Chrysler is showing confidence of the economy recovering after it announced it will build a new Viper sportscar for launch in 2013.

It has said it will re-open its mothballed Connor Avenue assembly plant in Detroit, USA, to start production of the next-generation model in late 2012, creating 150 jobs.

The plant has been mothballed since July 2010 when production of the last V10-engined 600bhp Viper model ended.

In 2008 Chrysler had tried to sell the model line as it fought to restructure its loss-making business but had no success.

All Vipers that rolled off the line in Detroit were hand-built in a low-volume, modular process.

Over the course of 15 years, Conner Avenue employees built about 12 vehicles a day for a total of 22,070 Vipers, a few of which were officially imported here by Chrysler UK.

"The next generation Viper will make its return to the product lineup in late 2012 as a 2013 model," said Ralph Gilles, president and chief executive - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group.

"We’re extremely excited that our ultimate American sports car will continue to live on and be produced exclusively here in the Motor City."