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With a hunker V10 spewing 600 horsepower, the outrageously exotic Viper SRT10 sports car sets the pace for Dodge's newest line of sporty cars. This year, there's a large-scale sports tourer Magnum wagon and its high-octane SRT8 performance variation, along with a four-door sports coupe Charger, which also has a SRT8 version. The line also features Dodge's new price-leader, a mid-size Avenger sedan.

Avenger
A four-door, street-legal version of the racy NASCAR nameplate, the Avenger offers not only bold styling, but also clever accessories. Replacing the Dodge Stratus, Avenger fits in the mid-size class and comes in three flavors — an entry-model Avenger SE, upscale Avenger SXT and sporty Avenger R/T. There's a different engine for every trim. The Avenger SE totes a 2.4-liter, four-in-line for 173 horsepower, while the Avenger SXT stocks a 2.7-liter V6 engine worth 189 horsepower. However, the Avenger R/T has a 3.5-liter V6 producing 235 horsepower. Avenger also offers lots of clever cabin equipment.

Charger
Dodge's modern muscle car carries racy credentials. The 2008 Charger splits into trims of SE, luxurious SXT and the racy R/T. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction is the norm, but all-wheel-drive (AWD) is available on the SXT. The base engine is a 2.7-liter V6 with 178 horsepower, but a 3.5-liter V6 for 250 horsepower is also available. The Charger R/T stocks a HEMI 5.7-liter V8 with 340 horsepower and a multi-displacement system (MDS) to conserve fuel. The ultimate issue Charger Daytona R/T earns extra performance equipment and the HEMI V8 is boosted to 350 horsepower. New options include the MyGIG multimedia entertainment system and Sirius Backseat TV.

Charger SRT8
Dodge has transformed the Charger into a high-performance muscle machine dubbed SRT8. The core component is a massive 6.1-liter HEMI V8 that develops 425 horsepower. The suspension drops 0.5 inches and tunes tight for performance with tailored spring rates and bushings, big anti-sway bars and skid control from an electronic stability program (ESP). Forged aluminum wheels measure up to 20 inches in diameter. Body modifications consist of front fascia with brake-cooling ducts and air dam added, plus a rear fascia with wake modifier and exhaust-tip cutouts. The latest SRT8 paint shade is Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat.

Magnum
The body seems like a station wagon, though a long roof tapers at the rear and squeezes windows for a cool slammed look. The large wheels suggest not only strength, but high performance. Three engines propel the Magnum trims of the base SE, luxurious SXT and sporty R/T. The Magnum SE has a 2.7-liter V6 with 178 horsepower, while the Magnum SXT draws from the high-output 3.5-liter V6 for 250 horsepower. The Magnum R/T scores the 5.7-liter HEMI MDS V8 for 340 horsepower through a five-speed automatic with the AutoStick. Most Magnum issues come with RWD format, but AWD traction works on the SXT and R/T.

Magnum SRT8
Dodge turns the sport tourer into a performance machine packing a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 rated at 425 horsepower. The suspension tunes with tailored spring rates, and skid control comes from ESP. Body modifications are similar to the Charger SRT8 with brake-cooling ducts and an air dam in the front fascia and a wake modifier at the tail. The cockpit contains bolstered bucket seats with suede inserts and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Keen new styling for the front-end with a functional performance hood scoop makes the 2008 Magnum SRT8 look even more menacing.

Viper SRT10
Long at the prow and slinky low for a two-seat cockpit, a 10-cylinder engine pushes all torque to the enormous rear wheels of the Dodge Viper SRT10, creating 600 horsepower. Models include a roadster convertible and hardtop coupe with double-bubble roofline. A heavy-duty, six-speed manual transmission is standard for both the coupe and roadster, along with aluminum components for the four-wheel independent suspension plus Brembo disc brakes tied to a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS). Wheels — 18-inch up front and 19-inch in back — support Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

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