Jody Victor®: Apparently, mega-horsepower is no longer to be restrained only to the racing circuit. Here’s the second half of the over 600-horsepower club.

5. Ford Shelby GT500, 650 horsepower – With the introduction of the 2013 Shelby GT500, the pony-car wars have officially gotten out of hand. Let it be clear we’re talking about a factory-produced Mustang with 650 horsepower. Likely created to one-up the fire-breathing ZL1 variant of its decades-old archrival, the Chevrolet Camaro, this Mustang and its supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine is the most powerful Ford to ever roll off the assembly line, and by a large margin. Although it’s far from a barbaric muscle car, we can only hope the big coupe’s aging suspension design is up to the task of controlling this kind of power.

4. Ferrari FF, 651 horsepower – The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was a curvaceous, high-performance luxury sports car. But it never really enjoyed success in the highly competitive exotic market. Ferrari’s response to this comes in the form of the polarizing FF. In many ways, this uniquely styled vehicle is a drastic departure from the tried-and-true prancing-horse formula. It offers four doors and all-wheel drive, as well as a “love it or hate it” shooting-brake body style. Luckily, its screaming 651-horsepower V12 engine does a mighty job of allaying concerns that Ferrari is forsaking performance and exhilaration, as it enables the 4-seater to rocket to 208 mph.

3. Lamborghini Aventador, 691 horsepower – Lamborghini has never been one to be timid with its vehicles, and its latest flagship turns heads with its flashy stealth-fighter styling and explosively powerful V12 engine rattling the ground. With 691 horsepower and years of performance engineering under its belt, the Aventador is more than ready to carry the torch into the next generation. Its paddle-shifting, single-clutch transmission, however, has a strikingly rough touch in a sea of seamless, butter-smooth dual-clutch units. Even so, it gets the job done. This replacement for the Murcielago is exactly what we were hoping for from the house of the raging bull.

2. Aston Martin One-77, 750 horsepower – British sports-car manufacturer Aston Martin is famous for creating svelte and sexy grand touring cars, and its crowning achievement, the One-77, is no exception. Although unmistakably an Aston Martin in design, this halo car puts a greater emphasis on outrageous performance and sports wilder, jaw-dropping style elements than its lesser brethren. Limited to just 77and already sold out, the One-77 boasts the most powerful naturally aspirated production-car engine ever made — a 7-liter V12 good for a roaring 750 horsepower. Take a good look at this athletic beauty, as it’s unlikely you’ll ever encounter one on the road.

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, 1,183 horsepower – By now, the Bugatti Veyron is no stranger to automotive enthusiasts, as its superlative specs make it the uncontested king of sports cars. Its Super Sport variant cranks the wick even further, boosting output of its mammoth quad-turbo W16 engine from an already absurd 987 horsepower up to a “good God, that’s nuts” 1,183 horsepower. This insane power results in a possible top speed of 268 mph. Without question, the Veyron would satisfy even the biggest adrenaline junkie. With a price tag well into the seven digits, however, this uber-exclusive supercar is not for the financially faint of heart.

Thanks, Jody! We’d love to be able to test drive any of these vehicles!!

Joe Victor

Jody Victor®: Apparently it was not hard to come up with these 10 examples of cars with 600 or more horsepower. Here it is, an impressive list of 10, in two parts.

10. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, 612 horsepower – With Ferrari’s last hypercar, the Enzo, slowly fading from memory, the 599 GTB now holds the crown of top Ferrari. This front-engine grand-touring sports car boasts a 6-liter 612-horsepower V12 engine under its long hood. It also holds the crown for one of the world’s fastest zero-to-60-mph times, at just 3.2 seconds. For those with an even greater lust for performance, and even deeper pockets, the 599 GTO variant claims a whopping 661 horsepower and the title of Ferrari’s fastest production offering — even faster than the aforementioned Enzo.

9. Porsche 911 GT2 RS, 620 horsepower – Porsche reserves its “RS” designation for only the best of its breed. In the case of the already frightening GT2 variant of the 911, the RS trim borders on insanity. Although based on the previous 997 generation, rather than the all-new 991, the GT2 RS is the fastest production Porsche. With 620 horsepower coming from a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine mounted in the trunk and powering only the rear wheels, calling the GT2 RS a handful to control should be an understatement. Still, for drivers versed in the art of 911 driving, the GT2 RS produces a thrill that few cars can match.

