Chrysler’s UK dealer network will have only 15 units of the Dodge SRT-10 supercar to sell during 2005, as the manufacturer wishes to bolster the car’s popularity by keeping it exclusive.

The SRT-10 is known as the Viper outside the UK but Chrysler is prevented from using that name here because it doesn’t hold the trademark. Chrysler UK has worked with Prodrive, which is handling European distribution, to remove all Viper badging from the vehicles offered here prior to its launch next month.

Because of the limited number available, a single demonstrator SRT-10, together with a trained driver, will be held centrally by Chrysler UK for its dealers to book for prospective customers to test-drive. The two-seater has a top speed of 190mph and accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.9secs. Brembo brakes help it stop from 60mph in less than 100ft.

The 500bhp car will only be available in left-hand drive, priced at £77,500. For the UK, it receives a standard Thatcham Category 1-approved alarm and immobiliser, xenon headlights, push button starter, 18in front and 19in rear alloy wheels and a three year warranty. Only 60 units of the previous Chrysler Viper sold in the UK between 1993 and 2003.

Chrysler Group managing director Simon Elliott says the SRT-10 is a pure driving enthusiast’s car.

He adds: “The UK launch of the SRT-10 will appeal to performance drivers who don’t want to follow the crowd with European performance cars.

“Our cars have a strong following in the UK, despite only ever being available in small numbers. We will maintain the exclusivity of the Dodge by only bringing 15 into the country”.