2009 Dodge Charger SRT8

I remember all the Charger purists who, back in 2005, argued that the new Charger wasn't a proper "muscle car." In their defense, they hadn't seen one with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 underhood, and I do believe the Charger is at its hairiest (and, arguably, its best) when decked out in full SRT8 trim. Adding another 57 hp transforms the sedan into a veritable hammer of the gods. Sadly, those gods-apparently miffed that something was missing from their toolbox-sent me plenty of snow and ice to drive in. I survived, but this certainly isn't the car to have if you frequently encounter blizzards. I'm sure a lack of traction can be attributed in part to a lack of winter tires, but I blame the monstrous 420 lb-ft of torque channeled to the rear wheels. I also blame the ESP, which, in the aim of appeasing said muscle car aficionados, allows for some wheelspin upon launch. It took a little while for the traction control to realize I wasn't trying to melt vulcanized rubber before hooking up and sending me on my way. The Charger SRT8 is not perfect, mind you-the steering is too skittish and light at higher velocities, and the interior doesn't as good as it should for $44,000-but it's still plenty of fun (for five!), should the sun be shining. Evan McCausland, Web Producer