8. Bentley Continental Supersports, 621 horsepower – The first of two English cars on this list, the Bentley Continental Supersports differs from most of this pack because of its emphasis on luxury and comfort, rather than on outright, face-melting performance. This sumptuous Bentley packs six liters spread across 12 cylinders, although laid out in a W configuration instead of the more typical V. The turbocharged behemoth produces a dizzying 621 horsepower and launches the big coupe to 60 mph in less than four seconds — seriously fast for a 5,000-pound hunk of metal. Most examples of this $250,000 car end up in the hands of celebrities looking to flaunt some automotive bling.

7. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, 621 horsepower – While the Mercedes-Benz S65 isn’t the most powerful vehicle here, it is arguably one of the most astounding. The reason? It’s a 4-door luxury sedan capable of transporting five adults in comfort, technology and style. Like the Bentley, this big Benz gets its monumental power from a 6-liter 12-cylinder engine sporting a pair of turbochargers. As opposed to the Bentley’s unorthodox W-cylinder layout, the engine in the S65 is a traditional V12 good for 621 horsepower and a stupefying 738 lb-ft of torque. A sleeker 2-door cousin, the CL65 AMG, packs the same monstrous mill under the hood.

6. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 638 horsepower – The Corvette ZR1 is the most potent mass-produced American sports car and lays claim to one of the quickest times around Germany’s famed Nürburgring track. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine churns out an easy 638 horsepower, making it the fastest production vehicle to wear a Chevrolet bow tie. Yet it remains surprisingly docile when driven gently. It continues to suffer against equally priced imports in terms of refinement, but the reverse can also be said of its performance — practically no other vehicle in the ZR1′s price range can touch its track-readiness. The Nissan GT-R is one of its few direct competitors.

Thanks, Jody! More 600 horsepower vehicles next time!

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, can’t wait to see and drive some of these fantastic vehicles. Here’s the third batch.

Lexus LF-LC Concept – Though the LF-LC is just a concept, the hybrid sports coupe signals a new design direction for Lexus. If the luxury car brand gets positive response here in Detroit, it might be inspired to build the car, which would be super. Ideally, we’d like it to possess the handling prowess of the automaker’s celebrated LF-A, come in a rear-wheel drive platform and have the turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain pump out between 450 and 500 horsepower. Now that would be a world-class sports car.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL – In Mercedes parlance, SL stands for Super Lightweight. But the SL roadster hasn’t stuck to that philosophy in recent years. The 2013 SL550 gets back to those roots. With a body and structure rendered in almost all aluminum, the new SL is 242 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the equivalent of a good-sized middle linebacker. That should translate into improved handling for this grand tourer, as well as make the new turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine’s 429 horses all that more effective. Add in Mercedes’ responsive Direct Steer variable steering ratio and available active body control, and the new SL should be sportier than ever.

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid – Hybrids aren’t usually the objects of passion for auto enthusiasts. They are, after all, usually underpowered and bland in the handling department. But we appreciate the compatible technologies involved in the E300 BlueTec Hybrid. Diesel engines offer great highway fuel economy and hybrids do the same for city efficiency, so combining the two is only natural. Mercedes has said the E300 BlueTec Hybrid will be offered only in Europe, at least initially, so U.S. fuel-economy numbers aren’t available, but we expect 50-plus mpg. Hopefully, Mercedes will see fit to bring this efficient car to these shores in the future. It’ll offer Prius-level efficiency in a fun-to-drive luxury package.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet – The last generation of the Porsche 911 was a model of precision and agility. With its longer wheelbase, wider track and lighter weight, the all-new 911, code name 991, is even better. We’ve driven the coupe and it is more refined, more efficient, more luxurious and even more agile than the outgoing model, which was outstanding. The 2012 Cabriolet, shown here, gets a lighter top thanks to a new design that incorporates magnesium bows. Give us the 400-horsepower 911 Carrera S Cabriolet with the 7-speed manual transmission, a winding road and a clear summer day, and we’ll be in automotive heaven.

Thanks, Jody! We can’t wait to check ‘em out!

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, can’t wait to see and drive some of these fantastic vehicles. Here’s the second batch.

