2008 Dodge Challenger SRT is ridiculously cool
The Dodge Challenger is Chrysler’s entry into the pony car race, and so far it looks like the Pentastar hit the retro nail right on the head.  Chrysler first unveiled the 425 hp SRT edition, which can reach 60 in 4.7 seconds and get you all the way to 171 mph before succumbing to the laws of physics. Chrysler planned 6,400 units for a limited 2008 run, and all units are already accounted for.

Dodge also has SE and RT versions planned, with 250 hp 3.5l V6 for the SE and an improved 5.7l HEMI engine that can crank out up to 375 hp in RT guise. Pricing has not yet been announced, but from what we can see, the retroriffic coupe will find plenty of buyers even if it’s a bit overpriced.  Click here to see the SRT Challenger high resolution gallery.

Saleen S5S Raptor concept shines bright on stage
It isn’t every day when a genuine supercar is unleashed on the world, but team Saleen did just that with the introduction of the Saleen S5S Raptor.  While the S7 was good-looking and wicked fast, the Raptor is a freaking knock-out.  Under-hood lies a supercharged 5.0L V8, which cranks out an impressive 650 hp and 630 lb-ft. That power will help you hit 60 in a mere 3.2 seconds, and at a relative bargain at only $185,000.

I know I’ll never be able to afford it, but the tuning fools over at Saleen absolutely have to make this aluminum chassis two seater. What a hottie.  Hit the mark to see more pics of the Saleen S5S Raptor. You won't be dissapointed.

GM brings G8 GXP, G8 Sport Truck front and center
The Pontiac G8 is the first of what could be many RWD Zeta GM sedans coming to our shores. The V8-powered GT has been drawing comparisons to the BMW 5-Series, and the new 403 HP GXP model could well reach into M5 territory, but for a fraction of the cost. GM's charismatic Bob Lutz promises the highest-performance Pontiac will hit 60 in a mere 4.7 seconds, which makes us want a Pontiac for the first time in a long time.

GM also unveiled the G8 Sport Truck, which will one day give die-hard El Camino fans the sport ute they've been dreaming of for years. Mechanicals will be entirely shared with its sedan sibling, but seating will stop up front, with a long and useful pickup bed following right behind. WIth a full compliment of G8s in the Pontiac stable, we're getting the feeling that GM is no longer taking their performance division for granted. Click here for the high-res RPM Daily gallery.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2 scores a win
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of the hottest exotics on the road today, and with Aston owner Prodrive steeped in racing lore, it makes sense to turn the English bull-dog into a GT2 racer.

Starting with something as beautiful as the Vantage only helps the evil-looking Vantage out on the track, and since it is Le Mans Series ready, the story only only gets better. The speedy GT2 Aston saw its first duty on April 5 at Barcelona, and the entire Le Mans series now looks better as a result. It's a damn shame that Aston doesn't sell more Vantages, but then again if they were everywhere, they wouldn't be quite as exciting. Check out the RPM Daily high-res gallery HERE.

2009 Acura RL may not be pretty, but it's likely better
We had great expectations for the redesigned Acura RL, but when we caught our first glimpse of the redesigned luxury sedan, we were quite a bit surprised.  Gone are some of the rounded edges and pudgy appearance of the old model, and in its place is somewhat more refined sheet metal, and an absolutely deplorable front end.  Seriously, who thought the front grille should look like a guillotine?

Under the sheet metal a lot of good is happening, with an upgraded 300 hp 3.7L V6, Honda’s sure-handling AWD stays, and the interior look even better than before.  The last model didn’t sell very well, and even with everything improving under the skin, we just can’t see everybody getting over the RL’s homely exterior. Click here to see the Acura RL up close.

2009 F-150 is Ford's toughest truck yet
The Ford F-Series has been on top of the sales charts for over 30 years, and Ford isn't taking any chances with its new model. The truck is bigger and tougher in every way, with a higher tow rating, improved 5.4L V8, six speed automatic transmission, and high-strength steel to keep weight down.

Ford also took care of features that its customers have been craving. The Blue Oval added a flat-load floor in the back seat, a side step for getting better access to the truck bed, and a convenient step for getting into the pickup bed. The 2009 F-150 is more bad-ass than any Ford truck before it, and the truck king will remain on its throne for a long time to come. Check out the RPM Daily photo gallery of the new F-150.

Audi shows that diesel and supercar can co-exist
The R8 is already one of the hottest vehicles on the planet, but Audi couldn't stand the thought of leaving well enough alone. The German luxury automaker added its jaw-dropping V12 diesel engine into its halo car, and the results are stunning. Audi's mega-diesel cranks out 500hp and an astonishing 738 lb-ft, which the automaker says is enough power to jet the super R8 to 60 in under 4.2 seconds.

Since the base R8 carries a lot less juice, we're guessing 4.2 sedonds is a very conservative number. Since the R8 TDI is an oil burner, fuel economy is improved also. Audi syas we can expect over 23 mpg in mixed driving. Check out the RPM Daily photo gallery by clicking here.

