Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased the HEMI's peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and the exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.




Ride and Handling

Chassis setup for the Dodge Magnum SRT8 is aimed at all-around performance with SRT-tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Magnum, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8's performance handling characteristics.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 will meet the road with a new wheel and tire assembly consisting of unique 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical tread (four-season tires are an available option). Tire dimensions are a formidable 245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.



Braking

The braking system of the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for vehicles in its class.

All four wheels feature performance brake calipers developed by Brembo and are finished in the red color characteristic of all Dodge SRT vehicles. Each is equipped with four pistons for even clamping performance.

The Dodge Magnum SRT8 has 360 x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear.


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