2013 Dodge Dart – It’s not too often we look forward to driving a mass-market compact car. They’re usually pretty vanilla. The 2013 Dodge Dart is a clear exception to that rule. With its Alfa Romeo Giulietta roots and extensive use of high-strength steel, the Dart should have a nimble European driving character. We want to see how much Chrysler Group has improved the 2.0- and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines, and we are intrigued by the new turbocharged 1.4-liter four sourced from Fiat. Perhaps most impressive, though, is the interior. With extensive use of soft-touch materials, the Dart’s cabin looks worthy of a luxury car.

2013 Ford Fusion m- Midsize sedans are the best-selling cars in America. With the release of the 2013 Fusion, Ford may vault to the top of that important class. The looks are sure to attract buyers. With its sweeping lines and Aston Martin-like grille, it will be one of the prettier cars on the road. The Fusion will also boast class-leading fuel economy for both its turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder base engine and its hybrid model, and it will offer a highly efficient, plug-in hybrid Energi model, too. Ford also promises improved handling, safety technology worthy of a luxury car, and a richer interior environment.

Honda Accord Coupe Concept – Honda has underwhelmed us with dull styling in recent years. But if the Accord Coupe Concept is true to form, the automaker might be back on track. It’s the most aggressively styled and best-looking Accord in years. Though this car is only a concept, Honda promises improved power from its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines, as well as class-leading fuel economy and an available plug-in hybrid. A shorter wheelbase may give the car a sportier feel, but Honda says it will lose no space inside. Interior materials are still a matter of speculation, but let’s hope Honda ramps up the quality in light of improved new offerings from Ford and Chevy.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – The more the merrier, we always say, especially when it comes to power. The extra ponies are even more welcome when they come under the hood of a rear-wheel drive sports car like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Although we don’t necessarily like the 2013 edition’s styling changes, the modifications made to turbocharged 2.0-liter engine increase the power output by 64 horses without sacrificing fuel economy. Hyundai also gave its already powerful 3.8-liter V6 a boost by increasing its output by 42 ponies to 348 horsepower. Hyundai says the increased power will help the Genesis Coupe 3.8 reach 60 mph in the low five-second range and on to a top speed of 149 mph.

Thanks, Jody! More next time!

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, can’t wait to see and drive some of these fantastic vehicles. Here’s the first batch.

Acura NSX Concept – The original NSX was the everyman’s supercar. The car, sold in the U.S. from 1990 to 2005, wasn’t overly powerful, but handled like it was on rails thanks to a low curb weight, ideal weight balance and a low center of gravity. The all-new NSX, which is due out within the next three years, will rely on technology to achieve the same — or, hopefully, better — results in the twisties. The concept’s midmounted V6 engine is connected to a dual-clutch automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels. An additional pair of electric motors sits at the front axle to provide all-wheel drive. This new setup can shuttle torque from left to right just like in Acuras equipped with current SH-AWD, although in the NSX it’s done electrically.

2013 Audi S4 – The Audi S4 doesn’t get an appreciably new look for the 2013 model year, but it does retain the traits that have made it one of our favorite sport sedans. It’s still well-balanced, and handling is still aided by lightweight aluminum suspension components and the Audi drive select system, which includes adjustable shock absorbers. The 333-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine offers plenty of willing power and decent fuel economy. Our only concern is the new electric-assist steering. Let’s hope it has as much road feel as, or more than, the outgoing hydraulic system.

2013 Cadillac ATS – When an automaker is serious about developing a car with world-class handling, it sends a group of engineers to test that vehicle on Germany’s famed Nurburgring road circuit. Cadillac did just that with the 2013 ATS compact sedan. Designed to compete with the BMW 3-Series, the ATS has true sport sedan credentials: low mass (it will be the lightest car in the class), extensive use of high-strength steel, rear- or all-wheel drive, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes. We are looking forward to both the turbocharged 2.0-liter 270-horsepower four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter 318-horsepower V6 engines.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS – The Chevrolet Sonic was one of the pleasant surprises of 2011. Its solid structure gives the car a dynamic character unmatched in its segment. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, while a bit underpowered in the Chevy Cruze, is right at home in the lighter Sonic. The RS is a sportier version of the likable subcompact. With a lower stance and stiffer suspension, the RS will be even more agile than the base car. Revised gearing should make it slightly quicker, and some exterior modifications make it look a little meaner. We’ll go so far as to say the Sonic RS could be the poor man’s GTI.

