At the other end of the performance spectrum but at least as spicy is Dodge’s ultra-hot Ram SRT-10. The most powerful production pickup on the planet sports a Viper 8.3-L V10 that puts out 500-hp and 525 lb-ft of torque, good for 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in about 5.2 seconds. The new sport truck also adds the largest standard wheels and tires available, the largest brakes in its class and a sport-tuned suspension. It’s an intimidating ride with a massive hood scoop, an aggressive air dam integrating large foglights, sculpted rocker panels and a rear wing overtop the liftgate. Expect the world’s fastest pickup to hit the roads this fall as a 2004 model. How long will it hold the title? Only Ford’s SVT Lightning team can answer that one. Keep reading.

On a slightly more practical note Toyota has announced its “longest, widest, deepest and roomiest” full-size pickup ever according to Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. Its Tundra Double Cab sports a true four-door configuration, with a wheelbase stretched by 330 mm (13 in) over the standard truck while 76 mm (3 in) is added to the rear track and overall width as well as the height. Toyota is expecting to find more buyers for its bigger, better Tundra when it’s introduced as a 2004 model, especially important on the eve of the production launch of Nissan’s full-size Titan.

The mention of the other Japanese auto giant brings to mind its premier division’s new SUV offering. Infiniti’s FX35 and FX45 are amazing performers, easily worthy of the “sports car, SUV” quandary commercials hitting the airwaves these days. I drove it in Arizona last month and officially declare that both the 280-hp 3.5-L V6 or 315-hp 4.5-L V8 leave their respective 6 and 8-cylinder BMW X5 competitors in the proverbial and literal dust. They both accelerate, handle and brake like top-tier sports cars while delivering 5-occupant capacity and decent cargo volume. What’s more, Infiniti’s reliability and owners satisfaction ratings are among the best in the industry. Did I mention it looks awesome too?

On a similar mission Subaru just revealed its turbocharged Forester 2.5 XT. With 210-hp and 235 lb-ft of torque the mini-SUV should be capable of Pikes Peak let alone a drive up to the ski hill. The engine incorporates Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) to optimize power throughout the rev range. A 5-speed manual or optional new 4-speed Direct Controlled Electronic Automatic Transmission is available, driving all four wheels. It also makes use of the Japanese company’s superb Hill Holder clutch, a technology that holds the vehicle in place when launching from a steep incline. There’s no word on a sale date as of yet.

Are you ready to get really practical? If so Ford has the answer. Its new Freestar minivan is set to take over the reigns from the outgoing Windstar this fall. The completely restyled van appears conservative compared to Nissan’s upcoming Quest… that is until you peek under the hood. While the Nissan has 20 additional ponies the Ford’s 210-hp 4.2-L V6 packs more low-end grunt, 265 lb-ft of torque to be exact. The blue oval boys have done a fine job reworking the interior too, with much higher quality materials than the current Windstar and a truly inspired design. While its subtle styling might not catch the attention of non-Ford buyers it looks to be a worthy contender.

For Ford fans with a slightly more radical bent towards performance the SVT gang doled out something seriously over the top at this year’s Detroit Auto Show earlier in the year. The SVT F-150 Lightning concept incorporates a 500-hp supercharged 32-valve DOHC V8 with 500 lb-ft of torque that sends power down to the rear wheels via a short-throw Tremec T-56 6-speed manual transmission, the same as used in the current SVT Mustang. Even cooler, literally, the SVT gang developed a SuperCooler that uses the air-conditioner to pre-cool a small storage tank of coolant to approximately 30 F (1.1 degrees Celsius), prior to dumping it into the system's intercooler. Why didn't anyone else think of that? The result is reportedly 'whack-in-the-back' acceleration.

Last but hardly least Bentley’s graceful Continental GT deserves recognition just for being so undeniably beautiful. It was near impossible during Detroit's three day press event to get close enough to take many photos, but getting a special invite to climb around its turntable and then hanging around while everyone else was eating dinner allowed for a few unimpeded views. Based on Audi’s all-new 2004 A8, the revolutionary Bentley opens wide a new chapter for this respected automaker. A 6.0-L W12 engine delivers over 500-hp to all four wheels via a 6-speed, steering-wheel paddle-shift actuated automatic transmission – plenty of meat with the gravy. The cabin is as sumptuously detailed as its exterior, with a classic Breitling clock at dash central. While paying respect to its past, the 1952 R-Type Continental in particular, the new GT is thoroughly modern.