From Chrysler LLC Blog:

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Connor Avenue Assembly Plant — the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 — will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “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.“

Introduced as a concept car in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper was designed and engineered to test public reaction to the concept of a back-to-basics, high-performance, limited production sports car.

The reaction was so overwhelming that customer orders began to flow in even before the auto show was over. Chrysler Corporation immediately decided to determine the production feasibility on transforming the crowd-pleasing Dodge Viper show car into a limited-production sports car in no more than three years.

In May 1990, after months of intensive study and testing, Chrysler Corporation announced that the Dodge Viper, powered by an aluminum V-10 was a “go.”

Dodge Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Viper V-10 engine production transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Avenue Assembly in May 2001. In 2008, Dodge introduced the all-new, fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT10. With more horsepower, more torque and more than 30 exterior and interior color combinations, the latest Viper gives enthusiasts the performance they expect on the track and off, with more factory customization options than before.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), setting an American sports car benchmark.

To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built

From Wikipedia: The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler LLC. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, as well as numerous variations of it, has made countless appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos. All generations had the same 6-speed manual transmission.

First Generation Dodge Viper – a great success for Chrysler, and the concept behind the classic TV Series Viper.

Second Generation Dodge Viper added horse power and various hood scoops.

Third Generation Vipers had an SRT 10 enhanced engine as an option.

The fourth and final gen Viper added a slimmer grill, but kept much of its previous body styling.

Dodge Viper ACR is a race car that not only took the World Famous Nurburgring track at just around 7 seconds, but will also set you back a cool $98K.

The Viper Copperhead concept never made it into production, and may have been the next generation of Viper vehicles.

Viper’s latest model (and final?) showing off at 2008′s Montreal Auto Show.

Viper GTS-R used by Zakspeed Racing.

With that, DodgePedia brings to you the 2008 Viper SRT10.

The obvious change of a front end really brings out the ferociousness of this Viper’s 8.4L V10, pumping speed to the rear wheel drive that can take you from 0-60 in under 4-seconds – not too shabby for 600 horsepower, eh? Your exterior will remain unmistakably recognizable – everyone will turn to peek at a classic American roadster cruising through their neighborhood. Inside, the cockpit fits to your body, making it feel as though you’re taking off in an Air Force Jet. Your gauges line up vertically down the side of SRT10′s steering wheel, which reminds us of Speed Racer’s Mach-5 “utility” wheel. ’08 models are available in coupe and convertible; just be sure your lid is secure after passing the 100 mph mark.

When all is said and done, the 2008 SRT10 continues a tradition of stylish, sporty Viper vehicles Dodge has continually supported through good times and bad. It’s a shame this beast will be discontinued just shy of it’s 20th birthday – but DodgePedia is anxious to see how the Dodge Demon concept will compete, and if she’s a possible evolution of the Viper.