RALEIGH, N.C. -- Some North Carolina paramedics are getting added muscle -- in the form of muscle cars.

Several smoking hot, souped-up Dodge Chargers are being added to the ambulance fleet in Wake County.

The fast cars will allow advanced paramedics to get to critical patients in a hurry. The idea is for the paramedics to stabilize the patients until an ambulance arrives.

In the past, the system sometimes used two ambulances to provide the necessary number of paramedics. The Chargers will allow many of those patients to be treated while allowing the second ambulance to remain in service.

"In these times it's more important than ever to find the most efficient way to deliver service while maintaining the quality and value that our citizens need, expect and deserve," said Harold Webb, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

The Wake commissioners approved $1.5 million in new spending for the pilot program over the next year.

The five cars cost about $50,900 each outfitted with emergency lights, computers and medical supplies. Compare that with a customized ambulance at $145,000.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported officials like the Charger for its speed and trunk space. Officials say the cars also get far better gas mileage than ambulances.

Chargers have also seen increased popularity with law enforcement over recent years, grabbing a chunk of the market previously dominated by the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevrolet Impala.