Hey guys! Let's dive into the beast that is the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR. We're talking about a true American icon, a car that screams performance and demands respect. This isn't your average sports car; it's a track-focused weapon designed to obliterate lap times and leave you breathless. So, buckle up as we explore the specs, performance, and everything that makes the 2017 Viper ACR so legendary.

Unveiling the Beast: Engine and Performance

When you talk about the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR, you've gotta start with the heart of the beast: its engine. We're talking about an 8.4-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. Yes, you heard that right – a V10! This massive powerplant churns out a whopping 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power to make your palms sweat just thinking about it.

But it's not just about raw power. The Viper ACR is engineered to put that power to the ground effectively. It features a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, which is known for its robust construction and precise shifts. This manual-only setup adds to the raw, visceral driving experience that the Viper is famous for. No fancy paddle shifters here – just pure, unadulterated driver involvement.

The performance figures are staggering. The 2017 Viper ACR can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.4 seconds. Keep your foot down, and you'll blast through the quarter-mile in approximately 11.8 seconds. And if you've got enough road (and courage), the Viper ACR will top out at around 177 mph. But honestly, it's not just about the straight-line speed. This car is designed to dominate on the track, with incredible grip and handling that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

One of the key ingredients to the Viper ACR's track prowess is its advanced aerodynamics package. The ACR Extreme Aero Package, in particular, is a game-changer. It includes a massive adjustable rear wing, a front splitter, and dive planes, all designed to generate insane amounts of downforce. We're talking about hundreds of pounds of downforce at high speeds, which helps keep the car glued to the tarmac. This downforce allows you to carry more speed through corners and brake later, giving you a significant advantage over the competition.

The suspension is another critical component of the Viper ACR's performance. It features adjustable Bilstein coil-over shocks, which allow you to fine-tune the car's handling characteristics to suit your driving style and the track conditions. The suspension is stiff and responsive, providing excellent feedback and control. The ACR also features stiffer springs and anti-roll bars compared to the standard Viper, further enhancing its handling capabilities.

And let's not forget about the brakes. The 2017 Viper ACR comes standard with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which offer incredible stopping power and resistance to fade. These brakes are essential for taming the Viper's immense speed, allowing you to brake later and harder with confidence. The carbon-ceramic construction also reduces weight, which further improves the car's handling and performance.

In summary, the engine and performance of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR are nothing short of extraordinary. It's a car that demands respect and rewards skilled drivers with an unparalleled driving experience. The combination of raw power, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated suspension makes it a true track weapon.

Decoding the Specs: Dimensions and Weight

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty details of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR's dimensions and weight. Understanding these figures gives you a better sense of the car's overall size and how it affects its handling and performance.

First off, the Viper ACR has a length of around 175.7 inches. This puts it in the ballpark of other sports cars, but it's the width that really stands out. The Viper ACR is wide, measuring approximately 76.4 inches. This wide stance contributes to its stability and helps it maintain grip through corners. The height is relatively low, at around 48.7 inches, giving it a sleek and aggressive profile.

The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles, is around 98.8 inches. A shorter wheelbase generally makes a car more nimble and responsive, while a longer wheelbase can improve stability at high speeds. The Viper ACR strikes a good balance, offering both agility and stability.

Now, let's talk about weight. The 2017 Viper ACR tips the scales at around 3,392 pounds. While that might not sound incredibly light compared to some modern sports cars, it's important to remember that the Viper ACR has a massive engine and a robust construction. The engineers at Dodge worked hard to reduce weight wherever possible, using materials like carbon fiber and aluminum to shave off precious pounds.

The weight distribution is also crucial for handling. The Viper ACR has a near-perfect weight distribution, with approximately 50% of the weight over the front wheels and 50% over the rear wheels. This balanced weight distribution helps to minimize understeer and oversteer, making the car more predictable and easier to control at the limit.

One of the ways Dodge reduced weight was by using lightweight wheels. The 2017 Viper ACR comes standard with lightweight alloy wheels, which not only look great but also reduce unsprung weight. Unsprung weight refers to the weight of the components that are not supported by the suspension, such as the wheels, tires, and brakes. Reducing unsprung weight improves the car's responsiveness and handling.

