The car's sizeable footprint defies its agility, but then again there's nothing that holds to the tarmac like a wide track and
big rubber. Certainly, its weight can be felt when tackling 90 degree turns at high-speed, but in nevertheless performs such tasks with uncanny stability, a realization that came somewhat shockingly during an all-day test at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, an hour and a half north of Montreal. This is a world class racetrack, that if you've read previous reviews of everything from Ford Focuses to Ferrari F430s - and dare I say a certain Chrysler 300C SRT8 - you've heard me ramble on infinitum about.
Speaking of that Chrysler 300C SRT8, the Magnum of the same designation isn't all that different under the metal. Sure, its configuration is that of a sport wagon rather than a luxury sedan, but it feels much the same when on the straight, other than a slight improvement in high-speed aerodynamics with the Dodge, and an almost imperceptible difference in handling brought about by the Magnum's
heftier rear section. This is a small price to pay for the functionality of this car, which might be the only argument you've got left when trying to justify its purchase to your significant other.
Actually, here's a tip from a guy that's been there... when out on the test drive with your wife at your side and enthusiastic sales person in back, only feather the throttle slightly at takeoff. If you do, just touching it with the sole of your shoe, acceleration will be smooth and sedate, just the kind of experience your other half will appreciate. If, on the other hand, you get carried away with the 6.1-litre HEMI's 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, you'll never own this vehicle. You'll forever slap yourself silly with, "Why did I... what was I thinking... if only I'd have..." and the likes, before sliding behind the wheel of your less functional front-wheel drive, V6-powered family sedan, or whatever your disappointed state of clouded depression leads you to purchase.
And if you just can't trust yourself, remember that forgiveness is easier to get than permission. "Hey honey, look what I bought!" Yes, it's a foreboding thought, but she might just appreciate your good sense in purchasing a station wagon after laying tire tracks across what's left of your lifeless carcass. But believe me, it'll be worth it.
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| The Magnum SRT8 isn't all that different than the Chrysler 300C SRT8 under the metal. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Speaking of that Chrysler 300C SRT8, the Magnum of the same designation isn't all that different under the metal. Sure, its configuration is that of a sport wagon rather than a luxury sedan, but it feels much the same when on the straight, other than a slight improvement in high-speed aerodynamics with the Dodge, and an almost imperceptible difference in handling brought about by the Magnum's
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| The Magnum SRT8 feels much the same as the 300C SRT8 when on the straight, other than a slight improvement in high-speed aerodynamics with the Dodge, and an almost imperceptible difference in handling brought about by the Magnum's heftier rear section. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Actually, here's a tip from a guy that's been there... when out on the test drive with your wife at your side and enthusiastic sales person in back, only feather the throttle slightly at takeoff. If you do, just touching it with the sole of your shoe, acceleration will be smooth and sedate, just the kind of experience your other half will appreciate. If, on the other hand, you get carried away with the 6.1-litre HEMI's 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, you'll never own this vehicle. You'll forever slap yourself silly with, "Why did I... what was I thinking... if only I'd have..." and the likes, before sliding behind the wheel of your less functional front-wheel drive, V6-powered family sedan, or whatever your disappointed state of clouded depression leads you to purchase.
And if you just can't trust yourself, remember that forgiveness is easier to get than permission. "Hey honey, look what I bought!" Yes, it's a foreboding thought, but she might just appreciate your good sense in purchasing a station wagon after laying tire tracks across what's left of your lifeless carcass. But believe me, it'll be worth it.