Dodge Magnum SRT8

The new 6.1-liter SRT version of the legendary HEMI engine inside the Dodge Magnum SRT8 was inspired by the original family of HEMIs – particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency and select visual cues, including the classic orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

The new engine also matches the legendary “Street HEMI” of the 1960s and 1970s with its 425-horsepower rating. But it does so with less displacement. The 6.1-liter HEMI’s 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the Street HEMI.

Today’s SRT HEMI is subject to many requirements that older engines didn’t have to meet – requirements for emissions and fuel efficiency.

With the Chrysler Group’s clean and efficient all-new 5.7-liter HEMI as a starting point, SRT powertrain engineers developed 85 more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.

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 an A580 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.

Due to the EPA classifying the Magnum SRT8 as a truck, the mandatory $2100 gas guzzler tax of the Charger SRT8 does not apply to the Magnum.

Ride and Handling
The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is set up for outstanding ride and handling across a dynamic range.

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. The ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the lesser Dodge Magnums, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the Dodge Magnum SRT8’s performance handling characteristics.

The Dodge Magnum SRT8 meets the road with a 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
One of the most significant dimensions of well-balanced performance is the ability to slow and stop as safely and predictably as possible. The braking system of the Dodge Magnum SRT8 was designed to provide benchmark braking performance, setting a new standard for cars in its class.

All four wheels feature performance brake calipers developed by Brembo and finished in Dodge SRT red. Each is equipped with four pistons for even clamping performance. The Dodge Magnum SRT8 has 360 x 32mm vented rotors up front, with 350 x 26mm vented rotors in the rear.

Exterior
Dodge Magnum is striking with its raised beltline and roofline pulled down tautly around the windows. SRT stylists made functional improvements that resonate with the Dodge brand’s character and contribute to performance.

For example, an all-new front fascia helps increase cooling through integrated ducts that help direct air to cool the brakes. A front air dam reduces lift, while in the rear, there is an all-new fascia with an integrated wake modifier and aggressive cutouts to accommodate the dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips.

Dodge Magnum SRT8 styling is also unique with a body-color grille insert with chrome trim, satin-finish front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

SRT8 colors available in 2006: Inferno Red Crystal Pearl (extra cost color), Bright Silver, Brilliant Black Pearl.

SRT8 colors available in 2007: TorRed Crystal Pearl, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl (extra cost color), Bright Silver, Brilliant Black Pearl, and Steel Blue Metallic.

SRT8 colors available in 2008: TorRed Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver, Brillant Black Pearl.

Interior
Inside, the Dodge Magnum SRT8 features power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats in the front complete with performance suede inserts to hold the occupants during maneuvering. All seats have contrasting red stitching.

Other amenities include “carbon fiber” leather trim for better grip on the steering wheel, and special carbon fiber finishing on the center stack.

Full instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges, befits the performance-oriented character of the Dodge Magnum SRT8’s interior.

Standard features of the Dodge Magnum SRT8 include AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power adjustable pedal cluster and rear cargo net.

Options available on the Dodge Magnum SRT8 include power sunroof, heated seats, supplemental side air bags, and the Trailer Tow Group which offers load leveling and height control.

Also available are SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations.

The 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 interior is offered in Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone.

Safety and Security Features

 * Auto-reverse Windows: An advanced sensing system automatically reverses window direction when it senses resistance
 * Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of impact. Includes occupant classification system (OCS)
 * Anti-lock Brake System: Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup. The optional ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
 * Body Structure: Crush zones and stiffeners engineered into the vehicle body help absorb energy, while preserving the integrity of the vehicle compartment. These reinforcements provide additional protection in an offset-type impact
 * Child Seat Anchor System: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system eases installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
 * Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Front seat belts include a mechanical device that distributes the force of a seat belt according to the load or force exerted on it. CFRs are engineered to force-limit the belt system, and gradually release the seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a crash
 * Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This available feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on road surfaces
 * Energy-absorbing Steering Column: Manual-adjust steering column includes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide more energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column uses a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management
 * Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger side front air bag based upon the weight of the occupant
 * Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seat belts, which reduces forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
 * Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: The side-curtain extends protection to front and rear outboard passengers

2008 Magnum SRT8
The 2008 model includes a new front facia with redesigned headlights, grille and the addition of a Charger like functional hood scoop. The interior was also upgraded to be more upscale. Production began in late summer 2007.

In November 2007, Chrysler LLC announced that the 2008 model year will unfortunately be the Magnum's last. At this writing, there is no replacement slated for the Magnum.