The 2013 Chrysler 300 was available in six trim levels: 300, 300S, 300C, 300C Luxury Series, 300C John Varvatos Collection, and SRT8. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which was available in all but the SRT version, produced 292 hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. The 300S version of that engine came with minor tweaks (including a sport-tuned exhaust) that bump output to 300 hp. An 8-speed automatic was standard, as was rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was optional.
Optional on all but the base 300 was the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, pumping 363 hp and 394 ft-lbs of torque. A 5-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive were standard, but all-wheel drive was optional.
The SRT8 received (in addition to most of the luxury features of the 300C) special styling and interior trim plus the high-performance 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque. It also received special 20-inch wheels, high-performance tires, Brembo brakes, launch control, an adjustable sport suspension, and sport-tuned steering.
The Core version of the SRT8 included most of the high-performance hardware but did without the adjustable suspension and other “niceties.” Both SRT8 versions boasted rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters standard.
2014
For 2014, the Chrysler 300 was available in the same six trim levels as in 2013: 300, 300S, 300C, 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, SRT8 Core, and SRT8. Other than just a few minor trim-level adjustments, the 300 was unchanged for 2014.
The March 1, 2004, press release announcing the all-new 2005 Dodge Magnum touted among its virtues the benefits of a sport-utility vehicle (thanks to its available all-wheel drive) and towing capacity of up to 3,800 pounds. And it could do so while delivering the ride and handling of a sports sedan.
Power, load capacity, and good looks. In 2005, the Magnum R/T received the then-new 340 hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. An SRT8 model was available from 2006 until the car’s demise, and it came with the 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi engine. The all-wheel-drive version became an option in mid-year 2005 on SXT and R/T models. The Magnum wagon was on Car and Driver’s Ten Best list for 2005. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Unfortunately, despite the popularity of the “station wagon” and its sizable audience, on November 1, 2007, Chrysler announced that the Dodge Magnum would be one of four models discontinued after the 2008 model year. On March 28, 2008, production ceased. Ralph Gilles, then Chrysler Group Design Chief and head of the SRT division (and former head of Dodge Division), told the New York Times that Chrysler might revive the Magnum. As of this writing, it has not happened.
2005
The 2005 Dodge Magnum was available in three trim levels: SE, SXT, and R/T. The R/T was the introduction to V-8 power. The available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, delivered a conservative 340 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. All Magnum wagons were rear-wheel drive, unless you specified all-wheel drive as an option (available mid-year). A 4-speed automatic transmission came standard with V-6 models, and the R/T and all-wheel-drive SXTs upgraded to a 5-speed automatic.
2006
Not much changed for 2006; the Magnum was still available in the SE, SXT, and R/T trim levels. The R/T still used the Hemi. All Magnum wagons were still rear-wheel drive, unless you specified all-wheel drive as an option. Mid-year, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with the 5-speed automatic.
2007
In 2007, and SRT version entered the lineup. This year, you could get one of four main trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, or SRT8. The R/T added the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with the MDS that was still good for 340 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. The R/T also received 18-inch wheels (19-inchers with all-wheel drive) and a slightly firmer suspension. A new R/T Performance Group package was also available for the Magnum R/T this year, and added 10 hp. The high-performance SRT8 was equipped similarly to the R/T but added the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that produced 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque, 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension, and special interior and exterior trim details.
SXT and R/T models could be ordered in either rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configurations. All others were rear-drive only. The SE came with a 4-speed automatic; all others came with a 5-speed automatic.
2008
Not much changed for 2008, except for a little more aggressive styling, as the Magnum’s good looks were updated with a revised front fascia, newly sculpted hood, and a reshaped grille. Exclusive to this year’s SRT8 model was a functional hood scoop. The 2008 Magnum was still available in four trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, and SRT8. Engine and transmission options were the same as in 2007.
The SRT versions of the Charger and Magnum received a fresh-air scoop in the hood. Although the scoop was not directly connected to the air filtration system, it was still a sinister-looking setup. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Just like the Charger and the 300, the Magnum wagon was never offered with a manually-shifted transmission. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The major selling point of the Magnum wagon was its hauling capacity. When the tow package was added, which consisted of a larger radiator and special leveling rear shocks, the Magnum R/T was rated to tow 3,800 pounds. The SRT is a performance version of the Magnum and is therefore not actually tow rated. With all of the seats in place, the interior boasted 27.2 cubic feet of carrying capacity. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The design layout of the Magnum was almost unchanged during its production run. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Even during the Magnum’s short-lived production run, the 5.7-liter Hemi was the engine of choice with most Magnum owners. The same engine (ratings and all) that powered the Charger, Challenger, and 300C, also powered the Magnum. That makes all car engines interchangeable by year specification. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Like the Charger, the Magnum was available to law enforcement. When tested by the Michigan State Police, the September 2005 evaluation program included the following preliminary results: Top Speed: Dodge Charger 5.7-liter Hemi posted best-in-class top speed of over 145 mph. Acceleration: Dodge Magnum 5.7-liter Hemi posted a 0–100 mph in 16.24 seconds. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)