The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Is Already Becoming A Future Classic Collector Vehicle:

The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 played an intricate role in the Dodge brand’s return to rear-wheel-drive performance during the mid-2000s. The performance wagon offered fans the comfort and performance of a sedan with the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) without sacrificing everyday functionality. Magnum was one of those love it or hate it vehicles, that drew attention from both sides of the aisle. The Magnum SRT-8 was a double-edged sword for Dodge fans.

Powered by a 6.1-liter SRT HEMI® V8, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 produced 425 bhp (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) running on 91-octane fuel. The HEMI was paired with a W5A580 5-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, which offered a fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sent the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.

SRT engineers who developed the 6.1-liter SRT HEMI V8 engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, and redesigning the cylinder head, intake, and exhaust systems for better flow and increased 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. The 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 SRT HEMI V8 engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized airflow. The intake manifold was designed with larger diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. The exhaust was 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 by nearly 20% to 6,000 rpm from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems were hollow, and the exhaust valve stems were filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance 6.1-liter SRT HEMI V8 was 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.

The Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s chassis was aimed at all-around performance with SRT-tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the Magnum SRT-8 was a half-inch lower than the standard Magnum, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the Magnum SRT-8’s performance handling characteristics.

Magnum SRT-8 came with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical tread. The custom could opt for all-season tires if they requested. When it came to stopping power, the Magnum SRT-8 featured four-piston performance brake calipers developed by Brembo and are finished in the red color characteristic of all Dodge SRT vehicles on all four corners. 

The Magnum SRT-8 featured a much more aggressive exterior than the other offerings in the Magnum’s lineup. Starting with the front end, the SRT-8 received its own unique front fascia that helped increased cooling through integrated ducts that help direct air to cool the brakes. The front air dam helped to reduce lift, while the unique rear fascia featured an integrated wake modifier and aggressive cutouts accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. The SRT-8 also featured a unique mesh grille insert with chrome trim, satin-finish on both front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and unique SRT badging.

Inside, the SRT-8 offered a Dark Slate Gray/Slate Gray-colored interior that featured power-adjustable, deeply sculpted, and highly bolstered sport seats in the front complete with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. All seats had contrasting red stitching. Other amenities include “carbon fiber” leather trim for better grip on the steering wheel, and a special Satin Silver finishing on the center stack.

Full instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, tachometer, and temperature gauges, befitted the performance-oriented character of the Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s interior. Standard features of the SRT-8 included AM/FM radio with a 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power-adjustable pedal cluster, and rear cargo net.

Only available for three model years, the Magnum SRT-8 was ultimately replaced with the introduction of the two-door Dodge Challenger. Dodge discontinued the Magnum in 2008, after pouring money into a mid-cycle action (MCA) only a few months before. Dodge only produced 3,845 Magnum SRT-8 models during that time period, with a majority of them (2,720) being built during 2006. Considering that Dodge built 3,312 units of its limited-edition drag-racing-oriented Dodge Challenger SRT Demon for one year, confirming the Magnum SRT-8s run is indeed a rare one.

With that being said, this prime example which will be rolling across the auction block this Saturday, May 15th at the Mecum Indy event is 1 of the 885 units built for the 2007 model year. The Brilliant Black (the most popular color for the Magnum SRT-8) wagon looks amazing 14 years later and only has 6,652 miles on the odometer and still features the factory seat tags on the seat.

To see more pictures of the listing and to find out how you can bid on it, you can visit Mecum.com.

2007 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Image Gallery:

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