Very simple. The car could contend with a lot more expensive performance machinery if it only had some more power. 275 tires out back and a new Hemi with a 6 speed. At 3060 it weighs about the same as the current(last) Z06!

With 300,000 hemi units produced every year, production costs would probably go down.

So if the Mercedes v8 from the 420 will fit the slk, why can't Chrysler put a V8 in it.
V8s and american cars are just made for each other.
And if Chrysler wants a premier marque leading car, that would make it!