Dodge Magnum: longer wheelbase, Heat

[rickaren]

Dodge Magnum: longer wheelbase, Heat
June 18th, 2010



Inside reports claim that the Dodge Magnum (the Durango replacement) will have a longer wheelbase than the Grand Cherokee – roughly half a foot longer, helping to provide space for a third row of seats without resorting to excessive overhangs. Like the Grand Cherokee, Magnum is set to use both the Pentastar V6 and Hemi V8 engines, taking some heat off the Trenton Engine plant that makes the Pentastars.

Dodge plans to use its new “lifestyle” model system, with models such as Crew and Heat.

Due to begin production in November or December 2010, the Magnum is expected to have an optional third row seat, with headrests that can be lowered by the driver for a better rear view. Other new options include a new Alpine stereo, Garmin navigation, HID headlights, and power liftgate.

Dodge Magnum: longer wheelbase, Heat | Allpar Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep News

[Eugene Onegin]

Is this a 4WD vehicle ?

[rickaren]

Originally Posted by Eugene Onegin

Is this a 4WD vehicle ?

Since it is really another version of the new Grand Cherokee, yes.


More Info from Allpar:

The 2011 Dodge Magnum will be a reskinned, retuned, extended-wheelbase version of the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Dodge CUV will be coded WD; Grand Cherokee, WK. Launch is set for November or December 2010. The roofline might go up as it goes back, while the Grand Cherokee roofline goes down, giving the Magnum more cargo space

With the Dodge Durango dropped, a new seven passenger CUV, the 2011 Dodge Magnum, will enter the Dodge lineup, filling roughly the same niche. This will be the first Dodge ever to be based on a Jeep, (not counting the Caliber/Patriot).

Updated June 16th, 2010: Reliable Allpar sources have now confirmed that the upcoming new Dodge CUV will use the Magnum name instead of Durango. Due to begin production in November or December 2010, the new 2011 Magnum will likely feature a wheelbase that is several inches longer than the new Grand Cherokee.

Dodge is also planning to use "lifestyle" names for the new Magnum models — Boulevard, Citadel, Crew, Express, Heat, and R/T (the latter having the 5.7L VVT Hemi and available at launch, taking some pressure off the Trenton Engine plant, which is making hot new Pentastar V6).

The Wall Street Journal wrote about a Chrysler Citadel, which we believe is a misunderstanding (given the other errors in the article) confusing the Chrysler Citadel concept — which became the Pacifica — with a possible matching Citadel model of the Dodge Grand Caravan.

As would be expected, the new Magnum will share a lot of the equipment and options featured on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, including upgraded premium interiors. Features (some optional) will include:

* the new Alpine premium audio system with 9 speakers and subwoofer
* new Garmin based navigation radios
* active head restraints
* Hill Start Assist
* HID headlamps and power liftgate
* dual rear exhaust (Hemi models)
* Proximity Keyless Entry and push button start.

Seating configurations will be for five or seven passengers. The front passenger seat can be folded flat, the second row will have a 60/40 fold and tumble seat, and the third row seat will include headrests that can be lowered by the driver for a better rear view. The new Magnum will also be available without the third row seat if desired.

Engine choices will include the new 3.6L Pentastar (with the Mercedes W5A580 5-speed auto trans) and the 5.7L VVT Hemi (with the proven Chrysler 545RFE five-speed transmission). The new Magnum is expected to start arriving in showrooms by early December, and will be built in a renovated North Jefferson plant.