2005-2006 MAGNUM RT

While creating the new 300, the engineers came up with a for the Dodge line- up. It’s called the Magnum, available in six models, two with all-wheel drive and four with rear-wheel drive. Three engine options are available: a 2.7 litre V6, a 3.5 litre and the 5.7 litre HEMI V8.

For 2006, the four-speed has been improved and a DVD player with monitor is an option with the SXT and RT models. What’s new for 2006 is the SRT8, which comes with a 6.1 litre HEMI V8 pushing 425 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The suspension and brakes (Brembo) have been improved, and the exterior has been given a few touch-ups. The dimensions for the standard three-season tires are: 245/45R20 in the front and 255/45R20 in the back. All-season 245/45R20 tires are an option. The letters “SRT” in “SRT8” stand for Street and Racing Technology and the 8 is for the 8- cylinder engine.

Interior and trunk

Easy to access, the Magnum offers passengers very comfortable front seats with good lateral and back support. However, the cushions’ lateral supports can be a nuisance to larger people, as they will have to sit on them rather than in between them. The driver has a very good driving position. The vehicle comes with tilt and telescopic steering. The pedals are power adjustable. Unfortunately, they can be adjusted when the vehicle is in motion, which is unsafe. With the sunroof, there is just enough headspace for taller people.

Despite the generous dimensions of the Magnum, the rear seat can only accommodate two adults and has the same limitation of the lateral supports as in front. There is generous legroom and head clearance is good. The backrest is divided 60/40.

The cargo space is ample and easy to access thanks to the liftgate, which creates a large opening lengthwise through hinges situated in front of the last roof pillar. This liftgate design also makes it possible to open the back in tight situations since it barely extends beyond the bumper when you open it. The width between the wheel wells is

Photos : Dodge smaller than in smaller station wagons, which could make it difficult to transport objects wider than 100 cm. Of course, with the rear folding seats, total cargo space is significant. However, objects cannot be too high because the slight rear slant of the roof limits the liftgate opening to 71 cm. Under the floor is a practical receptacle with compartments. In addition, behind each wheel well is a compartment that can accommodate a container of windshield washer fluid. Unfortunately, there are no vertical nets, even as an option or an accessory, to protect occupants from objects stored behind the seats.

Convenience and safety

The interior is well finished, but no more. The materials are of good quality. The soundproofing is efficient but road noise is apparent on rough pavement. Despite the lack of map pockets on the back of the front seats, the Magnum is well appointed with storage space. A grab handle above the passenger door would have been practical.

The instruments and controls are well laid out, except for the windshield wiper control. Its position on the turn signal lever requires that just the right pressure be applied for the MIST position; too much pressure activates the windshield washer. This positioning also requires that the driver remove his or her left hand from the steering wheel to activate the other functions. The air conditioning and heating system is efficient but the fan is a bit loud as of the third setting. There is a good range of adjustment since there is an intermediary position between each setting.

In terms of safety, the Magnum has two front air bags, two front locking head restraints that do not go high enough for taller people, two rear fixed head restraints that are too low for people of average height or taller, as well as slip and skid control systems. Side air curtains are available as an option. Several factors reduce visibility: the liftgate window is rather narrow, the D pillars are large, the car body line is high, particularly behind the C pillars, the rear-view mirror creates a blind spot diagonally towards the right and it is difficult to evaluate distances when backing up. It should also be noted that the headlights are not bright enough, especially in the low-beam position.

Engine and transmission

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 develops 340 HP and a very imposing 390 lbs. of torque. The HEMI owes its name to the hemispheric shape of the combustion chambers. This shape improves air circulation, increasing torque and power. In addition, the presence of two spark plugs per cylinder improves not only power and torque, but also fuel mileage while reducing emissions. The engine also comes equipped with a mechanism that deactivates four cylinders in 40 milliseconds at cruising speed and during slow acceleration in order to decrease gas consumption. The moment you press down on the accelerator, they are reactivated.

