Dodge Magnum

Dodge Magnum
Production period:	1977-1979 2004-2008
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	Station wagon , coupe
Previous model:	Dodge Charger (1977) Dodge Intrepid (2004)
Successor:	Dodge Mirada (1979) none (2008)

Dodge Magnum is the name of two cars -models the upper class of the US car manufacturer Dodge .

First generation (1977–1979)

Magnum XE
Production period:	1977-1979
Body versions :	Coupe
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 5.2–6.6 liters (104–146 kW)
Length:	5481 mm
Width:	1958 mm
Height:	1358 mm
Wheelbase :
Empty weight :	1665 kg

The first model with the name Magnum XE appeared in the model years 1978 and 1979; production lasted from autumn 1977 to summer 1979.

The Magnum XE was a coupe that was derived from the Chrysler B platform-based Dodge Charger SE or Chrysler Cordoba . It was Chrysler's last new presentation based on this structure, which appeared in 1970. During its first model year, the Magnum was offered alongside the Charger, but in 1979 only the Magnum was in the range.

The technology of the Magnum corresponded almost completely to the original model, and the body was also largely adopted. The main difference between the Magnum and the Charger was that it had an independent front section. While the Charger had four round headlights, the Magnum received four small rectangular headlights, which - supposedly for aerodynamic reasons - were located behind a cover made of Plexiglas. Since headlights were not allowed to be installed behind glass in the USA at that time, the cover swiveled downwards when the lighting was activated. This styling feature was later adopted by the Dodge St. Regis. Another new feature of the Magnum was a protruding radiator grille with vertical struts; this feature was later quoted from the Dodge Mirada .

The only body version offered was a notchback coupé, with the roof in the area behind the B-pillar regularly covered with vinyl. A so-called T-top was available on request, i. H. a roof structure with two removable parts above the driver and front passenger seats and a fixed strut between the windshield and the rear roof part. In addition to the XE, a GT version could also be ordered, which had wider tires, special rims and a wheel arch extension using glued-on plastic parts.

The basic drive was a 5.2-liter V8 (142 hp), with a 5.9-liter (157 hp) available at an additional cost. In the 1978 model year, the 6.6-liter with 193 hp or - in a so-called high-output variant - with 198 hp was also available.

According to a sales brochure, the target group of the Magnum was active, sporty drivers, a clientele that Charger SE had no longer served in its last form. Dodge described the Magnum as "the total driving experience".

In its first model year, the Magnum was just under $ 150 more expensive than the Charger SE. In 1978 Chrysler produced a total of 55,431 Magnum models, 47,827 of which were sold (compared to just 2735 from the Charger SE). In the 1979 model year, production was 30,354, of which 25,367 were sold in the same year.

Second generation (2004-2008)

Magnum LX
Dodge Magnum (2004-2007)
Production period:	2004-2008
Body versions :	Station wagon
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 2.7–6.1 liters (142–317 kW)
Length:	5022 mm
Width:	1882 mm
Height:	1483 mm
Wheelbase :	3048 mm
Empty weight :	1720-1860 kg

In 2004, Dodge started production of a new model, again called the Magnum . In contrast to its namesake from the 1970s, the current Magnum is a station wagon .

In Europe, the Dodge Magnum was sold by DaimlerChrysler as the Chrysler 300C touring . It is offered in the following displacement variants:

• SE : 2.7 liters with 140 kW / 190 PS
• SXT : 3.5 liters with 253 hp
• R / T : 5.7 liter HEMI with 250 kW / 340 PS
• SRT8 : 6.1 liter HEMI with 313 kW / 425 PS

Dodge Magnum SRT-8 (2008)

The SXT and R / T versions have also been available with all-wheel drive since 2005 (and optionally with a four-speed or five-speed gearbox). For the 2008 model year, the Magnum received a facelift. The transmission and many engine parts come from the Mercedes-Benz W210 , from which the vehicle platform was also taken over.

The Magnum is no longer available in the USA because sales figures have recently fallen short of expectations.

literature

• Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930-1980 . New York (Beekman House) 1984. ISBN 0-517-42462-2 .

Web links

Commons : Dodge Magnum  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

1. ↑ suction. sealed-beam headlights were first approved for the Lincoln Continental Mark VII in 1983
2. ↑ http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/dodge/79mag/79mag.html
3. ↑ On the whole and on the production figures: Langworth, pp. 269, 287