It wasn't too long ago that Dodge enjoyed tremendous success with the relaunch of its updated Hemi engine, an engine design which debuted in 1951 but faded away in the early 1970s because of newly-introduced emissions regulations. Reintroduced as a 5.7-liter Hemi in Dodge Ram trucks and the Chrysler 300C, the motor in the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is bored out to 6.1 liters (that's 370 cubic inches for you old schoolers) just like the one found under the hood of the Chrysler 300C SRT-8. Engineers started with the 5.7-liter version, added displacement, bumped up the compression ratio, included high-flow cylinder heads to get more air into the engine, and installed a performance-oriented camshaft to raise the engine's redline. A redesigned intake manifold has also been added, and exhaust headers route spent gases from the engine bay to the rear of the car through freer flowing exhaust pipes. Other changes include a reinforced engine block with increased coolant flow, a forged steel crankshaft, stronger powdered metal connecting rods, oil-cooled pistons, and a modified oil pan. All told, the 6.1-liter Hemi will reach its max horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of twist opens up at 4,800 rpm. Power is managed by a five-speed automatic transmission with the AutoStick manual shifting feature. The rear differential and axles have been strengthened to handle the added power and torque. Suspension upgrades for the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 include unique dampers, different spring rates, and larger anti-sway bars. The Magnum SRT-8 rides half an inch lower than stock, and the stability control system is reprogrammed to handle the SRT-8's increased performance capabilities. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels wear Goodyear F1 three-season tires; 245/45R20s are used in front and 255/45R20s are used in the rear. Red Brembo brake calipers work with 360-mm x 32-mm vented discs in the front and 350-mm x 28-mm discs in the rear.
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