Snakes alive! Viper lives on

CHRYSLER has changed its mind and decided to keep the Viper SRT10 in production, saving both the iconic nameplate and the factory that makes the sports car.

The company announced earlier this year that Viper production would halt this December unless a buyer for the sub-brand and plant could be found.

However, some overseas reports suggest that no serious offer was made for V10 Viper or the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue assembly plant in Michigan – which has been making the Viper since 1995 – so the Chrysler Group has withdrawn the brand and factory from sale.

Dodge brand president and chief executive Mike Accavitti said the Viper had successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe.

“We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand," he said.

Originally was a show-stealing concept car in 1989, the Viper went into production in 1992 at Chrysler’s New Mack factory in Michigan before being switched to the Conner Avenue facility in October 1995.

Today’s fourth-generation model debuted last year, powered by a 450kW 8.4-litre V10 engine that is capable of catapulting the Viper SRT10 to 100km/h from standstill in less than four seconds, while the 0-160-0km/h time takes 12 seconds.

More than 25,000 Vipers have been built since 1992.

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