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Dodge Magnum - The New Shape of American Muscle
By DaimlerChrysler Communications
Jan 14, 2003, 14:22 PST

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Dodge Reveals New Shape of American Muscle with 2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Sports Tourer Concept

• Dodge Packages a Powerful Punch in Bold New Proportion

• All-new Dodge Magnum Sports Tourer Showcases Company’s HEMI® Power and

Rear-Wheel Drive Performance

• Production Version of Dodge Magnum Concept Vehicle To Arrive in Dodge

Showrooms in 2004

It’s been more than 30 years since Dodge ruled the streets with HEMI® power and rear-wheel-drive performance. Today Dodge unleashed power in an all-new proportion at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show with the introduction of its 2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle.

"Dodge Magnum is the new shape of American muscle," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "With its innovative packaging, performance and utility, there’s nothing else like it. While Chrysler Pacifica is the premium sports tourer, Dodge Magnum is the performance sports tourer that packs a powerful punch and the functionality of an all-wheel drive sport utility. Armed with HEMI Inside and rear-wheel drive, Dodge Magnum delivers power in a package that offers unmatched flexibility and versatility."

While the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is a concept vehicle, it provides a strong hint at the first version of Chrysler Group’s much-anticipated next-generation of rear-wheel drive "LX" vehicles. A production version similar to the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle will go on sale in 2004 under the Magnum name.

The legendary engine that powered Dodge’s muscle cars of the 1960s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle features a supercharged version of the 5.7-liter HEMI, churning out an estimated 430 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

Dodge brings back rear wheel drive to transfer all this power to the pavement through an all-new independent five-bar rear-drive layout. The Magnum powertrain and suspension system work together for a precise balance of performance and handling, making optimum use of all four tire contact patches. For ultimate power distribution, an all-wheel drive version of the production Dodge Magnum also will be available.

"In terms of performance, design and function, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept will leave its mark as one of the coolest vehicles on the road," said Zetsche. "It is aimed squarely at the next wave of automotive enthusiasts looking for passionate performance, an all-new proportion and a vehicle you can use for just about anything."

Following are "at-a-glance" features in the

2003 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept Vehicle:

Performance

• 5.7-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine (estimated 430 horsepower, 480 lb.-ft. torque)

• Electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®

• Rear-wheel drive configuration

• Short- and long-arm front suspension

• Independent five-bar multilink rear suspension

• Rack and pinion steering

• Front P275/40R20, rear P295/40R20 tires

• Deep-dish 20x9" front, 20x10" rear split five-spoke wheels

• Dual exhaust

Amenities

• Navigation system

• Heated leather seats

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with flush-mounted audio and trip computer controls

• Power tilt-telescoping steering wheel

• Automatic temperature control

• Competition gauges similar to those found in Dodge Viper

• Racing-style milled aluminum pedals with Dodge Viper hole pattern

• Removable cooler in left quarter trim

• Dark Slate Gray interior with Ochre accents

Utility

• Spacious interior

• Trailer towing capability

• All-wheel drive

• "Extreme access" liftgate

Flexibility

• Unique rear gate opening

• Cargo volume of 27.0 cu.ft.

• Fold flat 60/40 split rear seats with fold-out armrest

• Under-floor storage module

Safety

• Antilock brake system

• Traction control

• Electronic stability control

• Vehicle architecture supporting all-wheel drive system

• Navigation radio with integrated six-disc CD changer

• Twin piston aluminum calipers with 345 mm vented rotor front brakes

Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept Vehicle Gives

American Muscle All-New Proportion

• Dodge Designers Flex Creative Muscles

When the sports car market got boring, Dodge introduced Viper.

When the passenger car market was cramped and crowded, Dodge introduced Intrepid.

When the truck market was a sea of sameness, Dodge introduced Ram.

For 2003, Dodge unveils the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle, with an all-new unique profile that will add yet another dimension to the company’s new ‘sports tourer’ segment.

Whether it’s cars, trucks, minivans or sport-utility vehicles, Dodge designers have a well-earned reputation for flexing their creative muscles and putting head-turning vehicles on the road.

