The all-American Viper muscles in

Chrysler's first V10-powered Viper will arrive in New Zealand next month, after being converted to right-hand-drive in Melbourne by specialist Viperformance .

Judith Wheeler, the managing director of Chrysler Jeep Australia/Pacific, said the conversion was the first to be approved outside of the United States.

"We are very excited about the Viper programme. A total of 64 Australian-produced parts, exacting specifications of the originals, have been used.

"In some cases the local parts have been further refined to a higher specification.

"The Viperformance team understands the passion that goes hand-in-hand with ownership of the car and hand-build each project.

"Every detail has been checked for maximum functionality and true performance."

Two models will be available - the RT/10 Roadster and GTS Coupe. The first New Zealand arrival has been pre-sold but it will be used for a media launch at the end of October.

Said Brett Aspden, Chrysler NZ general manager: "We have been given permission by the owner to use it and we hope to have an internationally recognised driver for the launch."

The Viper arrives nearly 14 years after the concept was unveiled at the Detroit motor show in 1989.

The aim of the concept vehicle was to test American public reaction to a back-to-basics, high-performance, special-edition sports car. The reaction was overwhelming.

Chrysler set a performance benchmark of zero to 160km/h and back again inside 15 seconds. It ran an official time of 14.78 seconds, sanctioned by the United States Auto Club.

The first road-going Viper, the RT/10, appeared as pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500. Production of this model began in 1992 and the GTS Coupe appeared in 1993.

AC Cobra creator Carroll Shelby said of the Viper back then: "Some things you just don't mess with. The Viper is the best of both the past and the future."

Two-time Formula One champion and Indy 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi said: "Driving a Viper is as close as you can get to driving a race car on the street."

No word on price yet - Chrysler in Australia is keeping that under wraps until the official unveiling at next month's Sydney motor show.

The 8-litre Viper will be available in red, race yellow and graphite. Each will get Chrysler's standard three-year, 100,000km warranty with a Chrysler customer care package that includes 24-hour roadside assistance.

The V10 is the only engine available in non-racing versions of the Viper. It produces 336kW of power at 5200rpm and 664Nm of torque at 3700rpm and redlines at 6000rpm. The fuel shuts off at 6200rpm to avoid engine damage.

The car runs on specially made Michelin tyres. More than 14,000 Vipers have been built and there are 40 clubs around the world, 33 of them in America. The Viper has been called the ultimate American sports car.