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Show The Park Record Sat/Sun/Mon December 18-20, 2004 C-23 By MALCOLM GUNN WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS A new generation offull-size sedans bucks convention with new moxy and muscle et ready for the next-generation of domestic family haulers from Daimler/Chrysler. Be warned, these radically reengineered cars will take some getting used to. Due out this spring, the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan and Dodge Magnum wagon are a clear departure from the company's current front-wheel-drive Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler 300M and Dodge intrepid sedans. They also represent an about-face in familycar design philosophy. Bigger is touted as better and rear-wneel drive/V8 performance is what, at least in Daimler-Chrysler's eyes, many buyers really want. (Allwheel drive is an option). In one bold stroke, the company has completely distanced itself from the competition - as well as its current crop of 'Cab Forward1 machinery - and has returned to its full-size 1970s-era roots. Compared to the outgoing fullsize cars, the 300 and Magnum are actually about 10-inches shorter in total length, while the wheelbase has been stretched by a half-foot. As well, they're more than 2.5 inches taller. The result is a much larger - perhaps even a bit sinister - stance, especially when you factor in the bulging fenders, extra tall doors and 'chopped1 roofline. The reasons for embarking on such drastic changes are clear. The domestic-sedan market has been losing considerable ground to Japanese-based competitors, with cars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, in particular, leading the charge. As well, their luxury offshoots (Acura and Lexus models, respectively) are encroaching on the up-level end of the business. The new Chrysler/Dodge duo is poised to counter this trend by offering buyers a traditional North American big car with plenty of power turning the rear wheels. The Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT, as the top-line models are called, will be equipped with the corporation's 340-norsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection capability. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee HEMI the Hemi's torque-twisting shenanigans, the rnid-Ievel 300 Touring and Limited, as well as the Magnum SXT, come with a 250horsepower 3.5-liter SOHC V6, while the base 300 sedan and Magnum SE wagon make do with a 2.7-liter DOHC V6. Each sixcylinder engine is matched to fourspeed automatic transmissions. All models will arrive with a strong dose of standard equipment, however you'll have to pay up to get traction and stability control (a good idea for rear-drive units), anti-lock brakes; side-curtain airbags and rear-backup assist. Very interesting, but one issue remains. For years, manufacturers have conditioned us to believe that front-wheel-drive cars are better (especially in terms of traction, overall weight and interior room) and that small-displacement, fuelsipping engines are where it's at. How willing, then, will we accept an alternate philosophy and reembrace rear-wheel-drive cars and muscular V8 power? There's no doubt a market for full-size performance-oriented rearand all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons. After all, premium manufacturers, including DaimlerChrysIer's senior partner, Mercedes-Benz, has been proving it for years. If that approach can be extended to more affordable Dodge and Chrysler products, thereby injecting new life and more performance into the full-size domestic market, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum will hit the road and never look back. '05 full-size Dodge/Chrysler * Four-door full-size sedan and wagon available in rear- and all-wheel drive. * 2.7-liter DOHC V6,3.5-iiter SOHC V6 and 5.7-liter OHV V8, producing 190,250 and 340 horsepower, respectively. * Four-speed automatic (V6) or live-speed automatic (V8) transmissions. * The new big-size Chrysler and Dodge have no other equals in terms ol available drivetrains and power. * Those models equipped with Ihe Hemi engine signal a return to the good of' days ( when rip-snorting V8s ruled Ihe road. * The added availability of all-wheel drive and stability control will assure those who might otherwise be reluctanl to surrender their front-wheel drive family cars. * Safety: Front airbags: side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags (opt.); ABS (opt); traction control (opt); stability control (opt.). * Base price: S23.600 According to Daimler-Chrysler, this particular drivetrain combo is good for hitting 60 m.p.h. in a scant 6.3 seconds, not bad numbers for a pair of two-ton 'family' cars. To keep fuel consumption in check, four of the eight cylinders shut down when the load is light. This innovative system activates so quickly that drivers are never supposed to notice the transition. The projected city/highway fuel reduction isn't huge - around 10 per cent compared to a Hemi V8 without the system- but every little bit of savings is welcome, especially on models carrying the extra weight of all-wheel drive. For anyone not obsessed by Special Purchase Used Vehicles HEMI POWERED! 2 0 0 5 All New! 04 Grand 04 Toyota 04 Chrysler N O W In Stock! 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