The Dodge Magnum‘s aggressively-styled wagon body hid a range of potent powertrains, from smooth V6s to the mighty 6.1L HEMI V8. During its short 2005-2008 production run, Dodge unleashed a slew of special editions and unique packages that have made certain Magnum configurations rare finds for collectors today. For hardcore Dodge enthusiasts, tracking down these low-volume unicorns has become an exciting challenge.
Just how rare are the rarest Magnums? And what performance secrets do their engines hold? Let‘s find out!
By the Numbers: Sales and Production
Only 190,575 Magnums were built during its 4-year model run. While healthy numbers for a wagon, Dodge had hoped to shift even more Magnum metal. US sales peaked in 2005 then declined sharply from 87,105 units to just 16,196 sold in 2008 – the swan song final year marking the Magnum’s demise.
Canada saw steadier Magnum sales of between 5,000 to 7,000 units annually, but couldn‘t offset sinking American demand. Still, enough variety existed across multiple trims, colors and options to make some configurations extremely hard to find…especially for collectors seeking the high-performance SRT and R/T models.
2005: Debut Model Year Packs Big Power
The 2005 launch lineup included SE, SXT and R/T trims, offering eager buyers a range of powerplants:
- SE: 3.5L V6 (190hp, 250 lb-ft torque)
- SXT: 3.5L High Output V6 (250hp, 250 lb-ft)
- R/T: 5.7L HEMI V8 (340hp, 390 lb-ft)
Sales looked healthy with 87,105 Magnums delivered in the US that year. But the R/T HEMI models only represented 13% share of production. If you wanted the sinister 5.7L HEMI grunt in an attention-grabbing red paint job, just 3,382 Magnums came equipped that way. The "Inferno Red Crystal" clear coat hue was only available on the ‘05 R/T, making red ‘05s especially collectible today.
2006 – New Grilles, More Options
Dodge switched up grille and tail lamp styling for 2006 while consolidating from 3 trims down to just SE and high-volume SXT models. The R/T and new SRT8 returned for those craving more kick. Additional drivetrain options emerged:
- SE: Same 3.5L V6 (190hp)
- SXT: Same 3.5 High Output (250hp)
- R/T: Same 5.7L V8 (340hp)
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- Road/Track Performance Group: Bigger wheels, brakes, cat-back exhaust – just 773 built
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- New SRT8: 6.1L Hemi (425hp, 420 lb-ft)
Sales edged downward to around 79,000 units in the US. But fresh paint colors came on board including the one-year-only "Top Banana Yellow" – bold enough to live up to its fruity name. Only 344 Magnums were sprayed this vibrant hue.
2007 Brings New Engines and Colors
Model year 2007 continued Magnum momentum with aTrailing Arm front suspension for better control. Check out the new engine choices:
- SE: Same 3.5L V6 (190hp)
- SXT: Same 3.5 High Output (250hp)
- R/T and New SRT8: Optional 6.1L Hemi V8 (425hp, 420 lb-ft)
- Note: The R/T could still get the 5.7L Hemi (340hp)
To help reverse slowing sales, radical new colors came aboard including Bright Silver Metallic (less than 10% built) and military-grade Steel Blue Metallic introduced halfway through ‘07 production. But only the SRT8 could be sprayed in high-impact "Detonator Yellow" paint straight from the factory.
2008: Swan Song Year Sees All-Wheel-Drive Option
The final model year saw generally minor changes save for the introduction of all-wheel-drive (AWD) for added traction. The system added 145 lbs of curb weight but was optional across R/T, SRT8 and new SXT AWD trims.
Engine choices mirrored 2007:
- SE: 190hp V6
- SXT & SXT AWD: 250hp V6
- R/T & R/T AWD: 340hp V8 (or optional 425hp 6.1L)
- SRT8 & SRT8 AWD: 425hp 6.1L Standard
Horsepower stayed class-leading, but 2008 sales sank below 20,000 units. Fun color flair continued with the Bright Green blast-off paint job – wild enough to live up to its radioactive name!
Performance Package Pony Cars: Road & Track and SRT Design Series
If stock Magnum R/T grunt wasn‘t enough, Dodge offered two special upgrade packages adding serious performance:
Road & Track Performance Group (2006)
- Only 773 built
- 20-inch chrome clad wheels
- Lower ride height
- Performance suspension tuning
- Load leveling shocks
- Front and rear performance brake package
- High flow exhaust with 3-inch pipes
Modern Dodge collectors obsessed with rarity should scout out ‘06 R/T Road & Track Package models showing just ~15k miles on the clock. These unicorn wagons combined athletic handling with HEMI rumble that‘d humble many sports cars.
SRT Design Series (2005/06)
- Limited to only 501 copies
- Featured Inferno Red Paint
- Special badging and sport seats
- Certificate of Authenticity
The SRT Design Series visually distinguished already rare ‘05 and ‘06 R/T Magnums with exclusive details inside and out. That sexy coat of red paint and numbered dash plaque cement these special-edition Magnums as some of the rarest DJM builds out there.
Conclusion: Legacy of Power, Rarity Lives On
Like a supernova, the red-hot Dodge Magnum exploded into the performance scene packing style, V8 muscle and wagon practicality into a single package. During its brief but glorious production run, Dodge unleashed over a dozen unique colors and trim options guaranteed to make particular configurations rare collectibles.
For Dodge enthusiasts, tracking down these limited-edition Magnums keeps the spirit of powerful station wagons alive. And with such short production spans, exciting color and motor combinations out there still, the hunt continues for these rarest unicorns carrying on the Magnum name.