We get to drive a lot of great cars here at Super Chevy, from restored musclecars and outlandish Pro Streeters to brand-new ZO6s and Malibu hybrids. As a member of the International Motor Press Association (IMPA), I enjoy other perks. The best is that I can participate in our annual Test Day in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In years past, I've flogged everything from quad-cam ZR-1s and LT1 Camaro Z28s to the current current LS-powered Corvettes and the Cobalt SS. There's an on-road day, where I've sampled the Cadillac CTS and XLR-V roadster, the Bentley Continental GT turbo, a Maybach and other assorted exotica, and that's followed by a day on the road course and high-banks of Pocono Raceway.

This year we missed the on-road day because of work commitments, but on the track day saw pit lane filled with a Z51 Corvette, a trio of new Dodge Challengers, a Viper, a pair of AMG-modified Mercedes Benzes, a Lotus Exige turbo and about 50 other '08 and '09 models.

Since I've already spent considerable time in the new Vettes and with the 2010 Camaro still months away, I parked myself in the SRT-8 Challenger, new for '09 with a 6-speed manual transmission. This would be my first ride of the day on track. I have to admit, it looks stunning. Even the interior is an upgraded recreation of the '70-74 models (save for the industry's ugliest steering wheel). With 425 Hemi horsepower under the hood, I figured I was in for a good time. Sad to say, it was not terribly satisfying. It had a ton of body roll, lackluster steering and, frankly, it didn't feel terribly buttoned down on track. Even the prodigious power was masked by its two-plus-tons of weight. it was a serious buzz kill. I spoke to numerous journalists that day and everyone felt the same way I did. Big disappointment.

For comparison's sake, I took out the Pontiac G8 GT, which has 369 horsepower and weighs about the same. It was no contest. On the road course, the G8 would have run and hid from the Challenger. The level of grip was amazing, the steering feel was tremendous. it did everything well. Sure, there was understeer (surprise, surprise), but so what? You could trailbrake into a turn, the car rotated beautifully. The brakes were spot-on. If this is any indication of how good the 2010 Camaro will be (and since it's based on the same architecture we have to think it is), we'll be lined up with greenbacks in hand.

Car That I'd Like To Drive Again: Corvette Z51 (but with the top on and windows up—your hair gets rather messy at 135 with the roof off and windows down. All I want is a base Z51 coupe with zero options.

Car I Wish I Drove: New Viper convertible. We've driven them often in the past. Yes, they're a handful, but are brutally fast and reward good driving. And they punish bad drivers.

Surprise Delight: Pontiac Solstace GXP roadster. We're suckers for precise steering, lightweight, fun sports cars. Here's proof you don't need 400 horsepower to have a good time. Great balance.

Car I Wish GM Built: Mitsubishi Evo MR SST: It runs out of breath upstairs, but this turbocharged compact is no joke. Maybe someday GM will build a competitor.