The Dodge Magnum was a badass but short-lived full-size wagon primarily based on the Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 chassis that was bought from 2005 to 2008. As with its different three platform-mates, the Magnum was supplied in SRT8 spec – the highest efficiency trim obtainable earlier than the Hellcat period – and I’ve all the time wished one.
The Throttle House staff just lately took their buddy’s 2008 Magnum SRT8 for a canyon blast, and their love for the automobile makes me need one infinitely greater than I already did. My solely expertise with a Dodge Magnum was when my mother’s 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan wanted an automated sliding door motor changed, as a result of that was a month-to-month problem, and we bought a Magnum loaner from the vendor. I used to be stoked, however as quickly as my mother sat within the driver’s seat she determined to alternate it for a Jeep Liberty as a result of the Magnum’s visibility was so poor. (This was prehistoric occasions, earlier than automobiles had reverse cameras.)
The very first thing you discover in regards to the Magnum SRT8, other than its good-looking appears, is the sonorous exhaust notice. The automobile within the video has just a few modifications together with a Borla exhaust, chilly air consumption, and AMG solenoids within the five-speed automated transmission. Despite Thomas’ notice that the transmission feels its age, the smile hardly ever leaves his face as soon as he stomps on the throttle, and most impressively he stays smiling as he pushes it via the corners.
These guys drive loads of automobiles, together with fashionable Chargers, Challengers, and 300s, and Thomas mentioned the Magnum’s steering and front-end response is akin to the texture of a contemporary Charger Hellcat Redeye. That both signifies that the Magnum’s chassis was well-engineered, or not a lot progress has been made – or most certainly a little bit of each. They cite the automobile’s 5.1-second 0-to-60-mph time and say it nonetheless feels that fast after 155,000 miles, however its brakes and suspension are extra on the soft aspect of issues regardless of nonetheless feeling higher than a brand new 300C.
Seeing Thomas genuinely shocked by the efficiency of this 15-year-old wagon is a lot enjoyable. Unfortunately, used Magnum SRT8s vary from about $20,000 to $50,000 on the used automobile market, so I gained’t be shopping for anytime quickly.
Source: jalopnik.com