And compelling might just be the most appropriate adjective to describe the performance of the 300C. The 5.7-liter HEMI

The extremely quiet 5.7-liter HEMI lurking beneath the hood fires up like any other smooth-running overhead-valve V8. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

lurking beneath the hood fires up like any other smooth-running overhead-valve V8. It's extremely quiet, other than a respectfully muted exhaust note at idle and takeoff, but otherwise its potential is nearly imperceptible within the parameters of conservative usage. In fact, it might just be a bit too civilized in my opinion. It's not until a heavy right foot dominates the driving pattern that the HEMI speaks up for itself - and that's disappointing. I recently road tested Pontiac's Bonneville GXP, equipped with a detuned version of Cadillac's highly respected Northstar V8, and was more than smitten with the "burble" emitted from its twin pipes. At idle, the GXP lets everyone know that more than six cylinders are firing beneath the bonnet. Sink the right foot and a GXP sport tuned exhaust note sings out like Joe Cocker at full volume, but with much more refinement than old Joe has. I understand Chrysler's corporate decision to build itself a luxury flagship with the 300C, but when kids of the muscle car era tick the "C" box on an order sheet they may be let down to discover their heavily muted HEMI V8 sounds like something powering a Lincoln Towncar. Perhaps the solution is the new SRT8 sport version, just announced recently at

With the powerful SRT8 on the way, the luxo-cruiser 300C could push the comfort envelope even further. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The new 6.1-liter HEMI no doubt deals with the issue of exhaust tuning on its way up to 425 horsepower, along with a few other performance-related touches, such as a tauter suspension and better road-adhering tires. On the flip side, with a sport model on the way the luxo-cruiser 300C could push the comfort envelope even further, ensuring sufficient distinction between the cars to attract two definitive groups of buyers. But I don't work for Chrysler, at least I haven't seen a paycheck yet, so I will leave market targeting the 300C up to those folks that Chrysler pays for such guidance and return to my role of auto journalist.