The Dodge Magnum SRT8 came out with guns blazing. With a wide stance and more horsepower than we ever knew what to do with, why was this classic car canceled?
, returning to rear-wheel drive after over 30 years. German automakers previously dominated this space ever since the RS2 Avant. But Chrysler-Dodge wanted a piece of the pie, and thus the Dodge Magnum SRT8 was born.
Released in 2006, the Magnum name was a tribute to Dodge’s 2-door coupe from the ‘70s. Though the base trim SE could pump out around 200 hp (which wasn’t bad for 2006), the SRT8 was the cream of the crop.
The Dodge Magnum SRT8 was equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine and produced 425 hp with 420 lb-ft of torque. The wagon also had a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick.
“A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sent the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles,”
The publication also tells us that in order “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.” The engineers were able to increase the engine’s output from 5,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm.
The race-inspired vehicle was also practical. It had plenty of space for luggage (71.6 square feet to be exact) and could comfortably fit a family of five. According to
, “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.”
The Dodge Magnum SRT8 had great loadability, as you could open the tailgate without having to step back. The interior was clad in a dark slate gray with red leather stitching on the seats. And the most commonly seen exterior paint color was a sleek brilliant black.
Many factors contributed to the demise of this heavy-powered Dodge. From consumer preferences to advertising, to a saturated market, the Magnum SRT8 got lost in the mix.
Perhaps its demise came from the needs of your average shopper. Most buyers weren’t looking for a heavy-duty wagon and were satisfied with the other V6 engines the Magnum line had to offer. In a review from
, they agree, noting that “The SE came with a 2.7-liter V6 engine, with 190 hp and 190-lb ft of torque. Or there was the larger 3.5-liter V6 in the SXT that had both 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.”
And let’s remember, the Magnum wasn’t the only muscle car introduced during this time. The Camaro was making a comeback and the Mustang was new and improved. Dodge’s Challenger and Charger also took attention away.
In 2007, when only about 30,000 Magnums sold, Dodge was ready to throw in the towel. Before it was discontinued, in 2008 the Magnum SRT8 got a makeover with a functional hood, squared-off headlights, and a front fascia similar to the Charger.
The instrument panel cluster was new, as well as an updated center console. And the steering wheel and door handles benefitted from some snazzy carbon fiber trimming. Only 239 of these models were made, making them a rare breed.
The great migration toward SUVs
Timing is everything. According to HotCars, “The end of the 2000s saw a migration toward SUVs. General buyers loved sitting up tall and having more visibility.” These family cars were marketed as accessible and extremely safe. Though wagons were still thriving in the
Favored by the baby boomer generation, these noisy engine vehicles with powerful transmissions are still cherished today. The #SaveTheWagon hashtag has brought together car nuts from all around the world to share their love of this forgotten culture in America.
4.7
