Take the full-size Ram 1500 and add high-performance suspension and brakes, then borrow the outrageous V10 engine out of Dodge's Viper supercar and stuff it into that stepped-hood prow. The result becomes an ultimate performance pickup dubbed SRT-10.

Viper's aluminum big-block V10 engine numbers elevate this truck to the stratosphere of the triple 500 Club. It brings 500 hp with 525 lb-ft of torque and more than 500 cubic inches in engine displacement. That means acceleration times around five seconds for the run from zero to 60 mph and a maximum speed topping 150 mph. What other truck can do that?

Serious performance hardware matches the big engine. Engineers at Chrysler Group's Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO) modified the steering and front suspension of a standard Ram by dropping it an inch in front for a rump-high stance. Then they hitched up new front and rear strut assemblies and rear sway bar, plus Bilstein mono-tube shocks and performance-tuned springs. The brakes carry new 15-inch rotors up front with 14-inch rear rotors out of Ram's heavy-duty truck. Huge 22-inch Viper-style wheels roll with Pirelli Scorpion tires.

You can recognize the SRT-10 by the front hood set with a wide power bulge and scoop mounted over the signature Dodge cross-hair grille, or from the rear view by a functional rear wing.

Understand that the descriptive label "Heavy Duty" applies to this series of big and powerful work trucks for the upward expansion of the Ram line of trucks. These behemoths are huge vehicles designed expressly for macho truck-type work.

Constructed on a strong chassis that's modular in design to allow multiple configurations for cabin size and box length, the heavy-duty Ram trucks dominate the road with their forceful new exterior styling as they also flex muscles from a series of powerful engines designed to pull far more than their hefty weight and tow some class-topping loads. The collection consists of two different weight designations with 2500 (three-quarter-ton) and 3500 (one-ton) series.

Cabs conform to a two-door Regular Cab with split bench seat and a four-door Quad Cab with two rows of seats for as many as six passengers. Beds in back extend in lengths of long and longer. Two transfer cases - one with manual shifting and the other with an electric shift - go to 4WD versions, with the manual-shift standard on ST and SLT and the electric unit for deluxe SLT Plus.

Standard engine is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for 345 hp. It links to either a manual five-speed or electronic five-speed automatic. An optional 5.9-liter in-line-six Cummins turbo diesel is also available with 305 hp and enough torque to boost the towing capability way up to 23,000 lbs.

Sized one step below the full-size Ram, Dodge's midsize pickup still sports the stepped-hood prow of Ram for a family resemblance. Dakota's mix of models encompasses three cab sizes, four powertrains, three wheelbases, two box lengths, two traction options and multiple trimming - including a four-door Quad Cab with seats for six and optional leather upholstery.

Dakota's SXT base issue wears unique exterior elements like graphite bumpers, grille, fascia and fender flares, plus sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, standard gear includes bucket seats, air conditioning, an automatic transmission and CD deck. The Stampede model for Dakota Regular Cab Sport and Club Cab applies monochromatic fascia front and rear, ground-effect side moldings and 16-inch aluminum wheels with wheel flares. Four-wheel traction systems are available in either part-time or full-time modes.

The part-time unit is the standard 4WD device with manual shift-on-the-fly feature between 2WD and 4WD and engagement through a floor-mounted switch lever. A full-time 4WD transfer case pairs with the V8. Deep Molten Red Metallic Pearl Coat is the latest Dakota paint shade.