Driving the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is an emotional adventure, beginning when you fire up the big V8. There was no doubt, after the first twist of the ignition key, that we were in for a treat on this test drive. And clearly, Dodge has faith in this car, because part of our driving was conducted at a closed track where we could let the car, er, wagon loose, driving it as hard as we liked to experience just how well it reacted to maximum acceleration, maximum braking, maximum cornering – or all three. Let’s just say it goes like a striped cat and can stop on the proverbial dime.

It goes without saying that with this big SRT-modified Hemi V8 sitting under the hood, the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 will spin the tires as much as you like. Be patient with the gas pedal and the car will launch from a dead stop to 60 mph in about five seconds, trailing a Viper sports car by just more than a second. Dodge also claims quarter-mile trap times in the mid 13s.

But acceleration is only part of the equation when it comes to sporting machines. Performance cars must handle well, too, and this Dodge easily wins our stamp of approval. We find it difficult to believe a vehicle that is as large and hefty as this Magnum can negotiate a twisting mountain road with the finesse of the SRT-8 version. And though a manual transmission isn’t offered, the standard AutoStick is fun to use. Just slap the shifter over to manual mode and toggle up and down through the gears.

Screaming down the front straight of the autocross course then jumping on the brakes for a hard right turn finds a firm pedal that instantly responds to input. As the Magnum SRT-8 turns in, we get off the brakes, adjust our line, and roll into the throttle for the exit and a sharp left. The Magnum sticks incredibly well, belying its size and heft. Through a slalom course, the Magnum dances through the cones, coming ever so close to sending them flying but never losing its composure. Just as in a game of horseshoes, close counts here.

Then, as we come around the last hairpin turn and see the timing light in the distance, we confidently stand on the accelerator and feel the rear wheels start to break loose. But the sticky 245/45R20 front and 255/45R20 rear Goodyear F1 three-season tires grip and launch us full force toward our objective. Flashing through the gate our lap time appears up on the big screen, showing numbers that are seconds faster than our earlier runs. The Magnum SRT-8 flawlessly responded to every request, and delivered an exhilarating ride while making better lap times appear effortless.

After our first drive of the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8, we could live with this car day in and day out, despite its prodigious thirst for premium fuel. Not only does it offer a comfortable interior and a flashy exterior design blended with plenty of interior space, it’s an intense blast to drive.