2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

The fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel works well, and the instruments are easy to read and use, with two exceptions; one is the speedometer, which displays numbers in clumps of 30 km/h readings and doesn't clearly indicate the 100 km/h mark. The second is the cruise control stalk that's located too far away from hand's reach while driving.

The optional Kicker sound system is awesome. It's got a 6-CD changer with MP3 file playback. The heart-stopping sound of the 11 speakers is terrific, and the receiver boldly includes modern technology such as a tape deck...

The biggest downside of the Charger SRT8 is how people look at you behind the wheel of it. For sure, you look good. But you also look a little

2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

careless, as if excessive fuel consumption, greenhouse-gas emissions and respecting the posted speed limits aren't a concern for you. In that regard, the 300C SRT8 is a little more subtle. It's better than owning a gas-guzzling Hummer H2, though.

The 2006 Charger SRT8 carries a base price of $44,790. This test car also includes heated seats and dual-zone climate control (part of the $640 SRT Option Group I), the Kicker 6-CD/MP3 changer audio system and alarm (part of the $1,335 SRT Option Group II), a glass sunroof ($1,050) and side-curtain airbags ($390), for a total of $48,205. The only car that can beat the SRT8 in the horsepower-per-dollar race is Ford's new Shelby GT500, which boasts 500 ponies for $52,099. Still, the Charger is much more practical and user-friendly for everyday driving than Ford's beast.

The Charger SRT8 makes no sense in today's world. It's a flashback of yesteryear's road rockets, and those who miss the good old days when gasoline and insurance cost next to nothing will shed a tear while tearing up the pavement in this Dodge. It's like going deer hunting with a bazooka.

As we're slowly but surely using up all the oil in the ground, people in the market for high-horsepower cars should get one now before it's too late.

2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

What I like:
425 addictive horsepower, of course
Polite manners when you're
   not gunning it
King of the road feeling

What I don't like:
Fuel consumption
You can't legally exploit its full potential
Socially irresponsible perception