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Ah, sure, the Dodge Magnum, the arguably forgotten LX. It was conceived when Detroit bean counters nonetheless held hope for the traditional American station wagon. It didn't damage that then-DaimlerChrysler had determined to construct its subsequent spherical of enormous household sedans on a platform that was strategically designed with parts from the Mercedes-Benz W220 and W211, the previous of which It was nearly a decade previous. If anybody is aware of easy methods to construct a wagon, it's the Germans, proper?
However there was nothing notably German about what appeared in Dodge showrooms in 2005. Magnum was large, brutal and unapologetic Current, The exhaust observe is described by some as “USA!” Might have been recorded elevating slogans. At a yard bar-b-q. Who knew the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chrysler 300 would survive so lengthy that we'd neglect about their long-lost siblings? Each the Charger and 300 had reached smoking age earlier than being put to pasture – and had been nearly too useless to drink legally. This additionally technically makes the Magnum twenty years previous, nevertheless it was discontinued after its fourth mannequin 12 months in 2008.
The automotive panorama has modified considerably over the previous twenty years. Chrysler's LX fashions additionally advanced, though not as a lot as their contemporaries. Regardless of their much-improved powertrains and top-notch infotainment techniques, the 2024 Charger, Challenger and 300 had been nonetheless similar to the automobiles that debuted in 2004. On account of its early retirement, the Magnum noticed solely minor upgrades throughout its run, however by no means benefited from the great powertrain overhaul that superior its extra versatile siblings.
Why is the Dodge Magnum a future traditional?
The Magnum was, in the beginning, not a efficiency automobile. Nor was it the one home station wagon to make a splash amongst fanatics over the previous twenty years; Cadillac's equally short-lived CTS wagon additionally adopts this and earns additional credit when supplied with a high-performance V model with a guide transmission. However the Magnum's mixture of appears to be like and on a regular basis branded availability made it accessible to fanatics on nearly any funds. Sadly, at the least partially attributable to Chrysler's poor mid-outbuilding high quality, lots of them at the moment are gracing junkyards. Clear ones are rather more troublesome to seek out and it is just a matter of time earlier than they grow to be really uncommon.
Nonetheless, merely put, wagons are good, and this wagon got here with not one, however two highly effective American V8s. As an early harbinger of Dodge's LX-led efficiency revival, the Magnum was one of many first automobiles to put on the SRT-8 badge.
What’s the good instance of a Dodge Magnum?
We gained't mince phrases: Magnum was, broadly talking, not a Chrysler at its greatest. Fashions produced for the 2005–2007 mannequin years got here with a very drab cabin and borderline-asthmatic base engine. The two.7-liter V6 made 190 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque at its debut in 2005, which wasn't very spectacular even then (the time period “rental spec” was used liberally and appropriately). The three.5-liter improve made 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet much more respectable, however the true enjoyable began a step up. The R/T debuted with 340 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque because of its then-fresh however now ubiquitous 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The SRT-8, which arrived in 2006, got here with a 6.1-liter V8 cranking out 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet. The Magnum's Mercedes-Benz similarities facilitated some handy parts-sharing preparations, notably together with a 5-speed computerized that sat behind every of the Magnum's 4 out there engines. No guide gearbox was supplied, nor was there a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Though there are sometimes nuances concerned in selecting the perfect model of a automobile, this one is fairly simple: the SRT-8 is the place it's at. It was the one mannequin supplied with a 6.1-liter V8, and though its efficiency is negligible by the requirements of recent SRT fashions, it was the most important, baddest Hemi rocket on the street in 2006. Except you're simply in it for the aesthetics and need a tremendous clear V6, you're higher off getting an SRT-8, or at the least an R/T.
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Is there a great different to Magnum?
Essentially the most notable different to the Magnum would be the Cadillac CTS wagon. Just like the Magnum, it was supplied in each a plain household hauler and a high-performance model (V). Cadillac requested a bit more cash for the much more luxurious CTS and people searching for a guide are pressured into the V mannequin – a mixture that produces extraordinarily Restricted numbers – however you get what you pay for. It’s extra spectacular when it comes to cabin appointment and efficiency (each acceleration and cornering).
Those that are much less beholden to the nation of manufacture may additionally contemplate a number of modern choices from overseas. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon (with which the Magnum shares some lineage) checks lots of the identical containers, presents a considerably higher cabin (an admittedly decrease bar), and the E55 and E63 AMG variants provide that V8 efficiency. Will even eradicate itching extra aggressively than bigger doses. However you'll be paying some huge cash for these upgrades, each upfront and for long-term upkeep. In order for you a fairly spirited household wagon, we'd level to the Saab 9-5 and Audi A6 Avant of the day.
If the wagon half isn't vital, properly, we're not likely certain what you're after right here, nevertheless it's actually potential to get a much better Hemi-powered Dodge as of late than it did in 2008. Trendy SRT-powered LX fashions boast a much more thrilling engine lineup (Hellcat, anybody?), vastly improved interiors and makeshift sheets that don't learn like a quick meals receipt. Any considered one of them will do properly.
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