2008 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger
Chrysler 300Few changes have been announced to the 300 / 300C for the model year 2008, but one change should be very nice - coefficient heaters, which warm the cabin immediately after the car is started. The 300 is the only vehicle in the United States with these heaters, which provide an instant heat boost. A diesel Chrysler 300 is expected at some point in the near future; test cars are running now. The Washington Post reviewed one. The engine was apparently developed by parts-supplier Bosch, though DCX refers to it as a Mercedes engine. Full list of changes: revised instrument panel, center console, and door trim panel; soft-touch surfaces on armrests and trim; a new taillamp design and deck lid; an iPod interface with UConnect; MyGIG hard-drive radios; remote start; Sirius back-seat TV; Boston Acoustic eight-speaker 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound amplifier with subwoofer (optional, as were MyGIG, Sirius, and UConnect!); new wheels on some models; and new packages and colors (interior colors added were dark and light gray, and dark beige.) The 300C got LED lighting in the front cupholders and both front and rear map pockets, optional adaptive cruise control, and an indication of whether the engine was running on four or eight cylinders. Dodge MagnumThe Dodge Magnum is being refreshed for the 2008 model year to address criticisms head-on, continuing current models but adding technologies and fine-tuning its appearance and, for the SRT-8, its performance. Dodge Magnum SRT8The SRT8 now includes a more aggressive hood with a functional hood scoope, a new grille and front fascia, and a revised interior. 0-60 mph performance is in the low 5-second range. The black honeycomb insert of the crosshair grille and air inlet of the front fascia increases brake cooling. The front fascia itself provides an aerodynamic benefit by reducing lift. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 rides on 20-inch aluminum SRT-designed wheels wearing 245/45/ZR20 (front) and 255/45/ZR20 (back) F1 Goodyear tires. Available exterior colors for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 are Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat and TorRed. On the inside, the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 now has agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber leather-trim door handles, and LED lighting in the cup holders and door-map pockets. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 continues to feature power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats with performance suede inserts in the front, an improved grip-enhancing carbon-fiber leather-trim steering wheel, and full-performance instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, a tachometer and a temperature gauge. Under the hood is the 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 425-horsepower (317-kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, contributing to a performance roster that includes a 0-60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in under 17 seconds. New for 2008, drivers can receive instant feedback on their personal performance numbers from a newly available ReConfigurable Display (RCD) in the cluster. Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated, driver-selectable Auto Stick, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. Dodge Magnum SRT8 suspension and bodyThe new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 provides all-around driving performance with SRT-tuned dampers, tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE models, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8’s performance-handling characteristics. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 features tried and true Brembo performance calipers, finished in red. Each is equipped with four pistons, gripping 360 mm x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 mm x 26 mm vented rotors in the rear. The results: 0-60-mph stopping distance of approximately 110 feet. The “normal” Magnums: 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE
The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE have a modified front exterior design and a brighter, more upscale look and feel to the interior. The front grille has been lowered and stretched horizontally to create a more aggressive look. Chrome elements added to the front fascia and grille and extra detailing around the fog lamps provide additional interest. The Magnum R/T features optional Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) elements in the headlamps.
The hood features “expressive accent lines” that run from the leading edge towards the windshield. Optional chrome-clad aluminum wheels and 245/45R20 all-season performance tires are available. New exterior paint colors include Light Pebble Beige and Titanium. The 2008 Dodge Magnum has interior upgrades including soft-touch surfaces on the arm rests and top of center console, a new cruise control stalk and optional LED lighting, which illuminates the cup holders and door-map pockets. Brighter, chromed highlights have been added to the interior cabin of the R/T and SXT models. The instrument panel has been redesigned to offer a more driver-oriented layout. The clean lines and easy-to-read gauges are highlighted with chrome bezels to deliver additional interest.
Dodge Magnum EnginesThe 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T is equipped with a modern 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine featuring MDS, which seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is demanded, increasing fuel economy as much as 20 percent without sacrificing vehicle performance. (This is a greater benefit than the new hybrid-electric system used by GM, BMW, and Chrysler). Drivers may be informed when four-cylinder mode is active by selecting the new fuel-economy display available through the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Note: all gas mileage estimates are based on 2007 EPA rules; they will decline with 2008 rules. The 5-7-liter HEMI V-8 engine provides 340 horsepower (254 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (525 N·m) @ 4000 rpm and offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 17/25 (city/hwy) (measured via 2007 EPA standards). The 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine provides 250 horsepower (186 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (340 N·m) @ 3800 rpm and a fuel economy rating of 19/27 (city/hwy). The 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides 190 horsepower (142 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 N·m) @ 4000 rpm and a fuel economy rating of 21/28 (city/hwy) (a) . Suspension and bodyThe 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE models come with rear-wheel-drive standard. Available advanced automotive technologies include an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, all-speed Traction Control System and four-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), which combine to enable the rear-wheel drive Dodge Magnum to perform with all-season confidence The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T and SXT also are available with all-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive system adds a front differential and transfer case to provide four-season traction. By driving continuously through all four wheels, the all-wheel-drive system provides excellent cornering balance under all driving conditions, and better traction in snow Safety and SecurityThe 2008 Dodge Magnum has a full range of available active and passive safety systems. In addition to the accident avoidance features including ESP and Brake Assist, all-speed traction control and ABS that help the driver maintain directional stability, enhance mobility and prevent wheel slip, the Dodge Magnum offers myriad crash protection features. Among the vehicle’s safety equipment are:
Available auto-reverse windows, power adjustable pedals, self-sealing tires and tire pressure monitor system additionally provide a total package of engineering and technological advancements designed to protect as well as perform. Gadgets
ManufacturingThe 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup will continue to be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario (Canada) along with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Production of the 2008 Dodge Magnum begins late summer of 2007 and will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter.
Dodge Charger and 300Redriderbob wrote: From what I have been told, the Dodge Charger and 300 Series will also get a refreshened interior with a redesigned dash to include the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System. Interior lighting will be changed as well, with LED interior lights found on Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, and Chrysler Sebring. Another feature that may look like it might become standard is the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, which gives audio and visual warnings to assist you when you're in reverse during parking maneuvers. Many of the owners of current Magnum models complain to Chrysler Group about poor rearward visibility. Features such as the heated and cooled cup holders found on Chrysler Sebring Sedan and Dodge Avenger Sedan may find their way to the LX models. One last feature is an optional heated steering wheel. The exterior will hardly be changed. [He predicted accurately that] The Magnum will recieve a new grille treatment, similar to that of the new Caliber and Avenger Sedan models. LED tailights are another feature that could show up as well. Whatever the case maybe, the Dodge Magnum is looking for quite a bit of improvement for the next model year. (We also recently saw that the 300 will get its third brake light moved to the trunk lid.) |
RumorsInformation300C compared with luxury cars Reviews / Test DrivesLX + Snow, Ice, ConceptsComponentsRelatedThe 1978 and 2005 Dodge Magnums
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