2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Preview

Critical for cornering prowess is the rubber that meets the road, therefore new wheels and tires were prepared, consisting of

New wheels and tires were prepared for the SRT8, consisting of exclusive 20-inch forged aluminum rims wrapped in high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

exclusive 20-inch forged aluminum rims wrapped in high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical treads, 245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 at the rear. All-season radials can be substituted, if you must.

Behind the wheels are ultra-large 360 x 32 mm front, and 350 x 26 mm rear vented rotors, clamping down on Brembo brake calipers - coloured red of course. Setting new standards for the wagon segment, the Magnum SRT8 can stop from 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in about 110 feet (33.5 metres).

It'll charge to 60 even quicker, mind you, taking just over 5 seconds

From 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds isn't too shabby for a two ton station wagon. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

before running all the way up to 100 mph and then back down to zero in a cumulative 16 seconds, or so.

That's amazing performance from a wagon that weighs well over two tons. How does it do it? Well, it comes down to the ago-old power to weight ratio. With weight being a significant barrier to performance, in the Magnum's case especially, more power is needed. Chrysler Group's SRT team raised the 5.7-litre HEMI's 340-horsepower output by 85 ponies the good old fashioned way, by increasing displacement. But there's more to the 6.1-litre HEMI than that.