2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG

"An AMG in every garage!" seems to be the rallying cry at Mercedes-Benz these days. How else to explain a 500-plus-hp version of the R-class family hauler? As its name suggests, the R63 AMG uses the same 6.2-liter V-8 that makes its production debut in the ML63 AMG. Output is a stout 505 hp and 465 lb-ft, done without help from a turbo or a supercharger. The rest of the powertrain also mirrors the ML63's, with a seven-speed automatic sending torque to all four wheels, but favoring the rears (60 percent) over the fronts (40 percent). With an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, and a 0-to-62-mph time of about five seconds, the R63 AMG will make quick work of most family trips, but there are built-in video screens in case the little ones have extremely short attention spans. Once we drive this 500-hp minivan, our lives will be complete.