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Dodge’s Magnum SRT8 is the ultimate wagon for driving enthusiasts.

Dodge never refers to the Magnum as a station wagon, preferring to call it a cross between a sport-utility and a sedan, but it’s a station wagon.

This squat, low-roof wagon sports a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter version of Chrysler’s Hemi V-8, powerful Brembo brakes and a specially tuned suspension. The Magnum has gained near-cult status in its brief time on the market, and the SRT8 is sure to solidify its following.

Performance is startling. The SRT8 hits 60 mph in slightly more than five seconds, accelerates through the quarter mile in 13 seconds, and goes from 0-100-0 in 16.5 seconds. These are impressive figures for any sports car, much less a station wagon capable of hauling a load of yard supplies or four people and a fair amount of gear.

One downside to the sloping roof is less-than-excellent rear vision, but as long as you use the rearview mirrors carefully, visibility is no worse than in an SUV or minivan.

Factor in the base price of $37,995 and you’ve got one of the hottest performance buys for the money.

SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology, the in-house performance branch of the Chrysler Group responsible for the Viper, SRT10 Ram pickup and the SRT4 version of the just-released Dodge Caliber.

The Magnum SRT8 has a slightly different front fascia with an integrated air dam and ducts that direct cool air to the brakes. The grille has a mesh insert with chrome trim. Dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips are used in back. The SRT comes in silver, black or red with a two-tone gray interior.

People love or hate the Magnum’s radical styling. I think it is way cool. The high beltline and sloping roof creates a profile like one of George Barris’ 1950 Mercury lead-sled customs. The part I like least is the huge cross-hair grille that looks as if it were lifted from a Dodge pickup.

The SRT-engineered engine generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version. Its 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque are the highest horsepower-per-liter rating of any engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. The gain in power comes from enlarging the displacement, upping the compression ratio and letting the engine breathe easier through special cylinder heads. In addition, the engine block was reinforced and a forged steel crankshaft with high-strength connecting rods was added.

The Magnum SRT8 is equipped with a full complement of SRT-tuned performance upgrades, including larger-diameter anti-sway bars, specially tailored spring rates, Bilstein shock absorbers, Brembo four-piston disc brakes and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear F1 three-season tires.

The power-adjustable and deeply sculpted front seats have suede inserts that secure occupants during spirited driving. Other features include “carbon fiber” leather trim on the steering wheel and special carbon fiber finishing on the center stack.

Standard equipment includes an AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer, controls mounted on the steering wheel and adjustable pedals.

A power sunroof, heated seats, supplemental side airbags and a load leveling suspension are optional, as is a Sirius satellite radio. A Bluetooth system provides hands-free use of cell phones equipped with the same technology.

The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Price

The base price of the test car was $37,995. Options included dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, navigation system, side-curtain airbags, power sunroof and hands-free telephone capability.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.

Engine: 6.1-liter, 425-hp V-8

Automatic transmission

Rear-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 120 inches

Curb weight: not avail.

Base price: $37,995

As driven: $42,158

Mpg rating: 14 city, 20 hwy. At A Glance

Point: The Magnum SRT8 is every hot rodder’s dream come true. It not only looks like a custom car, but it also performs with incredible power. And it handles as nicely as many a sports car. Driving a wagon was never this fun.

Counterpoint: The gas mileage isn’t great, and the view out the back can be challenging.