The Magnum wagon enters its fourth model year with an across-the-line restyle, along with revamped interior appointments.



As it's strictly a restyle, the changes are slight. R/T, SXT, and SE models get a more aggressive hoodline that's been lowered and widened, while sheetmetal creases have been accented alongside, and there's more chrome detailing to accent the front end. Two new exterior colors-Light Pebble Beige and Titanium-will be offered, and high-intensity discharge headlamps will be optional on the R/T.



Inside, for all models, surfaces have been upgraded to softer-touch materials, bright-chromed accent trim is used, and LED backlighting is optional. New options include a hands-free Bluetooth system and iPod interface, Sirius satellite radio with streaming video, and DVD-based nav and entertainment systems.



The top-performance SRT8 gets the most significant styling tweaks, with a redesigned fascia and functional hood scoop that helps reduce high-speed lift, in addition to the aforementioned changes. Inside, the SRT8 gets agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber and leather-trimmed door handles, and LED lighting for the cupholders door pockets. There's also an available reconfigurable display in the gauge cluster.



Little else has changed for the aggressively styled wagon, which still offers a range of engines including a 190-hp, 2.7-liter V-6; a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, and a 340-hp, 5.7-liter V-8, along with the highest-performance 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 only offered in the SRT8.



Production of the 2008 Magnum will start in late summer and they'll arrive at dealerships this fall.

The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more menacing than ever with a completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and functional performance hood scoop. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 remains true to the SRT credo of “Race inspired, street legal” with 0–60 mph performance in the low 5-second range while, at the same time, maintaining all of the utility and convenience features the entire 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup has to offer.

“The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the ultimate package for drivers seeking complete, sports-car performance without compromising family-vehicle convenience and functionality,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing and Product Planning, Chrysler Group.

Aggressive Performance-inspired Exterior and Race-inspired Interior

A redesigned hood, front fascia and new grille highlight the extensive changes on the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8. A functional performance hood scoop has also been added.

The black honeycomb insert of the crosshair grille and air inlet of the front fascia increases brake cooling. The front fascia itself provides an aerodynamic benefit by reducing lift. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 rides on 20-inch aluminum, SRT-designed wheels wearing 245/45 ZR20 (front) and 255/45 ZR20 (back) F1 Goodyear tires.

Available exterior colors for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 are Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat and TorRed.

On the inside, the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 maintains its race-inspired environment. Enhancements for 2008 include agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber leather-trim door handles, and LED lighting in the cup holders and door-map pockets.

The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 continues to feature power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats with performance suede inserts in the front, an improved grip-enhancing carbon-fiber leather-trim steering wheel, and full-performance instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, a tachometer and a temperature gauge.

"That Thing Gotta HEMI?"

Under the newly designed hood of the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, contributing to a performance roster that includes a 0–60 mph time in the low 5-second range and 0–100–0 mph in under 17 seconds.

New for 2008, drivers can receive instant feedback on their personal performance numbers from a newly available ReConfigurable Display (RCD) in the cluster. Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated, driver-selectable Auto Stick, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection.

All-around SRT Driving Performance

The new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 provides all-around driving performance with SRT-tuned dampers, tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE models, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8’s performance-handling characteristics.

Benchmark braking is a hallmark of SRT performance and design. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 features tried and true Brembo performance calipers, finished in red. Each is equipped with four pistons, gripping 360 mm x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 mm x 26 mm vented rotors in the rear. The results: 60–0 mph stopping distance of approximately 110 feet.

Chrysler Group may bring back the Dodge Magnum wagon, hints design chief and head of the SRT performance brand Ralph Gilles.

Them-Chrysler VP Eric Ridenour unveils the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum, showing off its wagon hatch at the January 2004 Detroit Auto Show. While it had high style, the wagon had a modest starting price then of about $23,000.
The distinctive-looking wagon also was the lone full-size, five-door wagon in a market full of look-alike SUVs (wagons dressed up for U.S. market tastes). The company gave that up, killing the Magnum, as it wandered in the bankruptcy wilderness.

But now Fiat-run Chrysler seems to have its mojo back. It's no longer apologizing, thanks to a redone lineup. It has interiors you'd actually sit in and proof it can walk and chew gum, from its stylish Fiat 500 city car to four new in-your-face 2012 SRT models it priced last week (post on SRT pricing here).

Now Gilles tells the New York Times that Chrysler may revive the hulking wagon that proved to be a tuner and customizers' dream after landing in 2004 as a 2005.

Speaking at an event for the new SRT models last week, Gilles says folks at Chrysler are still proud of the Magnum -- which attracted famously loyal owners. "With the Magnum, we owned the station wagon segment," says Gilles, who oversaw the wagon's creation as design chief. "It was always a pleasure to go to car shows and trade fairs and see the number of Magnums that owners had personalized with such obvious loving care."

He blames its death on a single suit who didn't survive with New Chrysler: It "was single-handedly killed by one executive who is no longer with the company. He's retired. A lot of people in the company still like that vehicle -- a lot."

Gilles says Chrysler now is in a position to dream. "A lot of things that weren't possible back then, now are. The Dodge Viper, certainly, is a likely choice for an SRT version. Also, we know we need an entry-level vehicle of some kind."

But he backed off when asked whether Magnum, the Sequel is a sure thing, telling the NYT: "Stay tuned. Great things are coming. That's all I can say."