2017 Dodge Charger R/T 0-60 Performance: Acceleration, Specs, and Benchmark Guide

The 2017 Dodge Charger R/T achieves a factory-estimated 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 5.1 seconds. In real-world instrumented testing by automotive publications, standard rear-wheel-drive models typically range between 5.0 and 5.4 seconds, depending on launch technique, road surface, weather conditions, and option packages such as final drive axle ratios.

Powertrain Architecture: The 5.7L HEMI V8 Engine

To understand how the 2017 Dodge Charger R/T achieves its launch dynamics, one must examine its core powertrain. At the center of the R/T (Road & Track) trim lies Dodge’s legendary 5.7-liter naturally aspirated HEMI V8 engine.

Engine Mechanical Dynamics

The 5.7L HEMI employs a cast-iron block paired with aluminum cylinder heads featuring hemispherical combustion chambers. This design allows for larger valves and improved airflow through the engine, generating 370 horsepower at 5,250 RPM and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM.

A key component of this power delivery is the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, which continuously adjusts camshaft phasing. VVT enhances low-end torque production without sacrificing high-RPM horsepower, ensuring that the engine delivers strong off-the-line pulling power necessary to move a 4,250-pound full-size sedan.

The engine also incorporates Dodge’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light throttle conditions to optimize highway fuel economy, as documented in official vehicle test schedules by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, during hard acceleration from a standing start, all eight cylinders fire continuously to output maximum torque.

Transmission and Gearing Calibration

Transferring the engine’s power to the rear wheels is the standard TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission (licensed from ZF, based on the 8HP70 architecture). This 8-speed unit was a major technical upgrade for the Charger lineup compared to older 5-speed automatic gearboxes used in earlier model years.

The transmission features tightly spaced gear ratios:

• 1st Gear (4.71:1): Provides an aggressive numerical ratio to launch the car hard from a complete stop.
• 2nd Gear (3.14:1) & 3rd Gear (2.10:1): Keeps the engine firmly in its peak powerband between 3,500 RPM and 5,500 RPM during full-throttle acceleration.
• Overdrive Gears (6th through 8th): Reduce cruise RPM for fuel efficiency without affecting short-distance acceleration.

The combination of a high-torque V8 and an aggressive first-gear ratio enables the 2017 Charger R/T to break traction easily if the accelerator pedal is depressed recklessly, making traction management the single most critical factor in achieving sub-5.5-second 0-to-60 times.

2017 Dodge Charger R/T 0-60 mph Performance Metrics

When measuring acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, variables such as traction control settings, roll-out practices, and track surfaces introduce variance into published figures. Below is a realistic evaluation of performance benchmarks achieved by the standard 2017 Charger R/T.

Standard Acceleration Benchmarks

• 0–60 mph Acceleration: 5.1 seconds (optimal factory run)
• 0–60 mph Acceleration (Real-world testing range): 5.0 to 5.4 seconds
• 0–100 mph Acceleration: ~12.4 to 12.8 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time (ET): 13.6 to 13.8 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Trap Speed: 103 to 105 mph
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to approximately 155 mph (varies slightly based on factory tire ratings)

Under ideal testing environments—such as a prepped drag strip surface with warm ambient temperatures and sticky pavement—a skilled driver can achieve a 5.0-second sprint to 60 mph. On typical unpaved public asphalt with stock all-season tires, times around 5.3 to 5.5 seconds are common due to rear tire wheelspin.

Key Factors Influencing Real-World Acceleration Times

Achieving consistent 0-to-60 mph times in a rear-wheel-drive muscle car weighing over 4,200 pounds requires balancing power delivery against mechanical grip. Several key factors directly dictate whether a 2017 Charger R/T reaches 60 mph in 5.0 seconds or slips into the 5.8-second range.

• 0-60 Performance Factors
  • Tire Width & Rubber Type
  • Differential Axle Ratio
  • Launch Technique
  • Density Altitude

1. Tire Compound and Tread Width

From the factory, standard 2017 Charger R/T models came fitted with 20x8.0-inch wheels wrapped in 245/45R20 all-season tires (such as Goodyear Eagle RSA units).

• The Problem: 245mm section width is relatively narrow for an engine generating 395 lb-ft of low-end torque. Hard launches on stock all-season tires lead to significant wheelspin or heavy intervention from the electronic traction control system, both of which increase acceleration times.
• The Solution: Upgrading rear tires to extreme-performance summer rubber or expanding wheel width to accommodate 275/40R20 sticky tires drastically reduces initial launch slippage, immediately shaving 0.2 to 0.4 seconds off 0-to-60 times.