The carbon fiber components also play a significant role in weight reduction. The ACR Extreme Aero Package, for example, includes a carbon fiber rear wing, front splitter, and dive planes. These components are not only lightweight but also incredibly strong and durable.

In summary, the dimensions and weight of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR are carefully optimized for performance. The wide stance, balanced weight distribution, and lightweight components all contribute to its exceptional handling and track prowess. Understanding these specs gives you a deeper appreciation for the engineering that went into creating this legendary car.

Interior and Features: Stripped-Down and Focused

Okay, so the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR is all about performance, right? So, don't expect a luxurious, tech-laden interior. This car is stripped-down and focused on one thing: driving. But that doesn't mean it's completely devoid of features. Let's take a look inside.

The interior is functional and straightforward. The seats are designed to hold you firmly in place during hard cornering. They're typically cloth-covered, which helps to reduce weight and keep you planted. You can expect to find ACR logos and stitching throughout the cabin, reminding you that you're in something special.

The dashboard is simple and easy to read. The instrument cluster features a large tachometer and speedometer, along with gauges for engine temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. There's also a small digital display that provides additional information, such as lap times and performance data.

The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, which provides excellent grip and a premium feel. It's a simple, three-spoke design with no unnecessary buttons or controls. The focus is on providing a direct connection to the car.

As for features, the 2017 Viper ACR is pretty basic. You'll find air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks. But don't expect things like a fancy infotainment system or advanced driver-assistance features. This car is all about the driving experience, and unnecessary distractions have been removed.

One notable feature is the Uconnect infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen display and navigation. However, it's a relatively simple system compared to what you find in modern cars. It provides basic functionality, such as audio controls and navigation, but it's not the main focus of the car.

The sound system is also fairly basic. It provides decent sound quality, but it's not going to blow you away. Again, the focus is on the driving experience, and the sound of the V10 engine is the real soundtrack you'll want to listen to.

Overall, the interior of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR is functional and focused. It's designed to provide the driver with the essential tools they need to extract maximum performance from the car. While it may not be luxurious or feature-rich, it's perfectly suited to its purpose.

Track Times and Accolades: A Legend on the Asphalt

The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR isn't just about looking fast; it's about proving it on the track. And boy, did it prove itself! This car set numerous track records around the world, cementing its status as a legend on the asphalt.

One of the most famous track records was set at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The Viper ACR lapped the infamous 12.9-mile track in just 7 minutes and 1.3 seconds. That was an incredible achievement, making it one of the fastest production cars to ever lap the 'Ring.

But the Viper ACR didn't just dominate at the Nürburgring. It also set track records at numerous other circuits around the world, including Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, and Virginia International Raceway. These records demonstrated the car's versatility and its ability to perform well on a variety of different tracks.

The Viper ACR's track success wasn't just due to its raw power. It was also a result of its advanced aerodynamics, suspension, and brakes. The ACR Extreme Aero Package, in particular, played a crucial role in its track performance. The massive rear wing and front splitter generated insane amounts of downforce, allowing the car to carry more speed through corners.

The suspension, with its adjustable Bilstein coil-over shocks, allowed drivers to fine-tune the car's handling characteristics to suit the track conditions. And the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes provided incredible stopping power, allowing drivers to brake later and harder with confidence.

The Viper ACR's track success also helped to raise its profile and increase its desirability. It became a favorite among track enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciated its raw performance and its no-compromise approach.

In addition to its track records, the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR also received numerous accolades from the automotive press. It was praised for its incredible performance, its visceral driving experience, and its unique character.

In conclusion, the track times and accolades of the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR speak for themselves. This is a car that was designed to dominate on the track, and it succeeded in spectacular fashion. Its legacy as a track legend is secure.

So there you have it – a deep dive into the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR. It's a car that embodies the spirit of American performance, a true track weapon that demands respect. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just a passionate enthusiast, the Viper ACR is sure to leave a lasting impression.