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

It's been more than 30 years since Dodge ruled the streets with HEMI® power and rear-wheel-drive performance. Dodge unleashes power in an all-new proportion with the introduction of its Dodge Magnum concept.

“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 Dodge Magnum 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 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 concept vehicle features a supercharged version of the 5.7-liter HEMI.

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 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.”

Dodge Pumps American Iron with Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept

Dodge is on a mission to design and deliver aspirational vehicles that provided  differentiation from the competition and compete in the heart of the market. The Dodge Magnum 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 delivers capability combined with the ride and handling of a sports car,” said Darryl Jackson,Vice President - Dodge, DaimlerChrysler. “It's everything you want to do—haul stuff, tow a boat, and go fast.”

The Dodge Magnum 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 vehicle offers the right formula of proportions, packaging, performance and appearance that set them far apart from the competition.

“Dodge is connected across its product lines to driving enthusiasts, offering the most functional and fastest vehicles on the planet,” continued Jackson. “In this ultimate performance form, the Dodge Magnum concept joins this lineup.”

The Dodge SRT lineup represents some of the most outrageous vehicles ever developed by Chrysler Group. Whether it's the Dodge Viper SRT-10, Dodge SRT-4 or the Dodge 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.

Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept Vehicle Gives American Muscle All-New Proportion

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 concept, 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 Interior:
Dodge Magnum'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 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'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'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 serious brake hardware and high-performance tires. These deep-dish split five-spoke wheels are wider at the rear of the Dodge Magnum 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-pillars. 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's HEMI V-8 performance.

Bold, Flexible Interior:
“Dodge Magnum's interior delivers on the promise of the exterior making a str ong 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 compared to our current passenger cars and also offers spacious cargo capacity and flexibility.”

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 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 that we will introduce in 2004,” said Creed.

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

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 concept vehicle.

“This HEMI is a trend-setter for a new era in engine technology,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President, Product Development, DaimlerChrysler. “Through class-leading engineering, the HEMI provides performance, efficiency, and emissions to compete with the best engines in the market.”

Super-Charged Power:
The Dodge Magnum concept features a super-charged 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 drivability and ultra-high efficiency for top-end horsepower. Just squeeze the throttle and the engine will respond immediately, from idle to redline.

Rear-Wheel-Drive Performance:
Dodge's first rear-wheel-drive configuration in more than 10 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 concept vehicle its classic, noble proportions.

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

“The Dodge Magnum is a mix of performance, utility and engineering excellence,” said Ridenour. “This vehicle accentuates stunning American design, with select proven German technology.”

Performance/Handling:
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles inherently offer a direct transfer of power to the pavement. During acceleration and dynamic handling, for example, rear-wheel-drive cars have excellent traction because of the weight shift to the rear end. Gone are power limitations needed to manage “torque steer,” or the tendency to steer the car during acceleration. The Dodge 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 provide rear-wheel-drive cars excellent performance under a variety of conditions. Tire technology utilizing silica sand further enhance 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 afforded Chrysler Group a great portfolio of technology and components. For example, Mercedes-Benz is the leader in stability control systems, and spreading that technology across a higher volume will result in reduced per unit costs and proven quality. The production version of the Dodge Magnum will use adapted Mercedes-Benz components, including the five-speed automatic transmission, steering and front suspension system, seat structures and electronic architecture. Additionally, Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300C, will use five-link rear suspension architecture based on adapted Mercedes-Benz technology.

Story by DaimlerChrysler Edited by Maximum-Cars.com