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The Chrysler 300 has quickly become an icon of style. The low roof, angular body and square-shouldered grille is now a signature for the Chrysler brand. Some say it looks like an American Bentley.

The 300 is available with a V-6, a Hemi V-8 or, in the case of the SRT8 test car, a 425-horsepower Hemi. The SRT8 is a product of Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division, a factory performance group that created the Viper, Magnum SRT8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

The high-performance SRT8 has a ton of swagger. Unique front and rear fascias enhance air flow to the brakes and add high-speed stability. The grille, mirrors and door handles are painted to match the body color.

If you take this four-door to a racetrack, you’ll find it sprints to 60 mph in slightly more than five seconds. It is capable of going from zero to 100 mph and back to zero in less than 17 seconds. That’s serious performance for a full-size sedan capable of humbling cars that cost twice as much as its base price of $41,585.

The first step to achieving this level of performance from the Hemi was to boost displacement from 5.7 liters to 6.1. Engineers also increased the compression ratio, redesigned the cylinder heads for better flow and increased engine speed. The engine block, connecting rods, pistons and crankshaft were beefed up as well. A larger exhaust system, with 3.5-inch tips, also helps the engine breathe deeper. Fuel economy is rated at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. A $2,100 gas-guzzler tax is added to the sticker.

Unlike a temperamental race engine, the SRT8’s V-8 can be as docile as a V-6, yet when you punch the throttle it awakens with a bellow and will pin you back in the seat. The SRT8 is a serious car for people who value the brute strength of an American V-8 and the handling finesse of a European sedan. Twenty-inch wheels and performance tires provide tenacious grip. New springs, stiffer shock absorbers and larger anti-sway bars have been added. The SRT8 sits one-half inch lower.

It is not for those who are offended by a gas-guzzling, tire-chirping V-8.

The electronic stability program has been tuned to accommodate the new suspension. Four-piston Brembo brakes with ventilated rotors have been added to cope with the stopping requirements of the extra power.

The ride is purposeful but not harsh, even with low-profile tires.

Inside, the deeply contoured leather seats hold you like a giant hand, and the dash has handsome backlit gauges. The instrument cluster is new for 2008, as is the center console and the availability of Sirius backseat television that can show Nickleodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. A Kicker premium surround-sound stereo is also optional.

The eight-way adjustable heated sport seats have suede inserts to help hold the driver and passengers in place during spirited driving. Power adjustable pedals are offered as well.

The steering wheel, gearshift and door pulls are covered with what Chrysler calls “technical” leather for a more positive grip. The SRT8 has unique trim on the steering wheel, doors and center stack.

The SRT8’s amenities are commensurate with those of a premium model. Dual-zone heating and cooling with infrared temperature are also part of the package.

It takes a close look to distinguish the SRT8 from its more mundane stablemates, but you know it is special the moment you slide behind the wheel and fire up the engine.

Price The base price of the test car was $41,585. Options included satellite radio, navigation system, power sunroof, Kicker high-performance stereo and a $2,163 gas-guzzler tax. The sticker price was $47,268.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles. Chrysler’s lifetime powertrain warranty is not available on SRT vehicles.