2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Preview

Talk about sleeper? Now Dodge is branding the Magnum with the SRT8 label, making it one of the world's fastest wagons in the

The new powerhouse Magnum gets Chrysler Group's uprated 425-hp 6.1-litre HEMI V8. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

process. Just like the 300C SRT8, the new Dodge gets Chrysler Group's uprated 6.1-litre HEMI V8, boasting 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

"Dodge Magnum is bold, powerful, street-smart and full of life," commented Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. "With a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI engine up front, and 71.6 square feet of cargo space in the rear, the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 hauls in more ways than one."

The benefits of its cargo capacity are obvious, but what might not be quite as noticeable are the modifications made to the

While the engine upgrade is obvious, what might not be quite as noticeable are the modifications made to the Magnum SRT8's undercarriage. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Magnum SRT8's undercarriage. After all, if you're going to boost power by 25 percent beyond what most consider one of the most exciting vehicles in the sport wagon class already, it's a good idea to make sure the chassis can handle it.

Taming the beast are SRT-tuned dampers, specially designed spring rates and suspension bushings, plus large-diameter anti-sway bars. Dodge also dropped the ride height by a half an inch compared to the stock Magnum, while its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is specially tuned for performance-oriented driving.