Chrysler’s 300C SRT-8 is now available, priced from £39,040 on-the-road.

There will only be a small amount available for the UK market to ‘maintain exclusivity’.

"With the Chrysler 300C SRT-8, we aim to deliver the ultimate affordable performance saloon," said Peter Lambert, managing director of Chrysler Group in the UK.

The 300C SRT-8 is built around an enlarged SRT 6.1-litre HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-litre version. It reaches 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds.

The SRT features a new front fascia, to reduce lift and drag and provide sufficient airflow to meet the increased cooling demands of the larger HEMI engine, new air intake ducts that help cool the front brakes, specially designed side sill extensions that help to increase downforce, a new rear fascia incorporating two large diameter exhaust tail pipes and five spoke 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

Lambert added: "No other car comes close to delivering the 300C SRT-8’s combination of performance and value. We are sure it will capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts here in the UK and, to maintain the SRT’s exclusivity, we will only bring a small number into the UK this year."