2017 Dodge Viper Configurations: Trims, Packages, and What Sets Each Apart
The 2017 Dodge Viper was the final model year of the fifth-generation Viper before Dodge ended production, making it a notable entry point for buyers and enthusiasts researching the lineup. Dodge offered the 2017 Viper in multiple distinct configurations — not just trim levels, but a combination of body styles, special editions, and option packages that created meaningfully different vehicles even within the same nameplate.
Understanding how those configurations differ helps buyers evaluate what they're actually getting when comparing listings.
The Foundation: One Engine Across All Trims
Every 2017 Viper shares the same powerplant: an 8.4-liter V10 engine producing 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic option, no turbocharged variant, and no V8 or V6 trim. The drivetrain is rear-wheel drive across the entire lineup.
This means configuration differences in the 2017 Viper are almost entirely about body style, aerodynamics, suspension tuning, interior appointments, and equipment packages — not powertrain differentiation.
Body Styles: Coupe vs. Convertible
The first configuration split is the body style:
- Viper GTC Coupe — the fixed-roof version
- Viper GTC Roadster — a convertible with a manual soft top
Both share the same mechanical underpinnings, but the coupe is generally stiffer structurally, which some buyers prioritize for track use. The roadster trades some rigidity for open-air driving. Production of the roadster was limited, which affects availability on the used market.
The 2017 Viper Trim and Edition Breakdown
Dodge restructured the Viper lineup for 2017, moving away from named trims like SRT and GT toward a configuration system built around the GTC designation with available ACR (American Club Racer) variants. 🏁
| Configuration | Body Style | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| GTC | Coupe or Roadster | Base configuration; full feature set |
| GTC ACR | Coupe | Extreme Aero Package; track-focused suspension |
| 1:28 Edition ACR | Coupe | Named for Nürburgring lap time; appearance/spec package |
| Snakeskin Edition GTC | Coupe or Roadster | Special paint and trim appearance package |
| Dealer Exclusive Editions | Varies | Limited runs through select dealers |
The ACR configuration deserves specific attention. It includes:
- Extreme Aero Package: a massive adjustable rear wing, front splitter, and dive planes generating significant downforce
- Bilstein® two-way adjustable coilover suspension
- Kumho Ecsta V720 semi-slick tires (standard) or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (optional)
- A Track Package with upgraded brakes featuring larger rotors and Brembo calipers
The ACR is primarily oriented toward road-course use. Its aggressive aerodynamic package creates drag that affects high-speed straight-line performance compared to the lower-drag GTC, but it produces substantially more cornering grip.
What the GTC Configuration Includes
The standard GTC is far from stripped down. It includes:
- Brembo six-piston front / four-piston rear brakes
- Launch control and performance data recorder
- Leather and Alcantara interior surfaces
- Nappa leather seats with available carbon fiber sport seats
- A Harman/Kardon audio system
- Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen
The GTC is the more road-comfortable configuration, still capable on a track but without the ACR's suspension stiffness or aerodynamic extremity.
Option Packages That Further Differentiate Vehicles 🔧
Within each configuration, buyers in 2017 could spec additional packages:
- Appearance Packages: exterior color options including matte finishes, painted stripes, and special snake-skin textured vinyl wraps
- Carbon Fiber Package: hood, roof, and mirror caps in exposed carbon
- Interior Packages: carbon fiber trim, stitching color options, and floor mat configurations
- Track/Wheel Packages: forged aluminum wheel options and tire upgrades
Because these packages were dealer-ordered at the time of purchase, two 2017 Vipers with the same trim designation can differ noticeably in equipment and appearance. When evaluating a used 2017 Viper, checking the original window sticker (accessible via the VIN through some third-party services) is the most reliable way to confirm exactly what a specific car was built with.
Special and Commemorative Editions
Dodge released several final-year commemorative packages for 2017 given it was the last production year. These included appearance-focused editions like the Snakeskin Edition, the 1:28 Edition (referencing the ACR's Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time at the time of its record), and dealer-specific paint and trim exclusives. These editions typically command different pricing on the used market depending on rarity and condition — though values vary widely based on mileage, service history, and regional demand.
What Shapes the Right Configuration for a Given Buyer
The gap between configurations comes down to a few practical variables:
- Intended use: daily driving vs. track days vs. collection
- Tolerance for ride quality: the ACR suspension is notably stiffer
- Storage and tire availability: ACR semi-slick tires have limited everyday usability in cold or wet climates
- Budget: ACR-equipped cars and special editions generally carry price premiums on the used market
- Insurance costs: higher-value trims and ACR configurations may affect insurance premiums differently depending on the insurer and state
A stock GTC Roadster and an ACR coupe with the Extreme Aero Package represent genuinely different ownership experiences, even though both have the same engine and transmission. Which configuration fits depends on how, where, and how often the car will actually be driven — and those answers are specific to the individual buyer's circumstances.