2. Differential Axle Ratios

The 2017 Charger R/T was offered with different final drive differential gear ratios depending on option packages selected:

• Standard R/T Axle Ratio (2.62:1): Optimized for high-speed fuel economy and long highway gearing. While it allows higher speeds in each gear, it offers slightly lower torque multiplication off the line.
• Super Track Pak / Daytona Axle Ratio (3.07:1): Offered higher mechanical advantage at the rear wheels. This numerical increase delivers punchier acceleration out of the hole, shortening 0-to-60 intervals by roughly 0.1 to 0.2 seconds compared to non-packaged models.

3. Launch Technique and Driver Mechanics

Because the 2017 Charger R/T does not always come equipped with full factory launch control unless equipped with specific performance screens or packages, driver inputs dictate initial momentum:

• Stomping from Idle: Flooring the accelerator from a dead stop creates instant torque surge, breaking tire friction and initiating wheelspin. Traction control will retard engine timing or apply rear brakes, hindering early velocity.
• Brake Torqueing (Stall Launch): The driver holds the foot brake with the left foot while lightly loading the engine with the right foot up to approximately 1,500–1,800 RPM before rapidly releasing the brake. This pre-loads the torque converter, building instantaneous pressure to launch the vehicle smoothly without overwhelming the rear tires.

4. Ambient Temperature and Density Altitude (DA)

Naturally aspirated engines like the 5.7L HEMI rely on atmospheric pressure to charge the cylinders with oxygen.

• High Altitude / Hot Temps: High elevation or hot, humid summer days reduce air density. Higher Density Altitude (DA) starves the engine of oxygen, resulting in measurable horsepower drops that can add several tenths of a second to acceleration runs.
• Cool Ambient Air: Cold, crisp air (40°F to 65°F) increases air density, allowing the ECU to add fuel and advance ignition timing, resulting in sharper throttle response and faster times.

2017 Charger Lineup & Competitor Benchmark Comparison

To contextualize the performance of the 2017 Charger R/T, it is useful to evaluate how it stacked up against alternative trim levels in the Dodge catalog as well as contemporary American V8 performance cars of the same era.

Practical Market Positioning

While two-door pony cars like the Mustang GT and Camaro SS boasted lower overall 0-to-60 times due to lighter curb weights (roughly 3,700–3,800 lbs vs. the Charger's 4,250 lbs), the Charger R/T offered a unique combination of V8 power, an aggressive dual exhaust note, and a spacious four-door full-size interior.

Within the Dodge trim hierarchy, the 5.7L R/T acts as the entry point to true V8 performance. It bridges the gap between the economic daily driver (the V6 SXT) and the track-focused 392 Scat Pack models.

Modifying the Charger R/T for Sub-5-Second 0-60 Times

For owners wanting to push their 2017 Charger R/T past factory acceleration performance, targeted aftermarket upgrades can reliably drop 0-to-60 times into the mid-4-second range without sacrificing daily drivability.

• Factory Baseline (5.1s)
  • Bolt-on Upgrades (Tires, Intake, Tune): 4.6 - 4.8 seconds
  • Forced Induction (Supercharger / Turbo): 3.5 - 3.8 seconds

Tier 1: Traction & Differential Upgrades (Best Value)

• Wider Rear Wheels & Sticky Tires: Swapping stock 8-inch rear wheels for 20x9.5 or 20x10-inch wheels allows mounting 275/40R20 or 305/35R20 drag radials or high-performance summer compounds (such as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Nitto NT555 G2). Eliminating wheelspin is the most cost-effective way to trim 0.3 seconds off launch metrics.
• Rear Axle Swap: Replacing a 2.62 rear differential with a factory 3.09:1 LSD (Limited-Slip Differential) or an aftermarket 3.70 gear set significantly increases mechanical torque multiplication, helping the car dig out of the hole much faster.

Tier 2: Bolt-On Engine Modifications & ECU Tuning

• PCM Unlocking & Custom ECU Tuning: Note that 2015 and newer Dodge vehicles feature locked Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs). Unlocking the PCM and uploading a custom engine/transmission tune via platforms like HP Tuners allows calibrators to optimize air/fuel ratios, advance timing, elevate shift points, and firm up transmission line pressures for faster gear shifts.
• Cold Air Intake (CAI) & Exhaust Flow: Installing a free-flowing cold air intake combined with high-flow cat-back exhausts or long-tube headers helps the 5.7L HEMI breathe easier at upper RPM ranges, adding 20–35 wheel horsepower.