Thanks, Jody! More next time!

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, I know that last group was great but, here goes with the rest of the great commuter vehicles.

Kia Sportage - Price: $18,500 – The Sportage fills the commuting needs of SUV fans. You get that high-and-mighty seating position, plenty of room and a slew of standard amenities in a stylish package. It costs $3,800 to add all-wheel drive to the equation, but we’d recommend it if you regularly face bad weather. The Kia is a great call when you need a double-duty vehicle that can both commute and support an active lifestyle outside the office. Fuel efficiency: 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

Scion iQ - Price: $15,995 – There are all kinds of engineering tricks that explain how the iQ looks small on the outside, yet is relatively big inside. But that’s not why it appeals to us in this context; the asymmetrical dash and staggered seating are the standouts here. This arrangement, in which the front passenger sits farther forward in the cabin than the driver, gives three commuters regular, no-compromise room. The iQ’s impressive 37 mpg combined city and highway mileage is the best among the strictly gas-burners on this list.

Subaru Legacy - Price: $19,995 – The Legacy is the all-wheel-drive alternative on the list. As part of its 2009 redesign, Subaru’s midsized sedan got a more expansive, ergonomic interior that makes better use of the space. It is offered in seven model trims with three engine choices and numerous interior and connectivity features, so there is a flavor for every palate. The base 2.5i trim features a 170-horsepower engine and continuously variable transmission and generates the best mileage figures: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

Toyota Prius V - Price: $26,400 – There is a lot to like in the versatile all-new-for-2012 Prius V. The traditional gas-electric hybrid has more of a minivan profile than other Prius offerings. Its bigger packaging means more room for the commute and more cargo potential for weekend getaways, all while enjoying hybrid-spec fuel efficiency at 44 mpg city/42 mpg highway. The Prius V comes in three trims; only the top trim offers access to the commuter-friendly, high-end technology option packages.

VW Jetta Diesel - Price: $22,525 – Diesels have been known for their high-mileage figures for decades; this one gets 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. But many still perceive them as being loud, smoky and crude. Get a clue: Modern diesels are quiet and clean-burning and offer a refined ride and drive. They make an excellent commuter car. Diesels produce big torque; the Jetta’s 236 lb-ft of torque doubles that of the first four cars on our list, giving it more pep from a stoplight. VW’s 2.0-liter TDI drivetrain can be had in sedan or SportWagen versions of the Jetta, making it more flexible for post-commute activities.

Thanks, Jody! We’ll be sure to check ‘em out.

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, I don’thave to make that commute anymore but I certainly remember the frustrations. Here’s the first half of the article.

Chevrolet Volt  –  Price: $39,145 – The Volt is not a hybrid, but we understand why people think it is one. A conventional hybrid is a gasoline-powered machine that gets a boost from an electric motor to improve fuel economy. The Volt is an electric car with a gasoline assist. The gas-powered component isn’t part of the drivetrain at all, but rather acts as a generator, recharging the Volt’s batteries when necessary. The Volt can drive about 35 miles on an electric charge before the 83-horsepower gasoline engine kicks in. This configuration allows the Volt to roam as far as any other car on the road, something no other electric vehicle can claim. Plus, it is roomy and has all of the right amenities.

Fiat 500 - Price: $15,500 – The tiniest roller skate on our list, the Fiat 500, adds a little Italian flair to the morning drive. There are three regular trims — Pop, Sport and Lounge — two convertible offerings and two limited-edition 500s. The all-conquering turbocharged Abarth performance model will hit the scene in 2012. The 500 is only new to America; it has been a success overseas and won World Car Design of the Year honors in 2009. Nimble and chic, the 500 has all the attributes to please even the most image-conscious commuters. It gets 30 mpg city/38 mpg on the highway. Sure, it’s a little tight, but it offers plenty of style and comfort for a sole commuter.

Ford Fiesta SE - Price: $15,670 – The under-$14,000 Fiesta S is a miserly sedan that’s perfect for those who commute alone. But we chose the SE hatchback instead, because it is just as miserly — with a fuel-economy rating of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway — and it better serves commuter and cargo needs. No matter which one you choose, however, you’ll own one of the best-connected rides on the road. Ford’s Sync system enables hands-free calling and texting when paired with your smartphone, and with Sync AppLink you can also access a nearly limitless amount of music via Pandora and other media outlets. And if you’re car pooling, you can use it as a wireless hub, so passengers can get a jump on the day while you chauffeur them to work.

