Dodge Viper survives Chrysler woes

Kiwi racers will have to order their Dodge direct from the US factory. Photo / Supplied

Chrysler has confirmed its legendary Dodge Viper will live on. It had planned to stop production in December and sell the muscle car's business assets.

But the streamlined company has announced the Detroit assembly plant that has built Viper since 1995 will continue to do so.

That's good news for Kiwi racers, who can buy the specially prepared Viper SRT10 for the track.

Chrysler NZ GM David Smith says the car "represents the very essence of the Dodge brand and it has a huge following around the world, including here in New Zealand".

Viper road cars will remain left-hand-drive only, so will not be available for sale in New Zealand.

Even the SRT race cars aren't easy to get. Smith says you can have one built to your specifications, but you'll first have to prove your race credentials.

The race cars are stripped of inessentials such as carpet, interior body panels, instruments, air conditioning and sound systems.

That cuts weight by 170kg, improving response from the 8.4-litre engine.

Meanwhile, the already powerful base car's 450kW and 760Nm figures are further boosted - although Chrysler's reluctant to say by how much.

Want one? You must buy from Dodge direct, at about US$140,000 ($220,500).