LA Auto Show:Supercharged Version of Legendary Muscle Car Engine Powers Rear-Wheel Drive Dodge Magnum SRT-8 Concept

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2003; 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.