2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Preview

The new engine also gets a silver and red "HEMI 6.1L" appliqué on each valve cover, while special orange paint coats the

At 69.8 horsepower-per-liter the 6.1-liter HEMI delivers the highest specific-output of any engine ever sold by Chrysler Group. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

cylinder block, just like HEMIs of the past.

By the way, in case you were wondering, at 69.8 horsepower-per-liter the 6.1-liter HEMI delivers the highest specific-output of any engine ever sold by Chrysler Group, even more than the 1966 "Street HEMI", according to Chrysler.

Like the regular Magnum RT, the new SRT8 gets the Mercedes-Benz derived A580 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring a reconfigured AutoStick sequential shift mode that better suites the more powerful engine. Managing

The new SRT8 gets the Mercedes-Benz derived A580 5-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

the torque to the upgraded rear differential and axles is a new heavy-duty 4-flange prop shaft.

The majority of this hardware will be out of sight, if not out of mind, but to separate the SRT8 from mere mortal Magnums are a few subtle styling improvements that enhance the car's overall appearance. Most noticeable after the distinctive wheels is lower front fascia, with integrated cooling ducts to help keep the brakes working at their optimum. The rear fascia is also extended downward, integrating a wake modifier plus aggressive cutouts for two fat chrome pipes at each side.