2017 Dodge Viper Pros vs Cons
What’s New for 2017?
The 2017 edition of Dodge Viper marks the 25th anniversary of the Viper series and the final year of production. Following that, the company produced five special editions with different trim levels to commemorate the car, namely, Snakeskin Edition ACR, VoodDoo II, GTS-R Commemorative edition, The 1.28 ACR, and The Dodge Dealer Edition.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Dodge Viper – The Pros
1. Incredibly powerful engine
The large signature 8.4 liter V 10 engine which pumps 645 horsepower plus a 600 lb-ft of torque puts the 2017 Dodge Viper ahead of most of its competitors.
2. Manual Transmission
The 2017 Viper is one of the rare race cars of its tier that operates only on the manual transmission. The high-end exotic supercars of today are moving away from manual to an automatic double clutch system for better performance. However, Dodge has defended its throne by utilizing that dreaded system to put some unbeaten records such as the recent Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca record. It can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 3.6 seconds which is quite remarkable for a manual car.
3. Great handling capability
Unlike the previous versions of the Viper, the 2017 Dodge Viper has made available all of the 645 horsepower giving the car tremendous propulsion and handling on the track than ever before. The Viper offers customization possibilities such as spoilers which help reduce drag for better handling and performance.
4. A smoother ride
The Viper has always been known as a stiff car, however, that has changed in the recent Viper with the addition of lightweight performance suspension. Besides that, the coil-over suspension system it borrows from the 2016 version makes bumps and jerks less punishing to the driver. In its suspension are adjustable shocks as well as height-adjustable perches for a much smoother drive.
5. New performance brakes
The GTC version of the 2017 Dodge Viper series has the Brembo brakes which when fused with the high-performance 19-inch summer tires offers optimum performance. In race track versions like the ACR Viper, six-piston brakes are equipped for a more aggressive braking and handling. The ACR is also fitted with massive carbon ceramic brake disks which offer optimum track performance.
6. Variety of Trim levels
Five trims are among the features that make the 2017 Dodge Viper standout among its class members. The Base SRT has features like 18-19 inch wheels, push-to-star, remote entry and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Viper GTC trim features a more race oriented hood, five-mode stability and leather upholstery in the interior. ACR Viper is a race trim with less sound proofing, carbon fiber aerodynamics and heavy traction summer tires among other features.
7. It has comprehensive safety features
The 2017 Dodge Viper brings with it several safety features such as cutting-edge antilock brakes and stability control. It is well supplied with airbags on the side doors and also has a rearview camera. The high-end braking system can bring the car to a stop from sixty miles-per-hour to zero in only 103 ft which beat most average sports cars. The 19-inch Kumho tires equipped in the standard issue 2017 Viper provide excellent traction both on the track and on-road even in wet conditions.
8. Viper offers unparalleled customization options
The bold body of the 2017 Dodge Viper provides you with an opportunity to tweak it to your preferences, either racing tweaks or aesthetic modifications. Based on the trim type you purchase, you can customize your Viper entirely by adding finely tuned suspension kits, top notch brakes, spoilers, roof scoops, hoods and racing tires. The advantage of the vast customization of the Viper is that most of the kits improve its performance, speed and handling when on the track and on-road.
9. Elegant Infotainment display with unique features
The 2017 Dodge Viper’s infotainment system is one of the interior features to brag about in the brand. It offers high-speed Bluetooth connectivity, which controls the rearview camera and supports both USB and memory card slots. Besides that, the display provides drivers with live traffic reports, satellite broadcast, a 12-speaker radio, and voice controlled telecommunication system.
10. Remarkable Driving experience
Dodge Viper, just as the name suggests, is an aggressive car with raw head turning throttle grunt. It gives you the opportunity to appreciate and interact more with the machine itself with little computer intervention. With the large wheels and low center of gravity, Dodge Viper allows you to make corners at high speeds. The V 10 under the hood gives you high rolling power with the RWD drivetrain. If you are a manual car enthusiast, then this is the perfect buy for a remarkable shifting experience.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Dodge Viper – The Cons
1. Poor fuel economy
The V 10 engine is one of the largest race engines available which equally gobbles just as much fuel. This is a drawback for Viper 2017 since its class members are more fuel efficient.
2. Entry and exit is a hard task
The side-facing exhaust poses a great danger to drivers and passengers especially after a long drive or race when it gets hot. The cabin is also tiny and cramped up making entry tedious.
3. Flawed driving position
Most drivers consider the steering wheel of the Dodge Viper 2017 placed in an ergonomically flawed position. Also, there is a switch between the throttle and brake pedals which can be very confusing and dangerous for new drivers.
How it stacks up to the competition
The 2017 Dodge Viper holds its own among its competitors very well despite maintaining its V 10 engine and manual transmission from years back. Its closest competition, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been a major threat since it offers almost similar functionality at a much lower price. Being able to match hybrid powertrain competitors with forced induction like the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT, Audi R8 and McLaren 570 shows just how the 2017 Viper is a prestigious car.
Conclusion
Though its production has been terminated, Dodge Viper will still be an excellent car with a lot of performance milestones. Everyone who owns the Viper has the bragging rights considering its remarkable traits reviewed above.
