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2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Road & Track Test

Rebel Wagon Might be the Ultimate Automotive Paradox

Theres a rebel side to my personality, an anti-establishmentarianism that some would say typifies my entire character, and therefore juxtaposes my somewhat conservative, religiously oriented mindset to the point that wires cross, sparks fly, retinas glaze over and pupils dart back and forth in a frenzy of short circuitry that numbs the mind. At least thats what happened when I sat behind the wheel of Dodges new Magnum SRT8.

Yes, its one of those cars momma wouldnt be proud to see you drive up to dinner in, especially if painted bad-boy black. Its 20-inch forged aluminum rims, low profile rubber and ground hugging nature evokes the darker side in us all, "inspiring" performance enthusiast minded auto writers to produce reams of overbearing hyperbole ad nauseam and cause environmentalists to foam at the mouth in seething contempt, before taking up organized marches, placards piled atop

The Magnum SRT8 is one of those cars momma wouldnt be proud to see you drive up to dinner in, especially if painted bad-boy black. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

one another in the backs of suitably boring, anemic station wagons.

The well-appointed Magnum SRT8 has room enough for all your placards, I say with sly grin and one eyebrow raised. Oh, theres that unscrupulous side of my personality acting up again. Heck, even Dodge cant tout its fuel-saving MDS cylinder-deactivation technology in this dark horse, it being excluded when the R/Ts 5.7-liter HEMI jumps in displacement to 6.1 liters. So lets, for the time being, forget any planet damaging rhetoric for a gluttonous serving of self-satisfying indulgence, shall we?

Even Hollywood do-gooder Tim Robbins

Lets, for the time being, forget any planet damaging rhetoric for a gluttonous serving of self-satisfying indulgence, shall we? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

would have to agree that the Magnum SRT8 has a Schwarzenegger-like presence. Bold, brash and, even rooted in Germany no less, what with its Mercedes-Benz E-Class inspired undercarriage, steering rack, manually actuated five-speed automatic transmission, etc. Arnold might even agree that it looks better than the Hummers hes so faithfully promoted up until becoming the green (previously golden) states "governator", and it certainly would get him to and from daily meetings on time.
The cars sizeable footprint defies its agility, but then again theres nothing that holds to the tarmac like a wide track and big rubber. Certainly, its weight can be felt when tackling 90 degree turns at high-speed, but in nevertheless

The Magnum SRT8 isnt all that different than the Chrysler 300C SRT8 under the metal. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

performs such tasks with uncanny stability, a realization that came somewhat shockingly during an all-day test at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, an hour and a half north of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This is a world class racetrack, that if youve read previous reviews of everything from Ford Focuses to Ferrari F430s - and dare I say a certain Chrysler 300C SRT8 - youve heard me ramble on infinitum about.

Speaking of that Chrysler 300C SRT8, the Magnum of the same designation isnt all that different under the metal. Sure, its configuration is that of a sport wagon rather than a luxury sedan, but it feels much the same when on the straight, other than a slight improvement in high-speed aerodynamics with the Dodge, and an almost imperceptible difference in handling brought about by the Magnums heftier rear section. This is a small price to pay for

The Magnum SRT8 feels much the same as the 300C SRT8 when on the straight, other than a slight improvement in high-speed aerodynamics with the Dodge, and an almost imperceptible difference in handling brought about by the Magnums heftier rear section. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the functionality of this car, which might be the only argument youve got left when trying to justify its purchase to your significant other.

Actually, heres a tip from a guy thats been there... when out on the test drive with your wife at your side and enthusiastic sales person in back, only feather the throttle slightly at takeoff. If you do, just touching it with the sole of your shoe, acceleration will be smooth and sedate, just the kind of experience your other half will appreciate. If, on the other hand, you get carried away with the 6.1-liter HEMIs 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, youll never own this vehicle. Youll forever slap yourself silly with, "Why did I... what was I thinking... if only Id have..." and the likes, before sliding behind the wheel of your less functional front-wheel drive, V6-powered family sedan, or whatever your disappointed state of

On the Mont-Tremblant race track, a course I know rather well, I experienced one of the worlds fastest sport wagons in action. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

clouded depression leads you to purchase.

And if you just cant trust yourself, remember that forgiveness is easier to get than permission. "Hey honey, look what I bought!" Yes, its a foreboding thought, but she might just appreciate your good sense in purchasing a station wagon after laying tire tracks across whats left of your lifeless carcass. But believe me, itll be worth it.

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