General Motors doesn't always get the launch of a new vehicle exactly right, but in the early 2000s, if you wanted a retro-styled, two-door, hardtop convertible sport truck, there was no better choice ...

The sun SHINES brightly off the white stone buildings, a smooth and lightly traveled road winds along granite cliffs that jut from a glassy Mediterranean. We stop for a photograph of the Dodge SRT4.

When intern Cody Wentz gave me the thumbs up, I swapped pedals and held on for the ride. With my go-foot mashed to the brand-new GM carpet, I was astounded at the effective power of the 5,000-plus ...