NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: WHICH and WHY? Out Of ALL The SRT8s, Which Are YOU Taking Home?

You have to love Chrysler Group, because when its passionate about something, it always manages to go just a little overboard with it. Take, for example, its new slew of SRT vehicles, which came to the 2011 New York Auto Show all boasting the same motor.

The new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 produces upwards of 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of meaty torque, which is more than 40 horsies and 40 gut-wretching torques than the outgoing 6.1-liter HEMI. You know what they say, "There is no replacement for displacement."

Rivaling that sort of power usually means you have to cough up some pretty pennies, however Chrysler Group always manages to come in under the mark. Where else will you be able to pick up over 450 ponies for what I believe will likely be less than $50,000? It's a rare find, my friends.

Now here's the question of the night: since all three cars have the same motor, WHICH one is the most compelling to you? What product turns your head and makes you say "Yeah, I want THAT one!"


Chrysler's press releases follow:

On the 300 SRT8...

...Under the hood of the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 makes its debut in the Chrysler brand product lineup delivering an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, up 40 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. over the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces.

The improved torque output - including an additional 80 lb.-ft. at 2,900 rpm - allows for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance while new, performance-tuned motor mounts improve idle stability and ride control at any speed. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power.

Even with the elevated power numbers, an estimated 25-percent fuel economy increase on the highway is achieved by use of a new for 2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range. The new active exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load....


On the Charger SRT8...

...Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.

Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction...