Very few cars are exceedingly impressive in multiple areas – usually there’s a compromise between power and efficiency, utility and style, comfort and handling. Some vehicles come closer to success than others, but among the best is the 2005 Chrysler 300 SRT-8.

Under the hood is an amazing 6.1-liter Hemi engine, packing 425 horses and 420 lb.-ft. of twist for this application, all that and an EPA-estimated highway rating of 20 mpg. Sure, keeping off the throttle enough to attain that figure is like leaving a 13 year-old boy alone with an adult magazine and telling him not to look at it – c’mon, we all have our limits, for some challenges in life are just too hard to overcome. In the case of the SRT-8, cranking up that Hemi unleashes gobs of power that is capable of remaining remarkably controlled in regular city driving, but put the hammer down and the SRT-8 simply launches. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an AutoStick five-speed automatic transmission that’s a blast to use in manual mode; without timely shifts from the driver, the Hemi will bounce off of the rev limiter rather than upshifting.

The Chrysler 300 SRT-8 is the epitome of the term “sleeper.” With only a few exterior tweaks denoting this monster as anything more than an attractive four-door, drivers can roll along inconspicuously with the masses. But for those moments when your right foot inexplicably has the desire to stomp on the gas pedal, there are stability and traction control systems to watch your back, though thankfully neither is the least bit intrusive until the driver is obviously in over his head, and with breathtaking acceleration that can be a common occurrence. On the flip side, performing a smoky burnout with the $40,000 SRT-8 is all but impossible, as grip on asphalt is virtually instantaneous with the 20-inch tires.

Futile attempts at roasting Goodyear rubber aside, drivers will appreciate the 300 SRT-8 for its sticky handling. This large sedan exhibits almost no body roll, even in tight corners taken at high speeds. The steering has a good heft to it with plenty of feedback, though it gets a bit jittery over bumps in the corners, no doubt due to the large tires and taut suspension. Braking is equally impressive, demonstrating little dive and squat on hard stops and starts, and the standard antilock system operates seamlessly except during exercises of full-on stopping at excessive speeds. Interestingly, the 2005 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 clearly outhandled a new Mustang during one of our comparison tests, despite a 700-lb. weight penalty.

With stellar power, handling, and style, one might expect to take a hit in the areas of comfort and utility. That’s not the case. Admittedly, the ride is a bit stiffer than the regular 300 sedan, but it’s not harsh and is admirably subdued for a vehicle with such outstanding performance. And, like all other 300 trim levels, there’s plenty of room to accommodate five passengers and their gear. Best of all, if idle conversation with your fellow passengers gives way to awkward silence, rest assured that a light prod of the 300 SRT-8’s Hemi will quickly cut down on travel time. -- Thom Blackett