[LateNightCable]

What happened in the 70's was a big surprise. Nobody expected a hurdle like that, but technology took a leap because of it, and now we have engines that are massively powerful, while meeting ever more stringent emissions standards and performing more efficiently than many of the "economy" engines of yore. But as for old vs. new V8's, a traditionally constructed motor has it's place. If maximum endurance is on your mind, you don't want a composite engine.

As far as gas consumption goes, it's all context. Old engines suck gas like there's no tomorrow, but then so does a 2006 Corvette if you compare it to a Toyota Prius. Even today, it seems okay for a vehicle to be a guzzler as long as it's fast or hauls a big load. And on the other end of the spectrum, we have hybrids. Talk about hypocrisy.

About the 300C SRT8 - a land yacht? Come on. If this is a land yacht, then the M5 is one too. It's a certifiable "supersedan". Any 4,200 lb. car that can run 60 in under 5 seconds, hit .89g on the skidpad, break from 70 in 162 ft. over an over with no fade, and tops out at over 170 deserves some respect - especially if it costs under 50k and came from the likes of Chrysler.

The transmission by the way is a 5-speed auto with "manumatic" function. Think of it as a budget E55 with a Detroit twist, because that's exactly what it is.