Although pitting a HEMI against a Hybrid may push the bounds of credibility, there is some method to our madness. In the tradition of Ferrari versus Corvette, F-14 fighter jet versus F1 race car, and Mercedes-Benz versus Ford Granada (you can look it up!), our HEMI versus Hybrid competition is a modest diversion into the “summer movie” of automotive writing.

The basic idea is this: Big V8 engines like Chrysler’s HEMI are expected to be incredibly powerful but total gas guzzlers, and hybrids are typically regarded as quirky, fuel efficient vehicles that can’t handle and have no power (at least, not enough for any fun…).

We thought, maybe if you drive a HEMI V8 with a light right foot (it also has cylinder deactivation to help save fuel), maybe you could coax some decent economy from this Canadian-built homage to the Big American Car.

And likewise, maybe there’s a hybrid that combines terrific fuel efficiency with serious performance, especially at a closed facility, with a professional driver behind the wheel.

Thus “HEMI vs Hybrid,” was born. We sourced a 2008 Chrysler 300C with SRT Design package and a 2008 Lexus GS 450h, with no special package, but a lot of Lexus luxury. Not exactly the same category of vehicle, we grant you, but that’s kind of the point.

To make the HEMI vs Hybrid even more fun, Autos teamed up with Canada’s longest-running automotive TV show, Motoring 2008, to cover the event. They captured everything on film. We’re running the story in two parts, with lots of video, so check back next week for the thrilling conclusion.

Watch the preview video:

More video coverage:

Watch coverage of Autos’s Hemi versus Hybrid challenge on TSN’s Motoring 2008! The show will feature the event Sunday, June 15 at 11:30 a.m. EST. The program will repeat Tuesday, June 17 at 12:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 22 at 5:00 a.m.; and Tuesday, June 24 at 1:30 a.m., all times EST.