Dodge Magnum?

[mrjones]

There's been a lot of talk on the list about the 300C, but I haven't heard anyone mention the Magnum RT. I love my Marauder, but if I were car shopping today, the Magnum RT would be on my extremely short list. Especially since it has a 3800lb tow rating. (which btw, is right at what my boat weighs on the truck scales! How conveeeeenient!)

My local dealers have only had in the V6 models so far, but I can't wait to go test one when the HEMI gets in. I'm a fan of station wagons. I love that picture that's floating around of the photo-shopped Marauder wagon!

[BillyGman]

My brother just bought one of those trucks. he likes it, and it looks nicer than any Ford truck IMO, but when it comes to hi-performance, don't expect it to accelerate even as well as a stock Marauder does due to the massive weight of this truck.

It weighs 1400 LBS more than a Marauder. It looks like a great truck for work which is what trucks are supposed to be for anyway.

[RCSignals]

Yes Billy is right, it's a truck by official classification (just like they did with the PT Cruiser) for epa/cafe purposes.
Even though it really is an overweight station wagon.

[martyo]

Popular Hot Rodding reviewed it this month and liked it.

[ADE 1000]

My brother just bought one of those trucks. he likes it, and it looks nicer than any Ford truck IMO, but when it comes to hi-performance, don't expect it to accelerate even as well as a stock Marauder does due to the massive weight of this truck.

It weighs 1400 LBS more than a Marauder. It looks like a great truck for work which is what trucks are supposed to be for anyway.

You must be thinking of the Dodge Ram, because the Magnum weighs only a little over 4100lbs. Which is pretty much the same weight. It is classified as a truck, but is really a car. The PT Cruiser is classified as a truck for god sakes.

I think a stock Magnum will outgun a stock Marauder without trying very hard.

[JDC 302]

I like everything I've seen on the Magnum RT also .. Hemi..Auto Stick..Dual Exhaust..
Soon available with 4wd..sounds like something I would enjoy to own. My 12 year old son races Go Karts and the Astro Van is getting tired. The only thing I'm not to sure of Is the Cylinders shut down when not needed.... Caddy tried that in The early 80's I remember a guy I worked with had one, Emblem said 4/6/8 ... Turned out to be a real DUD !! I told my wife about the Magnum RT and my thoughts on how every active gear head family needs a station wagon " WITH A LITTLE SNOT " and as usual she thinks I'm NUT'S !!

[RCSignals]

Popular Hot Rodding reviewed it this month and liked it.
they are dazzled by the word "HEMI"

[Patrick]

they are dazzled by the word "HEMI" Beat me to the puch!

[BillyGman]

You must be thinking of the Dodge Ram, because the Magnum weighs only a little over 4100lbs. Which is pretty much the same weight. I think a stock Magnum will outgun a stock Marauder without trying very hard.

Hey, you're right! Thankyou for politely correcting me on that. Yes, I thought we were talking about the Dodge Ram truck since it has the same "Hemi" engine. I just looked at this "Magnum" thing on the Dodge website, and as far as the way it looks, no thanks. I'll hold onto my MM thankyou.

[junehhan]

Chrysler has been airing a LOT of Dodge Magnum commercials on FOX lately, and it does not look very attractive. However, I do love the fact that it's a station wagon, which opens up a lot of possibilities for carrying stuff. I too, am skeptical about the displacement on demand setup with the Hemi.

[RCSignals]

I too, am skeptical about the displacement on demand setup with the Hemi.
The only reason for displacement on demand is fuel economy. Based on the mpg I've seen reported so far for HEMI equipped vehicles, which is about the same as for the Marauder, one has to wonder about the effectiveness of displacement on demand, or just what the mpg of the HEMI would be without it.

The dual spark plugs on the HEMI are for emmisions, not performance.

[junehhan]

The only reason for displacement on demand is fuel economy. Based on the mpg I've seen reported so far for HEMI equipped vehicles, which is about the same as for the Marauder, one has to wonder about the effectiveness of displacement on demand, or just what the mpg of the HEMI would be without it.

The dual spark plugs on the HEMI are for emmisions, not performance.

Judging from the fuel economy numbers that the Dudge Ram Hemi owners are seeing, I think it would be absolutely scary. After all, this is a 5.7 litre motor which is a lot bigger than our Marauder motors. I'm actually curious how well this displacement on demand thing will work out in terms of long term durability. If it shuts down 4 cylinders, doesn't that mean you'll have a bank of cylinders that will be running a lot hotter than the cylinders that arn't firing? Also, half the displacement is is 2.85 litres, and combine that with the parasitic losses you will encounter due to the other half of the engine that is just "along for the ride," highway performance is going to be interesting depending on how quickly it fires up the rest of the engine on a 4200lb car. Of course I could be wrong, but this was my impression of how this was supposed to work. I'm actually still shocked that Chrysler made a brand new engine, and decided to go with an OHV setup..........

[Cheesepocket]

FWIW, I test drove a 300C, which is mechanically identical in the drivetrain to the Magnum, and the displacement on demand is absolutely undetectable. you can't even hear the difference in the exhaust sound, somehow. I will say that the car is a rocket ship under full throttle, but if you like the old-time muscle car automatic shift you will be disappointed. They cut back power through ignition timing, and so the shifts are more like a Mercedes, where if momentarily seems to cut way back in power.

The car was a rocket ship, and a great driving car, but at $33K and unknown reliability, I think I am still in the market for a used Marauder.

[jefferson-mo]

I think it's kinda cool looking...................

I'm tryin' to get E-Mo to buy one but she has this thing against NEW cars...


Our local Dodge dealer has a red RT in stock so we went and looked at it


Low and long is a good way to describe it:up:

22" longer than my Subie
15" shorter than a Marauder
56" high

[paul hersom]

Have driven both the 300C and the Magnum RT. Agree that the displacement switch is undetectable. Being in the Northeast I could be very interested in the RT when 4whl comes along and there is a track record on the 4/8 deal. Until then I'll just cruise along in Big Blue.