2009 Dodge Ram steals thunder from F-150 intro
The current Dodge Ram is all about attitude, but it's a step below Ford and GM when it comes to refinement. The 2009 Ram corrects that issue, and adds neat storage features that the competition doesn't offer. The new forward-leaning grille of the Ram still looks menacing, but the overall shape of this truck is much more appealing to the masses. The interior is a vast improvement too, as the higher quality materials and improved ergonomics are apparent all over.

Under the hood, the Hemi engine is upgrated to 380 hp and 404 lb-ft. Single coil springs shows that Chrysler wants to hold back on towing capacity so as not to steal sales from its heavy-duty trucks. Overall this Ram is a winner, and Toyota, Chevy, and Ford had better recognize that this Ram is definately in their class. Ford high resolution photos of the Ram, check out the RPM Daily gallery here.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept is a Detroit stunner
The Cadillac CTS sedan has already wrapped up Motor Trend car of the year honors, and it's also one of the most sought-after entry luxury vehicles on the road. The CTS Coupe Concept unveiled at the Detroit auto show will help take the CTS brand to the next level with its sexy shape and undeniable curb appeal.

The concept has body skirting all around, but this vehicle will hit production with an even cleaner, more practicle look. Teh front end will likely stay virtually untouched, and we're hoping that the hatch-like roofline stays exactly how it is. The RPM Daily photo gallery of the CTS Coupe is available here.

Toyota adds Venza to its crossover fleet
The Venza is Toyota's newest edition to the crossover family, with seating for five, and clean and refined sheet metal. Toyota decided to go with two engines for Venza, with the base powerplant being the all-new 2.7L four-banger, and the Japanese automaker's stellar 3.5L V6 is optional. Interior space is roomy, with classy materials as is the standard with Toyota.

The Venza will go head to head with the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano when it hits the showroom floor in fall 2008. We're guessing Toyota has another hit on its hands, even though the Rav4 and Highlander were already too close to one another as it was. Click here to see the RPM Daily photo gallery.

Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept saves fuel in style
GM has had a wave of good press since the Detroit automaker promised the Chevy Volt concept by 2010. Since that time, the General showed off its Opel Flextream, which ran off a combination of a diesel engine and a plug-in lithium battery, and now Provoq. The Provoq, which many consider the precursor to the BLS crossover, runs off a hydrogen/plug-in cocktail, and the vehicle's combined propulsion will power the vehicle for 20 miles on a single charge, and 300 miles per tank of hydrogen.

GM is all over the hybrid map right now, with mild hybrids like the Vue, more advanced two-mode hybrids like the Tahoe, and a plug-in Vue two-mode due in 2009. Add the Volt's e-flex plug-in system across gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, and the General may have gone from guzzler to greenest automaker in an awfully short span of time. Check out the RPM Daily photo gallery by clicking here.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V to pack 550 horses
When the last CTS-V came out in 2004, it carried a heafty 400 hp to go with its edgy looks. This time GM pushed the envelope even further, as the supercharged 6.2L V8 kicks out an obscene 550 hp. That easily bests the best from BMW's M group or Mercedes' AMG team, and it sits under only the 620 hp Corvette ZR1 in the General's garage.

Cadillac didn't stop with a beefed up engine, either. A Hydramatic 6L90 six-speed automatic, beautiful Recaro seats, 15' front Brembo brakes, and 19-inch rims accompany the mesh grille that signifies to all that this is no ordinary Caddy. Click here to check out the RPM Daily photo gallery, or view the Cadillac press release with detailed vehicle specifications here.

Corvette ZR1 uses 620 hp to get back on top
When the ZR1 was in testing, there were more rumors flying around than any other car in recent memory. Was it 600 hp? 700 hp? Is it the Blue Devil? What about the Corvette SS?

In the end, GM slapped the ZR1 badge on this 620 hp beast, which is a name that resonates with Corvette loyalists. The General spared no expenses in bringing to market the best Corvette ever. 15.4' Brembo brakes, a 6.2L V8 engine with Eaton Supercharger, Carbon Fiber everywhere, and a see-thru display on the hood tell you a lot about what GM wants out of its performance icon, and it gives me the chills. GM even paid $60,000 per gallon for a chemical additive that keeps the exposed Carbon Fiber from turning yellow. We're guessing that when all is said and done, the Nissan GT-R won't hold any speed records at the 'Ring for long. Click here to view beautiful shots of ZR1 on the RPM Daily gallery.

Hummer HX concept to bow at Detroit
The Hummer brand has struggled quite a bit since gas prices started soaring a couple years back. The smaller H3 has kept the ship afloat, but the rugged brand needs more pop to once again taste success.

The soon to be unveiled at the 2008 NAIAS Hummer HX looks to be steeling a page from the Jeep playbook, as its open air top and shorter wheelbase scream Wrangler fighter. On a positive note, the HX looks much tougher than the already proven Jeep, and other than the odd interior, the beefed up sand dune-eater looks ready for a stroll into production. Check out the RPM Daily photo gallery here.