Besides decking out a wagon in a sports-orientated look, the Magnum packs a lot of wallop – make that HEMI heavy wallop. The Magnum R/T is the HEMI hitter, packing 340 horsepower and 390 pounds-feet of peak torque into a 5.7-liter V8. (When the power demand is not so foot heavy, the Multi-Displacement System boosts fuel economy up to 20 percent by automatically – and unnoticeably to occupants – shutting down the fuel consumption in half the cylinders.) When V8 HEMI power is wanted, the Magnum R/T can do the 0 to 60 mph clip in just a tad more than 6 seconds. And yes, the engine and exhaust tone evokes throaty ear-sheer sounds. Magnum R/T is offered in rear wheel drive or all wheel drive models. For 2006, the Magnum R/T adds a tire pressure monitoring system, a buckle up seatbelt chime reminder for front seat occupants, and a speed control indicator light on the instrument panel.

Another available addition for 2006 is a $1,150 rear seat DVD system with a 7-inch screen incorporated in the center console bin. The entertainment system can play video and audio DVDs, Windows Media Audio, audio CDs, MP3 audio discs and video CDs. Magnum R/T – one of three available Magnum models – is scads of fun to drive, and it’s a vehicle that provides a great deal of leg and head room for passengers as well as plenty of stow space in the rear cargo zone, which features a pull-cover shade to conceal stored items. Air conditioning, six Boston acoustic speakers with 276-watt digital amplifier, outside temperature and compass, touring suspension, all-speed traction control, and front and rear solar control glass are among the standard staples on the Magnum R/T. The HEMI powered R/T with five-speed automatic transmission collects fuel mileage numbers of 17 city and 25 highway. MSRP of Magnum R/T is $30,545.