Many people don’t realize the popular Chrysler 300, introduced in 2005, is the namesake of the Chrysler 300 “letter series” of 1955 to 1965. The original Chrysler 300 was a full-size high-performance luxury automobile produced in limited numbers.

As a disclaimer, it should be noted that I am a collector of vintage 300s, and this certainly clouds my opinion. Not necessarily in a good way either: Since the 300 nameplate was resurrected in 1999 it has represented mostly garden-variety sedans that didn’t capture the spirit of the original radical coupes and convertibles that rocked NASCAR and set speed records.

There has been one exception: the Chrysler 300C SRT8.

Like its forbearers, the 300C is a limited-production car representing the top of the Chrysler line. It will run with almost anything on the road. It even incorporates historic 300 touches such as a unique leather interior and limited color choices.

SRT stands for street and racing technology, a division of Chrysler responsible for creating some really exciting performance products over the last few years. The heart of the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 producing 425 horsepower and backed by a five-speed automatic transmission.

Rounding out the mechanicals are huge Brembo brakes, a performance-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels and tires specific to the SRT8. It’s a well-rounded performance package. Chrysler quotes 0-60 mph times in the low five-second range and 0-100 mph in less than 17 seconds. Braking from 60 to 0 is accomplished in an impressive 110 feet.

Exterior cues that set the SRT8 apart from the rest of the Chrysler 300 lineup are the larger wheels, lower ride height, distinctive front and rear fascias, a deck lid spoiler and SRT8 badges. For 2009 the SRT8 gets its own new grille. I’m not sure if I like it, but I can see why Chrysler wanted to visually set the SRT8 apart. Also for 2009, the sunroof becomes standard equipment.

The interior alone is almost enough to recommend this car. Unique interiors are a trademark of SRT. I find the darker gray tones to be easier on the eyes than the lighter interior color schemes of the other Chrysler 300 trim levels. All 300s are comfortably roomy cars, but I especially like the bolstered racing-inspired seats with suede inserts found in the SRT8.

With the tilting and telescoping steering column, most anyone can find a comfortable seating position. For 2009 the uconnect system, which incorporates functions such as music, phone and navigation, becomes standard on SRT8.

Changes have been subtle since the 300C SRT8 debuted in 2006. This is not necessarily a bad thing. This is now a proven car. Looking at some enthusiast discussion forums on the Web, anecdotally some high-mileage SRT8s out there are holding up just fine. That’s not surprising since it’s a hearty vehicle designed for high-performance driving. I’ve had a few racetrack opportunities with some SRT8s; they are frankly overkill for normal driving and it would be hard to wear one out.

My recent loan of a 2009 Chrysler 300C SRT8 did not include any track driving, though we did take it on a 400-mile round trip. It reinforced my impression of previous SRT8s: Its highway manners are excellent and the ride is not at all punishing.

The firmness of the suspension is only an issue on the roughest of surfaces.

Highway fuel mileage was in line with estimates, even though the driving was vigorous at times. But with performance comes cost. Fuel mileage is an issue with the SRT8. It requires premium gas, though to Chrysler’s credit a slight improvement in economy for 2009 has resulted in a decrease in the gas guzzler tax.

It’s a great time to buy a Chrysler 300, especially if you like this design. A new look for the 300 is on the way, though the word on the street is that the current platform will continue. Hopefully, the SRT8 will continue as well.

There are no changes listed for the 300C SRT8 for 2010, though there is one in the fine print. In 2010, SRT8s will get a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. Previous SRT8s were only covered for three years or 36,000 miles because they were excluded from Chrysler’s lifetime powertrain warranty.

To make the decision harder, 2009 300C SRT8s are seeing some significant incentives and zero percent financing right now, something previously unheard of for SRT vehicles.

2009 CHRYSLER 300C SRT 8

ENGINE: 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V-8

TRANSMISSION: five-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: rear-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city/25 highway

BASE PRICE: $36,285

WEB SITE: Chrysler.com