New Chrysler 300C SRT8 is $20,000 Cheaper and 25-HP More Powerful than Cadillac CTS-V

New 300C SRT8 is the Best Performance Value in the Luxury Sedan Segment

Cadillac had better rush its 500-horsepower 7.0-litre small-block CTS-V to market soon, or when Chrysler's $49,995 425-horsepower

A 425-horsepower 6.1-litre HEMI-equipped 300C SRT8 for $20,705 less than the 400-horsepower CTS-V? Watch out Cadillac, Chrysler is coming. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

6.1-litre HEMI-equipped 300C SRT8 hits the market at a price $20,705 less expensive, sales of the 400-horsepower Caddy will definitely get pinched.

"The 6.1-litre HEMI found in the Chrysler 300C SRT8 boasts 25 percent more power than the 5.7-litre HEMI in the Chrysler 300C and 69.8 horsepower-per-litre more than that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI," stated Ron Smith, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "SRT owners regularly use their vehicles for everyday transportation, but as performance enthusiasts, want to be able to put them to the test on some of the world's greatest roads or

Chrysler is touting zero to 100 km/h times in the low 5-second range, while the CTS-V manages this feat in 4.8 seconds. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

tracks. For less than $50,000 Chrysler 300C SRT8 enthusiasts are sure to be delighted."

Of course, performance is not all about horsepower. The CTS-V is smaller, lighter and features a 6-speed manual transmission, and therefore its performance should remain stronger than the big Chrysler despite a 25-horsepower advantage.

But will it be $20,000 stronger? Chrysler is touting zero to 100 km/h times in the low 5-second range, while the CTS-V manages this feat in 4.8 seconds. That's not much of a difference, especially from a car that provides a great deal more interior room and questionable refinement advantages over the Cadillac.