One outrageous sports car, exotic Viper SRT10 packing a big-block V10 tuned to 510 hp, sets the pace for sporty cars badged by the Dodge Division of Chrysler. There's a large-scale sports tourer wagon called Magnum and its high-octane SRT8 performance variation, and a four-door sports coupe called Charger, which also shows the SRT8 high-performance treatment.

Dodge's modern muscle car carries the credentials of a race car. Charger for '07 splits into three trims tagged as SE, luxe SXT and racy R/T. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction is the norm, but all-wheel-drive (AWD) is a new option. Base engine is a high-output V6 pushing 250 hp. Charger R/T gets a HEMI 5.7-liter V8 with 340 hp and a multi-displacement system (MDS) to conserve fuel. Ultimate issue is the Charger Daytona R/T toting extra equipment and the HEMI V8 boosted to 350 hp. New paint shades also pop up, like Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat.

Dodge takes the Charger and transforms it into a high-performance muscle machine dubbed SRT8. Core component is a massive 6.1-liter HEMI V8 that knocks down 425 hp. The suspension drops half an inch 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 measuring 20 inches in diameter mate with Goodyear F1 tires. Body modifications for SRT8 consist of the front fascia with brake-cooling ducts and air dam added and a rear fascia with wake modifier and exhaust-tip cutouts.

The body seems like a station wagon, although a long roof tapers at the rear and squeezes windows for a cool slammed look, while big wheels suggest strength and high performance. Three engines propel Magnum through trims of base SE, luxe SXT and sporty R/T. Magnum SE has a 2.7-liter V6 with 190 hp. Magnum SXT draws from the high-output 3.5-liter V6 for 250 hp. Magnum R/T scores the 5.7-liter HEMI MDS V8 for 340 hp through a five-speed with AutoStick. Most Magnum issues come with RWD format, but AWD traction works on SXT and R/T.

Dodge turns the sport tourer into a performance machine packing a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 rated at 425 hp. The suspension tunes with tailored spring rates, and skid control comes from ESP. Body modifications are similar to 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. A rear seat video entertainment system is a new option for 2007 and it includes a Kicker Mobile Surround Sound kit.

Long at the prow and slinky low for a two-seat cockpit with a ten-cylinder engine pushing all torque to enormous rear wheels, the SRT10 Viper from Dodge delivers 510 hp. For 2007 Dodge extends the 2006 editions of a roadster convertible and hardtop coupe sporting a double-bubble roofline. A heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission is standard for both 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 zero-pressure run-flat tires.