At $59,995 before delivery charge, the Hellcat is an exceptional performance bargain, delivering its 707 ponies at a cost of $85 apiece. By contrast, Lamborghini’s 700hp Aventador commands $575 per horsepower. A Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, meanwhile, exacts a $2,022 premium per purebred.

Granted, consumers do not cross-shop bawdy Detroit muscle against bespoke European land-missiles, yet some true-to-life comparisons underline just how stellar a value Chrysler’s fire-breathing feline is – and the financial chasms that must be bridged to otherwise touch its tremendous output.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Autos, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.