"Consistent with the bold, in-your-face philosophy of the Dodge brand, our design objective with Dodge Magnum was to break away from the pack," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, DaimlerChrysler. "With a rear-wheel-drive architecture and a HEMI® engine inside, we created yet another package with proportions unlike any other in the marketplace."

A Chiseled, Cut Exterior

Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s long hood and clean, sweeping roofline hint at the performance and power underneath the exterior of this concept vehicle. Deep-dish wheels push out of massive wheel arches and combine with a large grille to visually plant the Magnum SRT-8 on the road.

"This noble, powerful design appears as if chiseled from a metal ingot, building on the powerful presence of the new Dodge Ram truck," said Creed. "Magnum is pure Dodge. It is substantial, with every element having a purpose."

Dodge Magnum sports a bold front grille and machined aluminum accents that reveal unmistakable Dodge DNA. Complementing the bold grille, Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s fascia features large openings with high-intensity discharge fog lamps.

Above, high-intensity discharge headlamps are pushed to the corners of the front fascia, reinforcing Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s solid stance. Featuring four detailed, machined aluminum high-intensity discharge projectors, these headlamps connote precision while illuminating the bold face of Dodge. The park and turn lamp is created by a thin amber neon line below each of the projectors.

Muscular 20-inch wheels make room for some serious brake hardware and high-performance tires. These deep-dish split five-spoke wheels are wider at the rear of the Magnum SRT-8 to help transfer power to the road.

The long hood accentuates its rear-wheel drive configuration and underscores the new look of Dodge. The low glass-to-body ratio gives Dodge Magnum SRT-8 a protective appearance, while giving the vehicle an unmistakable road presence. Brushed aluminum body-side moldings are simple yet accent the serious nature of the vehicle. Thick, bold door handles are integrated and easy to grip.

An unusually large cargo opening is created by hinging the top of the rear gate midway between the C- and D-pillar. Surrounding the cargo gate, the rear taillamps are pushed to the corners to maximize functionality while accentuating the vehicle’s wide stance. A large, protective rear bumper tops dual exhaust pipes, emphasizing Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s HEMI V-8 performance.

Bold, Flexible Interior

"Dodge Magnum SRT-8’s interior delivers on the promise of the exterior making a strong statement with machined aluminum accents, tunneled gauges and drilled pedals which complement a spacious, leather interior," said Creed. "And in a time when people are used to the flexibility and taller seating packages of sport-utility vehicles, Dodge Magnum seating is raised two-and-a-half inches from our current passenger cars and combined with spacious cargo capacity."

Dodge Magnum’s flexible, spacious interior is richly finished in Dark Slate Gray leather with Ochre accents. The instrument panel and door trim feature Dark Slate and Pearl Slate two-tone treatments that work together to give Dodge Magnum a luxurious but serious driver environment. Three brushed aluminum spokes radiate from an aluminum Ram’s head in the center of the steering wheel, with the vertical spoke replicating the exterior wheel’s split spoke.

Four competition-style instrument gauges with machined aluminum accent rings are tunneled-in similar to those found on Dodge Viper. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 also features Viper-inspired racing-style drilled aluminum pedals.

The center stack features a navigation system, with switches for heated seats located on either side of the central ash receiver.

The 60/40 split rear seats stow in the floor and feature a fold-out armrest. The flexible rear cargo area features an upper floor to create a flat-load floor with the rear seats stowed in the forward position. Storage on both sides of the floor offer deep pockets rearward of the wheels. A small, removable cooler docks into an electrical connector on the left side of the compartment to keep items cold.

"As with all of our concept cars, rest assured we’ll capture the pure emotion and spirit of the Dodge Magnum concept in the production version of the vehicle,"said Creed.

Supercharged Version of Legendary Muscle Car Engine Powers Rear-Wheel Drive Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept Vehicle

• After 30-Year Hiatus, The HEMI® is Back

• Rear Drive Powers the New Shape of American Muscle

The HEMI® is back-in a big way.

It was a legend in the 1960s-stunning the racing world and topping the muscle car era. Last powering Dodge Challengers and Chargers, the HEMI passed into history in 1971 as concerns about emissions and fuel consumption led to major detuning of all high-performance engines.

