2005 Dodge Magnum Road Test

As exciting as the HEMI powered Magnum is, many will get more excited about the car's $27,995 base price. That's right, the high quality interior plastics and superb fit and finish don't change one bit, only the seats

The only thing that changes from the $27,995 base model to the top of the line Magnum is the engine under the hood, some suspension pieces, special wheels and a few interior trim items. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

lose their leather surfaces and are instead covered with a durable looking canvas-type cloth, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob get replaced with a grippy plastic. The biggest change is under the hood, where base cars get a 190 horsepower 2.7-liter V6, with 24-valves and dual overhead cams. It's a world class engine that powers the midsize Sebring without problem, but strapped to the estimated 1,750 kg (3,855 lb) base Magnum, its 190 lb-ft of torque isn't as sporting as the upgraded 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Yes, that's the same engine as mated to the outgoing 300M, a tried and tested powerplant that produces a substantial 250 lb-ft of maximum torque. Personally I like the engine better when driving the rear wheels, but I miss the old car's AutoStick manual-mode shifter, not available in anything but the top-tier V8 power Magnum.

An all-wheel drive version of the Magnum will be available this September, which should without doubt satisfy disenfranchised Intrepid owners who appreciate the inclement weather traction of front-wheel drive over the Magnum's standard rear-wheel drive. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Both V6 engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that doesn't a fine job of smooth shifting. It's possible to get a 5-speed automatic with the 3.5-liter V6, but only with the optional all-wheel drive system coming this September. The availability of all-wheel drive should appease all concerned that rear-wheel drive doesn't provide sufficient traction in the snow when compared to the front-wheel drive configuration of the outgoing Intrepid, Concorde and 300M. It's a good point, and of course all-wheel drive is much better, delivering levels of grip that will make front-wheel drive seem inadequate in comparison. All-wheel drive will also be available in the top-line RT.