Honda Odyssey - Price: $28,225 – The Honda Odyssey is not your typical go-to player in the commuter realm. It’s the people mover for larger car pools and can also serve as a family truckster for long-haul road trips. It’s pricey for a commuter, too, and the only V6 among these 4-cylinder fuel-sippers. But the van has plenty of space, and advantages such as seating for up to eight and an available rear-seat DVD system. And it’s efficient for its size: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Hyundai Veloster - Price: $17,300 – The Veloster is a new 2012 model. It looks more like a Honda CR-Z than a traditional hatchback. But we like the 2-door coupe’s style and the convenience of a stealthy third door that Hyundai added to ease rear-seat access. The Veloster is also well-equipped, featuring a lot of high-tech connectivity. However, we recommend anyone commuting with more than two people to test drive the rear seat of this vehicle carefully; the slope of the rear window may be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet. Fuel efficiency is good, with a rating of 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway.

Thanks, Jody! More commuter vehicles next time.

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, there are car deals out there now, that can fit almost anyone’s budget. Here’s the second instalment.

2012 BMW 1-Series – How does Santa make it to all those houses in one night? We don’t know, but his job would probably be a whole lot easer if he had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder ingine that made 300 horsepower, like the 2012 BMW 135 does. With a lease deal that makes payments just $419 per month, Santa could deliver toys in record time and have plenty of cash left over for giving elves their bonuses.

2012 Hyundai Sonata – Giving a gift always feels better when it looks like you spent more than you did. Most car reviewers say the 2012 Hyundai Sonata looks and feels more expensive than it is. That feeling is even more powerful through Jan. 3, when the 2012 Sonata is available for purchase with 1.9% financing for 36 months, or for lease for $259 per month for 36 months.

2012 Honda Odyssey – Going over the river and through the woods can actually be fun in the comfortable and feature-laden 2012 Honda Odyssey. With comfortable seating for up to seven and some of the best performance in the minivan class, the Odyssey is a no-brainer for families. Through Jan. 3, you can get one with 0.9% financing for 36 months, leaving plenty of cash for the antacids you’ll need after sampling grandma’s fruitcake.

2012 Subaru Outback – Reviewers love how the Subaru Outback combines practicality with safety, sure-footed all-wheel drive and good performance. Car shoppers will love how the Outback, which rarely has discounts or incentives, can be leased for just $249 per month for 42 months, or bouth with 1.9% financing. With that kind of pricing, the versatile Outback will be way more useful than that veggie chopper/steamer/shoe polisher Uncle Roy gave you.

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe – ‘Tis the season for giving and getting, and when you opt for the 2012 Chevy Tahoe, you’ll not only get a top-rated full-size SUV with some of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, but you’ll also be able to get $1,000 cash back. What you do with the money is up to you, but after spending a month buying gifts for other people, no one will blame you for spending it on yourself.

2012 Kia Forte – Choosing to spend the holidays with the inlaws or with your family is tough. Luckily, if you want the 2012 Kia Forte, which is available as a sedan, coupe or hatchback, with 1.9% financing for 36 months and $500 cash back. Score one for marital harmony.

Thanks, Jody! We’ll be sure to check these out.

Joe Victor

Jody Victor: You might be surprised but the best deals of the year will be happening the week between Christmas and New Years. Even if you aren’t planning on giving or getting a car Christmas morning you may want to take advantage of these deals. Here they are, the 12 best, in 2 parts.

2012 Buick Enclave- A perennial favorite with, the 2012 Buick Enclave features a plush interior and comfortable performance. Through Jan. 2, it also features $1,500 cash back or 1.9% financing for up to five years – which is about how long it will take you to work off all those Christmas cookies.

2012 Ford Fusion – The Ford Fusion features an affordable starting price and performance that’s more flavorful than Aunt Mary’s rum balls. Until New Year’s Day, you can get the 2012 Fusion with $2,000 cashback or 0% financing for up to 60 months.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan – Germans are famous for their Christmas markets and for building cars that outperform almost anything else on the road. With the 2012 VW Tiguan, you not only get German performance, but also enough space to haul all of those tacky sweaters that grandma gave you back to the mall. You should have some cash left over to get what you really want: Through Jan. 3, the Tiguan has 0.9% financing for up to 60 months.

