One outrageous roadster, the exotic Viper SRT-10 packing a huge V10 tuned to 500 hp, sets the pace for all cars badged by the Dodge Division of DaimlerChrysler, but there's so much more in the 2004 class.

Spunky Neon spins off a new turbo-charged performance sedan, sized in the compact class and rigged with street-legal mechanical gear to run in the fast lane. It's so strong that in Dodge's fleet the zero-to-60 time for SRT-4 is topped only by Viper. These performance-tuned Dodges use the tag of SRT, meaning "Street and Racing Technology," as developed by Chrysler Group's Performance Vehicle Operations (PVO).

The Intrepid flagship sedan, representing Dodge's NASCAR Winston Cup race car, packs a powerful 3.5-liter high-output V6 engine with spoiler on the tail and 16-inch chrome wheels on pavement under a value-priced badge of Intrepid SXT. Dodge's midsize Stratus sedan, flashing bold new up-front styling, appears in four different trims with suspension tuning varied for each and new optional features available like radio controls pegged on the steering wheel and a traction control system. Stratus - the slinky sports coupe - shows off some sensuous sheetmetal and offers a V6 charged with 200 hp plus a five-speed manual shifter.

And Neon the compact-class sedan continues with three trims as the price-leader SE, value-packaged SXT and a sporty R/T edition with a high-output Magnum four-pack tied to a five-speed manual transaxle.

A new design for the Viper roadster emerged last year to beat all contenders, thanks to that V10 powertrain that pushes the power curve up to 500 hp plus more than 500 lb-ft of torque. All of the torque, directed to Viper's 19-inch rear wheels, enables the roadster to romp from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds, with its top speed climbing to 190 mph.

A heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission is standard, along with aluminum components for the four-wheel independent suspension plus huge disc brakes tied to a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS). The exterior form resembles the predecessor roadster yet Viper's long hood slinks lower and there are swept-back fenders on-board with deep-cut scallops on the flanks.

For 2004 editions, bold red brake calipers become standard issue along with a folding tonneau cover, and there's a new body color available in Viper White. A race-ready version also emerges as the Viper Competition Coupe. It has a coupe-shaped body in carbon fiber and Kevlar and a track-ready chassis derived from the SRT-10.

Filled with racing gear - a roll cage, window net, six-point restraints, fire-suppression system and racing slicks, the Competition Coupe is eligible to compete in the Viper Racing League, Grand Am Rolex Series and SCCA Speed World Challenge. (CONTINUED...)