Tier 3: Forced Induction (Supercharging)

• Adding centrifugal or positive displacement supercharger kits (such as ProCharger, Whipple, or Edelbrock) onto a stock 5.7L HEMI block increases boost by 6 to 8 PSI.
• This pushes engine output beyond 500 to 550 horsepower, plummeting 0-to-60 acceleration times down to 3.5 to 3.8 seconds—approaching or beating factory Scat Pack and Hellcat levels when paired with adequate drag strip traction.

Mechanical Reliability and Inspection Guidance for Used Models

When evaluating a used 2017 Dodge Charger R/T on the pre-owned market, maintaining peak engine compression and drivetrain health is critical to achieving its factory-rated performance. Age, thermal stress, and aggressive driving can degrade key mechanical systems over time.

1. The "HEMI Tick" and Valvetrain Wear

A common issue affecting 5.7L HEMI engines involves premature wear on the roller lifters and camshaft lobes.

• Symptom: A sharp metallic ticking sound originating from under the valve covers that persists after the engine reaches operating temperature.
• Impact: Worn camshaft lobes lead to reduced valve lift, misfires, decreased engine efficiency, and degraded top-end acceleration.

2. ZF 8HP70 Transmission Maintenance

The TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission is mechanically robust, but fluid oxidation occurs under hard launch conditions and high heat.

• Service Interval: ZF recommends fluid and pan/filter replacement intervals every 50,000 to 60,000 miles under severe duty cycles, despite original "fill-for-life" service claims. Sluggish downshifts or slipping under full throttle indicate degraded fluid or solenoid wear.

3. Suspension Bushings and Rear Differential Mounts

Heavy launches put substantial strain on the rear multi-link suspension and rear differential rubber mounts.

• Inspect differential bushings for cracks or hydraulic fluid leaks. Deteriorated bushings introduce drivetrain slope, wheel hop, and degraded rear-wheel traction during hard off-the-line starts.
• Safety recalls and technical service bulletins for the 2017 model year can be cross-referenced via official VIN lookup databases managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official 0-60 time for a stock 2017 Dodge Charger R/T?

Under ideal factory test conditions, the stock 2017 Dodge Charger R/T achieves a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds. Real-world tests generally yield times between 5.0 and 5.4 seconds depending on road traction, launch method, and weather conditions.

Does the 2017 Charger R/T come with Launch Control?

Standard 2017 Charger R/T models did not include dedicated launch control software out of the box unless ordered with specific options like the Super Track Pak or Daytona package, which unlock Performance Pages on the Uconnect infotainment system featuring launch control, reaction timers, and G-force meters.

How does the 2017 Charger R/T 0-60 compare to the V6 Charger SXT?

The 5.7L V8 Charger R/T is roughly 1.2 to 1.4 seconds faster to 60 mph than the 3.6L V6 Charger SXT. The V6 completes the 0-to-60 sprint in about 6.3 to 6.5 seconds, while the R/T handles the run in 5.1 seconds thanks to its extra 78 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque.

Can a 2017 Charger R/T run 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds naturally aspirated?

Yes, but it requires mechanical modifications. Achieving a mid-4-second 0-to-60 time in a naturally aspirated 5.7L Charger requires high-performance drag radial tires, custom PCM tuning, full exhaust headers, a cold air intake, and an upgraded rear axle final drive ratio (such as 3.09:1 or higher) to eliminate wheelspin and improve low-end launch power.

What quarter-mile time does the 2017 Charger R/T achieve?

A stock 2017 Dodge Charger R/T typically completes the quarter-mile in 13.6 to 13.8 seconds at trap speeds around 103 to 105 mph, assuming clean traction at the starting tree.

Final Takeaway and Performance Verdict

The 2017 Dodge Charger R/T remains one of the most accessible entry points into full-size V8 muscle sedan performance. With a factory 0-to-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, its 370-hp 5.7L HEMI engine and quick-shifting 8-speed TorqueFlite transmission deliver authoritative straight-line power.

For prospective used-car buyers and enthusiasts, maximizing launch performance centers primarily on upgrading rear tire width and rubber compound. Eliminating off-the-line wheelspin unlocks the true potential of the HEMI powertrain, instantly yielding consistent low-5-second or high-4-second real-world acceleration runs.