More than three decades later, the HEMI makes a powerful comeback in the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle.

"Just like its predecessor, this HEMI is the trend-setter for a new era in engine technology," said Richard Schaum, Executive Vice President, Product Development, DaimlerChrysler. "This is one of the most technologically advanced engines ever engineered by the Chrysler Group."

Supercharged Power

The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle features a supercharged version of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 recently introduced in the 2003 Dodge Ram. A Whipple Charger provides heart-stopping acceleration, with the unique combination of maximum power at low rpms for driveability and ultra-high efficiency for top-end horsepower. Just squeeze the throttle and the engine will respond immediately, from idle to redline.

While the normally-aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI now used in the Dodge Ram churns out 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque, the addition of the Whipple supercharger pumps up the 5.7-liter HEMI to an estimated 430 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

Rear-Wheel-Drive Performance

Dodge’s first rear-wheel-drive configuration in more than 30 years enabled designers to sculpt new proportions for their latest concept vehicle. The result is a long hood and bold grille that give the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle its classic, noble proportions.

The return of rear drive also allowed deep-dish wheels to push out of massive wheel arches, visually planting the vehicle on the road.

"From a synergy standpoint, Dodge Magnum SRT-8 is significant for our company in that it represents the first high-volume vehicle to incorporate select Mercedes technology," said Schaum. "The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 combines stunning American design with proven German technology."

Performance/Handling

Rear drive vehicles inherently have a direct transfer of power to the pavement. On acceleration, for example, rear drive cars have excellent traction because of the weight shift to the rear end upon acceleration. Gone are power limitations needed to manage "torque steer," or the tendency to twist the steering during acceleration. The Magnum powertrain and suspension system work together for a precise balance of performance and handling, making optimum use of all four tire contact patches. Technologies such as electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brake systems also have reached new levels of advancement to control rear drive cars to the point where such systems are transparent to the driver. Tire technology utilizing silica sand further enhances traction in all weather conditions.

Merger Benefits/Technology Sharing

Although Chrysler Group had already decided before the merger that the next generation of premium vehicles would be rear-wheel drive, the 1998 merger with Daimler Benz has afforded Chrysler Group a great portfolio of technology and components. For example, Mercedes is the leader in stability control systems, and spreading that technology across a higher volume will result in reduced per unit costs and high quality at the same time. The production version of the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 will use adapted Mercedes components, including the five-speed automatic transmission, steering and front suspension system, seat structures and electronic architecture. Additionally, Dodge Magnum, and Chrysler Pacifica, will use five-link rear suspension architecture based on adapted Mercedes-Benz technology.

Dodge Pumps American Iron with Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept

• Dodge’s All-New Performance Sports Tourer is About Living Life Large

Dodge is on a mission to design and deliver aspirational vehicles that provide differentiation from the competition and compete in the heart of the market. The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept vehicle is the new shape of American muscle, celebrating what American muscle cars were in the past, but with a design and packaging configuration that charges into the future. With its unique profile, exceptional versatility, HEMI® power and rear-wheel drive performance, there is nothing else like it in the marketplace.

"Dodge Magnum is a vehicle for all sports," said James Schroer, Executive Vice President - Chrysler Group Global Sales and Marketing, DaimlerChrysler. "You can go fast, haul stuff, tow a boat, and put two bikes in the back. It’s everything you can do in life."

The Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept represents Dodge’s entry into a new category of vehicle transportation called sports tourer. First created by Chrysler Pacifica and PT Cruiser, this category of vehicles offers the right formula of proportions, packaging, performance and appearance that set them far apart from the competition.

"Dodge is all about living life large," continued Schroer. "In this ultimate performance form, the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 concept joins the lineup of the most functional and fastest vehicles on the planet, not to mention being one of the coolest."

The Dodge SRT lineup represents some of the most outrageous vehicles ever developed by Chrysler Group. Whether it’s the new 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, Dodge SRT-4 or the soon-to-be launched Ram SRT-10, enthusiasts look to Dodge as the claimholder to America’s fastest, most powerful production cars in each of their respective market segments.