Dayton Daily News

Barry Bonds wishes his link to muscle enhancers was this positive.

Dodge likes to call its SRT8 wagon a "Magnum on steroids." And while we're sure that everything going into this car is on the up-and-up, the uncommon strength is duly noted. There's nothing dainty going on here.

There are six trims of the 2007 Dodge Magnum but only one version of the SRT8. (SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology.) The base SE is available in rear-wheel drive for $23,245, and prices go up through the RWD SXT ($26,105), all-wheel drive SXT ($29,735), R/T ($31,390) and all-wheel drive R/T ($33,490). The SRT8 has a starting point of $37,670.

The major difference in the trims is the engine offered. The SE comes with a 190-horsepower

2.7-liter V-6, the SXT gets a 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and the R/T a 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

And the engine in the SRT8? Glad you asked. It's a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that produces 425 hp. With a 5-speed automatic transmission that makes distinct shifts, the SRT8 can cover 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds, according to Dodge. There was no stop watch involved during my seat time, but suffice to say, punch the accelerator and the car does take off.

The additions to the SRT8 from the other Magnums include more than just the engine. There is a high-performance suspension,

20-inch tires in place of 18-inch tires, tighter steering and Brembro performance brakes — visually striking bright red calipers on each wheel. Talk about stopping power: Dodge claims the SRT8 can go from 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet.

The interior includes leather/suede upholstery that covers racing-style bolstered front seats. The passenger seat gets power. There is an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator and universal garage door opener.

The ability of the Magnum SRT8 to be all things to nearly all people is appealing. The ride is delicate enough for the five passengers. The low-loading cargo area has 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and 71.6 cubic feet available with those seats folded and by utilizing storage space below the floor. (Tall, bulky objects become a problem not encountered in a sport-utility vehicle due to the low-slung Magnum profile. Some might find the rear hatch heavy to close.) Then there is still the power needed to spring into action on the road.

The SRT8 comes well equipped, but the options on our tester were worth noting. One grouping includes a navigation system, wireless cell phone link and automatic day/night rearview mirror. The standard cassette player is omitted but the in-dash 6-disc CD changer remains — not always a given when the navigation screen comes into play. Other options were a power sunroof ($950) and a grouping of dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated front seats, rear cargo organizer and automatic headlights ($735). Destination charges run another $675, putting our trial run's price at $41,900.

Even with EPA mileage ratings of 14 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway, the 18-gallon gas tank (premium recommended) holds out fairly well. We got just over 17 mpg.

Chrysler has paired its 300 with the Dodge Charger as a sort of muscle sedan tandem. The Magnum SRT8 wagon provides a good complement.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Find more information at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.