a backup camera, along with dual-zone automatic climate control.

Seating was leather with manual adjustment on the driver's side and power adjustment on the passenger side. The base model rode on Pirelli P Zero summer performance tires (not the track-focused Trofeo compound), and the suspension was tuned for a balance between street comfort and handling. This version appealed to buyers who wanted the Viper's legendary engine and styling without paying extra for track-day features they might never use.

The base model also came with a standard security system, power steering, and an electronic stability control system that could be partially or fully disabled for more aggressive driving. Dodge did not offer a soft top or convertible version in 2017; all Vipers were coupes with a fixed roof.

ACR Trim: Track-Focused Performance Package

The ACR (American Club Racer) was the high-performance variant, engineered specifically for road course and autocross competition. It shared the same 645-horsepower V10 and six-speed manual, but added a more aggressive aerodynamic package including a larger front splitter, a tall rear wing, and side-exit exhaust. These changes increased downforce at high speeds, helping the car stick to the track.

The ACR suspension was stiffer than the base model, with different spring rates and damper tuning optimized for cornering performance rather than street comfort. Dodge also fitted the ACR with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires, a track-focused compound with softer rubber and more grip than the base model's summer tires. The ACR came with the same interior as the base Viper — leather seats, touchscreen, climate control — but the focus was clearly on what happened outside the cabin.

The ACR also included a performance data recorder system that could log lap times and vehicle telemetry through a camera mounted on the windshield. This allowed drivers to review their performance and compare lap times. The ACR's price premium over the base model reflected these engineering and equipment additions, not interior luxury.

Engine and Transmission: No Variations

Every 2017 Viper, regardless of trim, used the same 8.4-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. This engine had been in production since the Viper's 2013 return and remained unchanged for 2017. It produced 645 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 600 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm — numbers that had not shifted across the generation.

The transmission was a six-speed manual in all cases; Dodge did not offer an automatic option. The manual was a Tremec unit with a short throw and relatively light clutch engagement. Fuel economy was rated at 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for both trims, and the car required premium (91 octane) gasoline.

There were no engine variants, no turbocharging, and no hybrid option. The Viper's appeal was built on displacement and naturally aspirated power, a philosophy Dodge maintained through the final model year.

Exterior and Aerodynamic Differences

The base Viper had a clean, aggressive look with a large front grille, hood vents, and side strakes, but without the extreme aerodynamic elements. The ACR added a more pronounced front splitter that extended further down and wider across the bumper, plus a large adjustable rear wing that was both functional and visually dominant. The ACR's side vents and body lines were more pronounced, and the overall stance looked lower and more purposeful.

Both trims came in the same color palette: Viper Black, Bright White, Viper Red, Viper Blue, and Viper Orange. The ACR's aerodynamic package made the car appear wider and more track-ready, while the base model maintained a slightly sleeker profile. Wheel options were limited; both trims came standard with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, though the ACR's wheels were wrapped in the Pirelli Trofeo tires versus the base model's P Zero summer tires.

Interior Features and Comfort Options

The 2017 Viper's interior was minimalist by modern standards, reflecting its sports car DNA. Both trims featured a driver-focused cockpit with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Climate control was dual-zone automatic, and both trims had power windows and locks as standard.

Leather seat colors could be specified in black, red, or tan, and buyers could choose between standard leather or leather with Alcantara inserts on the steering wheel and shift knob. There was no sunroof option, no panoramic glass roof, and no power seats on the driver's side of the base model (the ACR also had manual driver's seat adjustment). Storage was minimal — the Viper had a small trunk and no rear seats, as it was a strict two-seater.

Sound system options included a standard six-speaker setup or an upgraded Harman Kardon premium audio system with eight speakers. Navigation was available through the touchscreen but was not standard on either trim. The cabin was designed for driving engagement, not passenger comfort or technology features.

Pricing and Production Context

The 2017 Viper base model started at approximately $117,000, while the ACR commanded a premium of roughly $20,000 to $25,000 depending on options. These were manufacturer's suggested retail prices; actual dealer pricing varied. The Viper was hand-assembled at Dodge's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, and production numbers were limited — fewer than 1,000 Vipers were built in 2017.

Because 2017 was the final model year, many buyers viewed it as a collector's piece. Dodge had announced the discontinuation in advance, which drove interest among enthusiasts who wanted to own the last of the line. This scarcity and finality affected both pricing and resale value in the years that followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you get a 2017 Viper with an automatic transmission?

No. The six-speed manual was the only transmission offered on every 2017 Viper. Dodge did not produce an automatic version for this generation. If you wanted a Viper, you had to be comfortable with a manual clutch and gear selection.

What was the difference between the Viper and the ACR in real-world driving?

On the street, the base Viper was more comfortable due to softer suspension tuning and summer tires that worked better on regular roads. The ACR's stiffer suspension and track-focused tires made it harsher on bumps but provided superior grip and stability at high speeds on a road course. For daily driving, the base model was the better choice; for track days, the ACR was engineered to perform.

Did the 2017 Viper come with a removable top?

No. The 2017 Viper was a fixed-roof coupe only. Dodge did not offer a targa top, removable roof panel, or convertible version in 2017. Earlier generations had offered targa options, but the final generation returned to a solid roof design.

How much horsepower did the 2017 Viper have?

Both the base and ACR trims produced 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque from the 8.4-liter V10 engine. There were no performance variations between trims; the differences were in suspension, aerodynamics, and tires, not engine output.

Was 2017 really the last year for the Viper?

Yes. Dodge discontinued the Viper after the 2017 model year. The company has not produced a Viper since, making 2017 the final model year of this generation. This finality made 2017 models sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.