You can now order a Chrysler 300C SRT-8 in the UK for just £39,040 on-the-road. That really is a fantastic price for the performance and practicality this car offers, though we'll reserve judgement on the car's dynamics until we try it for ourselves.

SRT stands for "Street and Racing Technology" on Chrysler and Dodge cars and usually means a complete overhaul of a regular model, from styling and interior to chassis and engine. In the 300C SRT-8, the engine is undoubtedly the star of the show.

Cult muscle car fans will be familiar with the HEMI badge, though DaimlerChrysler has resurrected the name in recent years to apply to its range of V8 engines. Naturally, the 300C SRT-8 features a HEMI V8, in this case a 6.1-litre with peak power rated at 425bhp and maximum torque available quoted as a mightily impressive 420lb.ft. This is thanks to neither turbocharging nor supercharging and Chrysler states that this HEMI is the highest specific-output engine it has ever produced.

As you'd expect, performance is brisk, with 0-60mph claimed to be over in just five seconds, though with all that torque the mid-range acceleration should be the car's party trick. Saying that, with rear-wheel drive, the 300C should be up for leaving long black lines of rubber behind it in the style of the original muscle cars.

That's about the only thing uncouth about this muscle car though. The exterior is suitably beefed up, with a ground-hugging body kit, but few excessive spoilers, though the 20-inch alloys will get you noticed, as will the choice of either silver or grey 'Clearcoat' or our favourite for the full pimp-effect, Brilliant Black Pearlcoat. Inside, the 300C's spacious interior gains sports leather seats amongst other enhancements.

On paper, the 300C SRT-8 looks like a bargain performance car. The 300C is based on the previous generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class so even the SRT version has a massive boot and loads of space for passengers, even though it costs less than the current BMW M3, which it also outperforms in a straight line. However, we don't think that the Chrysler 300C, no matter what you do to its chassis, could come close to the driver enjoyment found in a BMW M-car, and despite its sporting pretensions, the SRT-8 will only be available with an automatic gearbox. Then again, so were most of the original muscle cars...

Shane O' Donoghue - 11 Aug 2006