Photos : Dodge

With this kind of horsepower, the HEMI provides very quick starting and passing acceleration at all times. This is the kind of performance that many sports cars would envy. And since the accelerator is a model of smoothness, it is very easy to master this engine’s power. As for the cylinder deactivation system, it is barely perceptible. In our test drive model, the idle was not the smoothest. This V8 as well as the two V6s meet ULEV standards (ultra low emissions vehicle).

The five-speed automatic transmission is well geared and very smooth. The slip and skid control systems operate very well, but they cut in often even when the vehicle is equipped with winter tires. Performance on snow and ice is better than with older rear- wheel drives, but it is not as good as a front-wheel drive. To have a vehicle that is better adapted to our winters, you need the all-wheel-drive system, which sends 62% of the torque to the rear tires and 38% to the front in order to maintain the rear-wheel drive effect.

On the road

The fully independent suspension is very well calibrated. Firmness is not a threat to comfort since there are no sharp reactions on uneven terrain. In turns, the vehicle has a firm grip on the road, and it leans like this type of vehicle should.

When it is cold, the power steering is very heavy and remains partly so even after it is warmed up. However, it is stable, precise and reasonably quick. Its turning radius is normal. The Magnum’s power steering, like the Mercedes, does not re-centre on its own after turning at very low speed. The brakes are powerful and fade resistant.

At a CAA-Quebec inspection centre, we observed that the Magnum is generally well built and has a rugged platform. However, we noted the lack of rust coating and complete backing plate for the front discs. In addition, the ABS system wiring could be better secured.

Conclusion

For those looking for a vehicle that can transport all kinds of objects and has the comfort and road handling of a car, the Magnum might be a solution. The range of models available should satisfy all tastes. Unfortunately, once again in a Chrysler product, the visibility suffers from the dictates of design.

FOR: Roominess, comfortable seats, smooth transmission, many models, storage space, road handling.

AGAINST: Shortfalls in terms of visibility, headlights not bright enough, windshield wiper controls should be rethought, rear-view mirror creates a blind spot, head restraints should be rethought, windshield washer not powerful enough.

Photos : Dodge 2005 DODGE MAGNUM

Engine: V6, 2.7 litres, 24 valves; 3.5 litres, 24 valves; V8, 5.7 litres, 16 valves Horsepower: 190 HP at 6400 RPM; 250 HP at 6400 RPM; 340 HP at 5000 RPM Torque: 190 lb-ft at 4000 RPM; 250 lb-ft at 3800 RPM; 390 lb-ft at 4000 RPM Transmission: 4- or 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 502.2 cm Width: 188.2 cm Height: 148.1 cm Wheelbase: 304.8 cm Weight: 1745 to 1992 kg Tires: P215/65R17; P225/60R18 Maximum towing capacity: 1724 kg Airbags: standard front. Air curtains optional.

Fuel consumption with the 5.7-litre V8 - Transport Canada rating: city: 12.2 L/100 km (23 mi/gal); highway: 8.1 L/100 km (35 mi/gal) - Test result: 13.8 L/100 km (20 mi/gal) Temperature: 50C to 200C

Fuel tank capacity: 68 or 72 litres depending on the model

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.5 seconds 60-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds

Competition: Ford Taurus , Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo V70

Warranty - Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km - Power train: 5 years/100,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km - Perforation damage: 5 years/160,000 km - Emission control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage). 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module)

Factory replacement parts Rear bumper: $736 Front brake disc: $89 Brake pads: $195 Muffler: $807 Front fender: $126

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $946 to $1,408

Photos : Dodge Price according to trim line SE: $27,995 SXT: $31,610 SXT AWD: 35,245 RT: $38,050 RT AWD: $40,825 SRT8: 45,995 $

Main options Sun roof: $1,050 Convenience package: $455 Adjustable pedals: $225 Protection package: $655 DVD player and monitor: $1,190

Price as tested: $38,050

Freight and preparation: $1,200

Number of dealers: Quebec: 156 Canada: 594

© CAA-Quebec, April 2005. All rights reserved.

Photos : Dodge