Dodge Magnum

The Dodge Magnum name has been used on a number of different Dodge automobiles. The most recent is a large rear wheel drive station wagon introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. This new Magnum is Dodge's first car to use the new Chrysler LX platform, shared with the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger. Previously, the Dodge Magnum model name had been used from 1978 to 1979 for a large coupe in the United States. In Brazil, the Magnum name was a version of their Plymouth Valiant from 1979 to 1981. In Mexico, the Magnum was a K-car from 1983 to 1990.

1978-1979

The 1978 and 1979 Dodge Magnum in the United States and Canada was a rebadged Chrysler Cordoba. The Magnum replaced the Charger in Dodge's lineup, but was a poor seller. It was the last vehicle to use Chrysler's long running B-body platform.

Brazil

In Brazil, the Plymouth Valiant/Dodge Dart continued in production until 1981. For the last three years, a 2-door version was sold as the Magnum, while the 4-door was the Chrysler LeBaron, Dodge Dart, and Dodge Charger RT.

Mexico

The same Brazilian Valiant derivative was sold in Mexico. 1983 saw the introduction of the K car Magnum; this version stayed in production until 1990.

2005-present

The Magnum name was revived in 2004 as a 2005 station wagon on Chrysler's LX platform. This is Dodge's first station wagon since the discontinuation of the Dodge Colt wagon in 1991. It is also the first full-size American station wagon produced since the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Caprice/Buick Roadmaster Estate wagons in 1996, unlike its rival, the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx.

The new Dodge Magnum is a station wagon version of the Chrysler 300, with minor cosmetic changes.

The new Magnum has four engine options, the SE features the 190 hp 2.7 L LH V6, the SXT has the 250 hp 3.5 L V6, and the RT has the new 5.7 L Hemi V8. The SRT-8 has a 425 hp 6.1 L Hemi engine.

The Magnum will also be available with all wheel drive in 2005 on SXT and RT models. The AWD SXT and the RT use a Mercedes-Benz-derived 5-speed automatic transmission, while all other models use a four-speed automatic. With this addition, resemblance to the discontinued AMC Eagle must be noted.

Like the Chrysler 300, the new Magnum has been a stunning success for the company, easily outselling its predecessor, the Dodge Intrepid. Dodge has announced plans for the Magnum to go on sale as a police variant to compete against the Ford Crown Victoria. Available only to law enforcement, emergency agencies, and government agencies, the vehicle will have the SXT's V6 as a base motor and the Hemi as an option, along with police-specific options such as a steering-column mounted shifter, deactivated interior rear windows and locks, and bulletproof glass between the first and second rows of seats and the cargo area. The Magnum is built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

The Magnum was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005.

SRT-8

For 2005, an SRT-8 version was produced. Like the 300C SRT-8, it features the new 6.1 L Hemi engine, which produces 425 hp (317 kW). 20" wheels, firmer suspension, bigger brakes, new lower-body treatment, and a revised front and rear-fascia completes the transformation. The SRT-8 debuted at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The SRT-8 was named "Best New Modern Muscle Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year contest.

In popular culture

• In the 2005 film The Island, the mercenary team led by Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou) drives Dodge Magnums.
• The 2005 song Don't Cha by Pussycat Dolls features Busta Rhymes rapping about the Dodge Magnum on the third verse of the song.

External links

• Official website
• AutoGuideWiki.com
• LX Platform Forums (Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300)