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| 2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123) |
The AWD hardware is pretty simple, actually. Unlike some sophisticated electronic power-distribution systems we see on various cars today, the Magnum's setup uses a permanent split between the two axles. 62 percent of the 340 horsepower are funnelled to the rear, and 38 percent to the front. The biggest downside for most enthusiasts is that trying to impress your neighbours by lighting up the tires in a smoke screening frenzy is, well, darn impossible. (Note to the friendly people at DaimlerChrysler: I didn't try)
But you shouldn't burn rubber, as the 225/60R18 tires look like they are pretty costly to replace. They are wrapped around some nice-looking alloy wheels that are specific to the AWD models, either in SXT or RT trim.
And that engine, well... if you haven't heard one in person, or tried one out for yourself, take a HEMI for a test drive. Believe me, it's mesmerizing. Like many new automatic-equipped cars today, you can't rev the engine past a certain engine speed while in neutral, and the limit is about 3,500 rpm in this case. But the people at Chrysler seemed to have made the best of it, because mashing the throttle produces a nasty growl that makes you giggle like a kid and polarizes bystanders. Or maybe they just thought I was a raging lunatic.
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| 2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123) |
This 5.7-litre engine uses two spark plugs per cylinder and features DaimlerChrysler's MDS, for Multi Displacement System. It shuts down half the cylinders while cruising or accelerating lightly in order to save fuel. Sounds great, but I still averaged between 16.0 and 17.0 L/100 km during a week's driving, which isn't great. I can just imagine what the fuel consumption would've been if there wasn't any cylinder deactivation at all. And you should expect higher fuel consumption with the AWD hardware. I have one wish for the folks at DaimlerChrysler: put some sort of warning that the MDS is doing its job. Please. If I had some way of knowing when the system would be kicking in, a light that turns on and off in the instrument panel, I would definitely give the extra effort in getting that MDS to turn on, and make saving fuel something of a daily challenge.
I do recommend the $765 Electronics Convenience Group, which adds a vehicle information centre, complete with real-time fuel economy. I'd leave home in the morning, challenging myself in reducing the average fuel consumption by 1 litre per 100 km on my way to work. However, succeeding in doing that led me to driving at 80 km/h on the highway. Not cool.
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| 2005 Dodge Magnum RT AWD (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123) |
By the way, it's confusing to see an RT badge on the rump while other Dodge models wear R/T badges--with a slash. Even Dodge's website seems mixed up about this. Whatever, we'll call it what it says on the car. Although it means "Road and Track", I don't think the Magnum would feel at home on a track. The fully-independent suspension is a little too stiff driving around town, and a little too bouncy on the highway. I would prefer it the other way around. But the Magnum is nonetheless an excellent long-distance cruiser, being smooth and quiet in its operation.
