What Changed for 2008:

• New exterior styling


• New interior with new front center console


• New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine


• 60/40 split folding rear seat


• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)


• New leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob


• 5-speed Auto Stick® transmission


• Two new exterior colors

Overview
The Dodge Magnum for 2008 has a modified exterior design, new interior with all-new front center console, and the SRT8 model features a new hood and functional hood scoop, front fascia and grille. Dodge says the SRT8 has the look and feel of a hot-rod station wagon, with its new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. According to Dodge, the Magnum’s competition includes the Audi A3 3.2 with DSG; MazdaSPEED3 Grand Touring 5-door; Saab 9-3 Sport Combi 2.0T; Volkswagen Passat Wagon VR6 4Motion; and the Subaru Impreza WRX wagon.

Model Lineup
For 2008, the Dodge Magnum lineup includes four models: SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8. The SE is rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, while SXT, R/T and SRT8 models come in either RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Standard equipment on the Magnum SE includes 4-wheel disc brakes; rear 60/40 folding seat; front and rear carpeted floor mats; full-length floor console; cell phone storage; rear window defroster; rear window wiper/washer; passenger-side sun visor with mirror; keyless entry; SentryKey® theft deterrent; instrument panel cluster with tachometer; illuminated entry; halogen headlamps; rear spoiler; and 17-inch steel wheels.

The Magnum SXT adds ESP; brake assist; 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; premium floor mats; air filtering; body-color molding with bright accents; fog lamps; black grille with bright accents; SXT badge; heavy-duty engine cooling; and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Magnum R/T adds leather-trimmed seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; automatic headlamps; dual bright exhaust tips; dual rear exhaust; 19-gallon fuel tank; touring suspension; power-adjustable pedals; dual-zone climate control; heated and power front seats; and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

In the Magnum SRT8, the standard equipment list adds performance-tuned steering; high-performance suspension; tire-pressure-monitoring display; tire service kit; functional hood scoop; body-color fascias; body-color grille with black honeycomb; traveler/mini-trip computer; vehicle information center; no bodyside molding; 180-mph speedometer; SRT and HEMI badges; and 20-inch aluminum SRT design wheels. Two new exterior colors are available on the SRT8: Light Pebble Beige and Titanium.

Options on the 2008 Dodge Magnum include Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps (R/T); chrome-clad aluminum wheels and 245/45R20 all-season performance tires (R/T); protection group; ESP; power sunroof; roof rack; engine block heater; and self-sealing tires. The SRT8 has three option groups available, in addition to a rear cargo compartment organizer; instrument cluster with drive surround; navigation system with GPS; air filtering; security alarm; and remote vehicle start.

Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Magnum powertrain lineup includes four engines. Standard on the SE RWD (C and D) packages is the 2.7-liter V-6 DOHC 24-valve MPI engine that delivers 178 hp at 5500 rpm and 190 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm, with a 4-speed automatic transmission and variable line pressure. In the SXT RWD (G and H packages), and SXT AWD (G and H packages), the power comes from the 3.5-liter High Output 24-valve V-6 MPI engine that produces 250 hp at 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. Power is transferred through a 4-speed automatic variable line-pressure transmission. The R/T RWD (N, P and R packages) and R/T AWD (N and P packages), have the 5.7-liter HEMI® multi-displacement engine (where 4 of the engine’s 8 cylinders deactivate during light acceleration or cruising) that delivers 340 hp at 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm, with power transferred through a high-performance 5-speed automatic transmission. The SRT8 RWD has a 6.1-liter SRT HEMI® V-8 engine that delivers 425 hp at 6000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. Power is transferred through a high-performance 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2008 Dodge Magnum has not been rated by the EPA for fuel economy.

Safety
Standard and available safety features on the 2008 Dodge Magnum include stability control with brake assist; all-speed traction control; anti-lock brakes; advanced restraint system and low-deployment air bags; available front and rear side curtain and front seat-mounted air bags; head-impact protection; power-adjustable pedals; self-sealing tires; tire-pressure-monitoring system; crumple zones; and an energy-absorbing steering column. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Dodge Magnum received a perfect 5-star rating for driver and front passenger frontal tests, while side tests for front and rear passengers have yet to be conducted. In rollover testing, the 2008 Dodge Magnum received a 4-star rating for both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models.

Technology
A rear-seat DVD video entertainment system, located in the center console storage bin, offers easy access to rear-seat passengers. Amenities include a full-map, DVD-based GPS navigation system; Sirius satellite radio; and U-Connect® hands-free communication system using Bluetooth technology and iPod interface.