In 2006, when Dodge unveiled its Challenger concept in Detroit, Jay knew he had to have one. So as soon as the very first 2008 SRT8 rolled off the line and into California, he climbed into his 1970 R/T to go pick it up. After all, in today's fuel climate, this brand new Challenger might well be one of the last true American pony cars, and the only one modeled after the Challenger that Jay idolized when he was a kid. Much as he loves the HEMI roar of his 1970 R/T, its build quality is somewhat dubious, it pulls about 5 mpg, and it handles like a herd of cats. Could Dodge rise to its own challenge - to perfect American muscle for the discerning 21st century cool customer after a 35-year absence?

As it turns out, Dodge has succeeded in bringing what pony fanatics crave to market: a smoking hot design update on an American classic, with tire-smoking performance. With 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, its 6.1-liter SRT HEMI SMPI V-8 delivers on its race-inspired, street legal heritage, including 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, and a quarter mile in 13.5. Its 20" aluminum forged wheels are tamed by benchmark Brembro braking. Low ride height, brake-lock differential, sway bars and finely tuned Electronics Stability Program make the ride world-class, on par with the best of the European touring coupes. And as an unexpected bonus, the car boasts a wide array of high tech features, like GPS, keyless entry, and infotainment and hands-free communication systems. All for a starting price of around $40,000. Maybe that's why the entire 2008 run of 6400 cars were pre-sold!