Chrysler Group uses the term "sport-tourer," rather than station wagon, to categorize the Dodge Magnum. Seems "power-wagon" could be another consideration.

For 2008, the muscular Magnum receives a Detroit-style face-lift with a chiseled front fascia accented by pulled-back head lamps that give this versatile wagonesque machine additional styling motion to complement its sweeping, low-profile roofline.

The rear-wheel drive Dodge Magnum comes in SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8 models, each with a dedicated engine to meet the needs of consumers who want to haul more than just five passengers, or 72 cubic feet of cargo.

Base Magnum SE, priced at $23,245, is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission coupled to a gas-stingy 190-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 engine that yields fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

A mid-range 3.5-liter V-6 generates 250 horsepower on the SXT model, while the R/T version packs a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic and available with all-wheel drive.

R/T's 340-horsepower, Hemi engine is infused with Chrysler's Multi-displacement System that boosts fuel economy as much as 20 percent by running on 4 cylinders while traveling on a level surface at constant speed. And when power is needed, the system seamlessly reactivates all eight cylinders.

For even more Hemi power, there's the SRT line developed by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology group.

The 2008 SRT8 delivers menacing looks and benchmark performance with a redesigned hood that features a functional scoop, slim, cross-hair grille and a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 spawned from America's muscle car era of the 1960s.

"The 1960's muscle car was traditionally a midsize car with an oversized engine," said Dan Lyons, author of the award-winning book, Cars of the Sensational '60s.

As the decade progressed, the muscle car field expanded to include some nontraditional body styles.

"Full-size cruisers could be ordered with engines previously reserved for smaller, sportier cars. There were big-engine station wagons roaming roads and haunting drag strips that give the word 'hauling' new meaning," Lyons said.

The return of the legendary Hemi V-8 engine to the Chrysler product line in 2003 revived interest in the 'Mopar' brands of yesteryear that showcased Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth cars.

"Mopar muscle cars have brought unprecedented prices in the collector car market," said Greg Grams, founder and president of Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Ill., during a recent meeting with the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

"Some valued at $50,000 just a few years ago have sold for three times that amount in today's auction arena."

But the big-dollar days associated with the current muscle car buying spree has peaked.

"The cars that went up the fastest are coming down faster," he said.