2012 Mazda5 – Most people resolve to trim down in the new year, and with the 2012 Mazda5, you can start early. With seating for six and the convenience of sliding rear doors, the Mazda5 is as practical as a minivan, but its smaller footprint gives it engaging performance and better fuel economy. Save at the dealership as well as the pump by getting your Mazda5 by Jan. 3, when it has 0.9% financing and no payments for 90 days.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze – Good things (like diamond earrings) come in small packages, but if you’re shopping for a small car, a little extra space is always welcome. Reviewers say the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze packs a roomy interior, good performance and great features for the price. Through Jan 3, you can lease a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze for $169 per month for 36 months. That’s probably less than the data plan you’ll have to get to go with that new smartphone Santa gave you.

2012 Lexus IS – You won’t need eight tiny reindeer to get through winter’s snowy roads if you have all-wheel-drive. The Lexus IS 250 with all-wheel drive is not only sporty, but is available for $329 a month for 36 months, which should make it appealing to even the most dedicated Scrooge.

Thanks, Jody! More next time.

Joe Victor

Jody Victor : According to this article the power of a sports car is not always proportionate to the cost. Here’s the second half.

5. 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring – Price: $23,165 | HP: 283 | $/HP: $81.86 – The Chrysler 200 replaced the Sebring and we’re glad for that; it is a marked improvement in many ways. As twin to the Dodge Avenger, the 200 has the same new Pentastar V6, but in SXT Touring trim it’s more affordable than the most affordable version of the Avenger that comes with the V6. That’s why it ranks higher on this list. Although they’re mechanically the same, the Chrysler and Dodge sedans have different characters. The 200 is more sophisticated, while the Avenger goes for a sporty, younger feel.

4. 2012 Dodge Charger R/T RWD = Price: $29,995 | HP: 370 | $/HP: $81.07 – Dodge drastically improved the Charger R/T for 2011, and the good news for 2012 is that the company is holding the line on pricing. That means you can get a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine for just less than $30,000. No other automaker sells a car like the Charger in the United States at the moment: a large, powerful, rear-wheel-drive sedan at an affordable price. Although 370 horsepower sounds like a lot, the Charger is big and heavy, so it ends up being just enough power for good acceleration. Still, this is a lot of car for the money.

3. 2012 Dodge Challenger R/T – Price: $29,995 | HP: 376 | $/HP: $79.77 – The Dodge Challenger is the Charger’s 2-door sibling. It has six more horsepower under the hood. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference. The reason to get a Challenger over a Charger is styling versus practicality: It’s sleeker but not as handy, with two fewer doors than the Charger. Compared with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang, this big coupe feels fat and flabby. But it has a comfortable ride and the Hemi makes it entertaining enough. Upgrading to the pricier SRT8 version on either the Challenger or the Charger brings more power, but it isn’t as good a power value.

2. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe SS – Price: $31,850 | HP: 426 | $/HP: $74.77 – If we were ranking cars based on attitude per dollar, the Chevrolet Camaro would win hands-down. Its aggressive appearance is intimidating. Drivers hustled out of its way when they saw us approaching in the rearview mirror. And both young and old exclaimed how impressive it was when they came across it on the street. The SS version gets a power boost with a 426-horsepower V8. That’s supercar power at a fraction of the cost of a Ferrari or Porsche. The Camaro is a well-rounded performer, even though it doesn’t feel quite as lively and tossable as a Ford Mustang.

1. 2012 Ford Mustang GT Coupe – Price: $29,310 | HP: 412 | $/HP: $71.14 – The Ford Mustang GT offers 14 horsepower less than the Chevy Camaro SS, but it’s less expensive. So it edges out its arch rival in this price-to-power competition. Numbers aside, Ford has fine-tuned this car to near perfection. Its Achilles heel is the interior, which, although much improved over that of past Mustangs, still feels cheap. Dynamically, the Mustang is a joy to drive on both road and track. It’s beautifully balanced, and the V8 engine in the GT version gives awesome acceleration. A slew of improvements are coming for 2013, including more power for the V8 in the GT model, and a 650-horsepower Shelby GT500.

Thanks, Jody! We’ll be sure to check ‘em out.

Joe Victor