2005 Dodge Magnum Preview

DETROIT, MI - Back in 1978, Dodge introduced the first Magnum, a sporty coupe based upon the Chrysler Cordoba personal luxury car. Later, Magnum was used for Dodge's lineup of truck engines as a brand name designed to connote strength and power. For 2005, a new Dodge Magnum appears, this time a rear-wheel-drive station wagon that replaces the Dodge Intrepid sedan in the automaker's lineup. Dodge showed critics and consumers a concept version of the Magnum last year, and the production model is faithful to the promises made by that Hemi-powered beast. Dodge says it's the most powerful car for less than $30,000 because the top-shelf, 340-horsepower Magnum RT starts at $29,995 including the destination charge. Buyers with less than $30,000 to spend can choose the Dodge Magnum SE or the Dodge Magnum SXT. The Magnum SE costs $22,495, and is powered by a 190-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine that strains to get the 3,800-pound wagon to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds. The standard four-speed automatic doesn't help matters, and we'd guess that with a full load of passengers and cargo that the 2005 Dodge Magnum SE is a real slug. Well, Thrifty rental car is going to need something to replace all of its Intrepids sooner or later. Standard equipment on the Magnum SE includes keyless entry, a CD player, an outside temperature display, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a reversible cargo load floor.

Page 2: Features

Most people will want the Dodge Magnum SXT. It includes all of the SE model's goodies plus four-wheel-disc ABS with Brake Assist, traction and stability control, a power driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, and dark tinted glass for $25,995, making it competitive with the Volkswagen Passat wagon. The Magnum SXT is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and an acceleration time to 60 mph measuring a respectable 8.5 seconds.Positioned at the top of the model range as a performance car is the Dodge Magnum RT. Its standard 340-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 rockets the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, power flowing through a Mercedes-Benz five-speed automatic transmission with manual interactivity. Notably, the Magnum's Hemi will feature a cylinder deactivation feature that shuts down half of the cylinders when they are not needed in an effort to boost fuel economy. Large 18-inch polished wheels are standard, along with larger brakes, a dual exhaust, fog lights, leather upholstery and a 288-watt Boston Acoustic sound system. Options on the 2005 Dodge Magnum include a navigation radio with in-dash CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, and a UConnect hands-free communication system that uses Bluetooth technology. Absent from, and expect on, the options list is a DVD entertainment system for the rear seat. Available equipment includes self-sealing tires, side curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals, a power sunroof and heated front seats.

Page 3: Availability

When properly equipped, the Dodge Magnum RT can tow 3,800 pounds. Cargo volume for all models measures 27.3 cubic feet, just a few more than the trunk of the new 2005 Ford Five Hundred sedan. To make loading and unloading easier, the Dodge Magnum is equipped with a "super access liftgate" that opens part of the roof along with the hatch to create a wider opening.The 2005 Dodge Magnum will also be available with an all-wheel-drive system derived from a Mercedes-Benz design. The Magnum AWD will go on sale sometime after the initial launch. When the 2005 Dodge Magnum arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2004, replacing the Dodge Intrepid, the largest sedan sold by this automaker will become the midsize Dodge Stratus. Limiting the new Magnum to a station wagon body style seems like marketplace suicide to us. But then, the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan, which shares the Magnum's platform and powertrains, is priced about the same, so the point may be a moot one. Distinctively American in style and spirit, the 2005 Dodge Magnum's bold design and unique packaging should help it to stand apart from the glut of excellent cars in its class. -- Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler AG