The Dodge Magnum SRT-8, 2006-2008
When the 2004 sales reports were in, Chrysler was probably surprised by the sales rate of the Hemi in the Magnum — a full 43% of buyers demanded the Hemi. Given that and the success of the SRT4, the 2006 unveiling of the Dodge Magnum SRT8 was almost inevitable.
Like the 300C SRT-8, the hottest Dodge Magnum came with providing 425 horsepower, generated from 6.1 liters. With 71.6 square feet of cargo space, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 could run the quarter mile in under 14 seconds, or carry a 27-inch TV.
Performance numbers for the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 included 0-60 mph “in the low 5-second range” and 60-0 mph braking in around 110 feet, as well as SRT’s signature performance test of 0-100-0 mph in the mid 16-second range.
The 6.1-liter SRT version of the legendary Hemi engine continued the 426 Hemi’s orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers, matching the legendary “Street HEMI’s” 425 horsepower rating — but with less displacement, far better fuel efficiency, no thirst for oil, lower emissions, and far superior driveability, and no need for frequent tune-ups.
The SRT-8's 85-horsepower gain over the 5.7 Hemi came from increasing the compression ratio (from 9.6 to 10.3), redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing the maximum engine speed (“redline”). The extra half-liter of displacement came from boring the diameter of the cylinders by 3.5 mm.
The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning; air flew through larger valves and reshaped ports into exhaust headers made of individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell. Finally, a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system ended with 3.5-inch chrome tips.
Revised camshafts allow better airflow and a higher engine speed (6,000 rpm vs 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.
Durability was increased through 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. (More information on the SRT 6.1 Hemi is on our Hemi engine page.)
The same Mercedes A580 five-speed automatic transmission was used; it had a specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, with automatic or manual shifting. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sent the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.
Chassis setup included retuned dampers, spring rates, and suspension bushings, with large-diameter anti-sway bars. The ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Magnum, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was retuned. New, unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels were available with high-performance Goodyear F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical tread or four-season tires, measuring 245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear.
All four wheels used red-painted Brembo calipers with four pistons for even clamping performance — 360 x 32mm vented rotors up front, with 350 x 26mm vented rotors in the rear.
2006-2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Body
The front fascia had integrated ducts to cool the brakes, a front air dam to reduce lift, and, in the back, an integrated wake modifier and cutouts for the exhaust tips. Other unique trim included a body-color grille insert with chrome trim, satin-finish front and rear bumper inserts, body-color mirrors and door handles, and SRT badging. In 2006, only three colors were available: silver, black, and inferno red.
The interior of the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 had power-adjustable, bolstered sport seats in the front with performance suede inserts; all seats had contrasting red stitching. “Carbon fiber” leather trim helped the steering wheel grip, and faux carbon fiber on the center stack set the car apart from the standard models. Interior colors were gray — dark and light gray.
Gauges were a 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer, and temperature gauges.
Standard features of the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 included AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power adjustable pedal cluster and rear cargo net. Options included power sunroof, heated seats, supplemental side air bags, and the Trailer Tow Group which offers load leveling and height control.
| Engine | Power (hp @ rpm) | Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 0-60 (seconds) | 0-100 (seconds) | top speed (mph) | EPA Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 V8 | 340 @ 5,000 | 390 @ 4,000 | 6.5 | 16.3 | 143 | 17/23 |
| SRT8 | 425 @ 6,000 | 420 @ 4800 | 5.1 | 12 | 165 | 14/20 |
The 6.1 Hemi required premium 91-octane fuel. The hemi had 16 pushrod-activated overhead valves, with eight conventional hydraulic lifters (using roller followers). Fuel injection was returnless and sequential. The engine used a deep-skirt cast iron block wtih cross bolted main bearing caps and aluminum-alloy heads. It took 7 quarts of oil (the factory used Mobil 1 10W-40) and 14 quarts of coolant. The maximum trailer weight was 3,800 lb (1,724 kg).
Transmission gear ratios are on the W5A580 page; final drive ratio was 3.06 with overall top gear of 2.54. The car used a 160 amp alternator with a 600 CCA battery (H7 case). The drag coefficient (cD) was 0.358 and weight was around 4,260 lb, distributed 53/47 front/rear, well above that of the V6 Magnum. Ground clearance was 5.1 inches, height 57.9 inches. The gas tank held 19 gallons (72 liters). Other specifications were presumably similar or identical to the standard Dodge Magnum.
The SRT8 was almost a steal at $38,345, compared with similar cars. That price included four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction control programs, adjustable pedals, tire pressure monitor, vehicle information center (to gain performance measures in 2008), 160 amp alternator and 730 amp battery (Chrysler listed it as 600 amp in their press materials in 2006 and 2008 but apparently increased the power), solar control glass, rear wiper/washer and defroster, tilt-telescope steering column, air conditioning, power locks and windows, cruise, satellite radio with Boston Acoustics speakers, wheel-mounted audio controls, full lighting package, rear vents, fog lights, power heated folding mirrors, 20 inch wheels with low-profile tires, spoiler, and the ever-popular but often not included floor mats.
2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 changes
For 2008, the writing was on the wall but Magnum SRT8 was still restyled with a new hood, grille, front fascia, and newly functional hood scoop; the new grille kept its black honeycomb insert and continued to assist in brake cooling, but squared off the front end more. Tires kept the same size, using Goodyear F1 radials. Colors for 2008 were silver, black, TorRed, and steel blue metallic. Inside, the SRT8 gained agate-color accent stitching, carbon fiber leather-trim door handles, and LED-lit cupholders and door map pockets. 0-100-0 was now quoted as being done in under 17 seconds rather than mid-16s. The acceleration times and braking distances were, according to Chrysler, carried over unchanged.
Oddly, while the front fascia went from a gentle downward curve to a much blockier design, with completely different headlights and the addition of a hood scoop, the coefficient of drag was unchanged in Chrysler’s presumably inaccurate press materials.
A new feature, long available via aftermarket gizmos, was the Performance Pages, providing instant feedback on performance including 0-60 times, quarter miles, braking, and G-forces. The engine and other specifications appear to have carried forward, unchanged.