IN THIS FEATURE When two worlds collide... Custom car body language A hotrod that rides like a limo Engage NASCAR mode

A reproduction of the '50s (first-generation) and '60s (second-generation) Chrysler Hemi idea sounds a bit gimmicky for the '00s, though, doesn't it? Well, it has its merits. The hemispherical combustion chamber is good for power production provided the spark plug is either in the middle or, as here, there are two of them. It's not so good for emissions, but modern electronics and exhaust after-treatment can fix that. And today's top dragsters, the ones that produces thousands of horsepower in very short bursts between complete rebuilds, are usually based around Chrysler Hemi-derived engines. Yes, there's some heritage marketing going on here but there's nothing wrong with the result. And there's nothing wrong with a pushrod Hemi that rips round to 6000rpm with the fire of this one.

Another thing. The compression ratio is raised to 10.3 to one, yet the engine is still calibrated for US 91-octane fuel. That means there's scope for some reprogramming for Europe's higher-octane brew, and that means the potential for quite a lot more power. As if 425bhp wasn't enough.

Suede inserts and deeper bolsters sportify the seats

The styling changes subtly, with deeper valances, 20-inch wheels wrapped in 245/45 tyres at the front and 255/45 rubber at the rear, ample SRT-8 badging and, inside, a textured metal look in place of fake wood. The faux-tortoiseshell upper steering wheel rim has gone, too; it's all leather-clad now. Suede inserts and deeper bolsters sportify the seats, and if you look behind the wheels you'll see big Brembo four-piston calipers. Stiffer springs, dampers and bushes also lurk behind there, lowering the ride height by half an inch.

It all toughens up an already tough-looking car, all bluff-nosed and square-sculpted and big-arched with deep flanks and shallow side windows. Custom cars used to look a bit like this, and the body language still holds good today. It's kind of how the US car look might have progressed from the early 50s if they hadn't invented fins and excess chrome, and there's a rugged purity here that Cadillac's contrived, razor-edge CTS-V (an obvious home-grown competitor) can't match. The SRT-8 fits its company's history in a way the Cadillac can't.