2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab

It's sad when reality rears its ugly head. A Viper, Ford GT, or Corvette is a cool ride, but only so many people and so much gear can fit into one, and none of them can tow anything. What's a hot-blooded performance freak with a few friends and a little cargo to do?

Up until 2003, there were two choices: the Ford Lightning, with a supercharged V-8, 380 horsepower, and styling that screamed attitude, and the 2003 Silverado SS, with full-time all-wheel drive and an overhead-valve 6.0-liter, 345-horse V-8. The year after, Dodge made it a threesome with the introduction of the Ram SRT-10 regular cab. Its 500 horses, 525 pound-feet, and surprising handling brought attention to the Ram line.

No shots have been fired at the SRT-10 since then: The Lightning has been shelved, and the Chevy, while a nice piece, still lacks the protein of the others. For 2005, the Ram SRT-10 line has been expanded--literally and figuratively--to include a Quad Cab model, which will appeal to more people and give Dodge a firmer hold in the specialty truck niche.

Why the change? Simple: The regular cab has already cornered the pure performance market; this new one is aimed at those who need a truck that functions as a truck.

The new version will continue to use the Viper's overhead-valve 8.3-liter V-10, but the wheelbase is 20 inches longer and overall length increases by 16.1. The new Ram can accommodate four people, where just two would fit in the regular cab. In addition, as the regular cab comes with the T-56 six-speed manual transmission, the Quad Cab's standard fare is a 48RE four-speed automatic. Unlike the first model, the SRT-10 Quad Cab pulls up to 7500 pounds. Exterior cues, like on the regular cab, include the hood scoop, 22-inch wheels, thundering dual exhausts, and a rear wing. An aluminum tonneau cover comes standard on the Quad Cab and is a new option on the regular cab.