But enough of the techno-babble, to appreciate today's HEMI you need one of Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter V8-powered

To appreciate today's HEMI you need one of Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter V8-powered models, with the 300C being the best of the lot. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

models, and the 300C is the newest and, in my opinion, best of the lot. Another prerequisite is a heavy right foot, and thanks to Chrysler's press fleet administrator and the inheritance of genes from Mom's side of the family, I recently had both. Not long ago, I put a V6-equipped Chrysler 300 Limited through its paces during a road test. That review and several others of Chrysler's 300 Series are available under the archives heading of this site. Preferring not to repeat myself, which is a definite sign of aging, I'll focus this road test on the aspects of the

There is nothing subtle about the leap from a 250-horsepower V6 to a 340-horsepower HEMI V8. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

300 that accompany the "C" designation and leave you, the reader, to check out the previous articles for a full range of 300 series attributes. Adding the "C" proclamation to the 300's bodywork transforms a comparatively docile sedan into something spellbinding and formidable. Similar in scope to the way the devil transformed a child-like Linda Blair into a terrifying servant of evil in the cult horror classic, the Exorcist. Okay, that may be a little over-the-top - but you get my point. There is nothing subtle about the leap from a 250-horsepower V6 to a 340-horsepower HEMI V8. Compare the torque ratings and the contrast becomes even more compelling: 250 versus 390 pounds-feet of twist.