Could the Magnum return? And no not the TV show with the private investigator, the old used Dodge Magnum wagon that Chrysler retired a few years back. The long, brute faced car with the Hemi engine that fit in at the top of its class of wagons under 30k. That Magnum.
And according to the Chief of Chryslers new STR performance edition, rumor is now flying that we could see its return of an entry level SRT added to Dodge's new cars for sale. Already a performance head turner before, a second generation Magnum could really bring people to their local Dodge dealership.
It will be interesting to see if the Dodge Magnum is brought back entirely for just the SRT division, or if a standard Dodge no frills edition will test the waters of cheap new wagons. A head turner and favorite for its styling alone, the Magnum was one of the few full sized wagons under 30k that you wouldn't dare consider a hatch back.
All that muscle came at a price though, you would never consider those used Dodge Magnum's economic, not with a highway mileage under 30 MPG. However to compete with the Cadillac CTS Wagon, Dodge may well need to hit 30 MPG in this latest generation.
And like the Cadillac CTS, the SRT crew will probably need to hit a target price of around $38,000 to one, compete with the CTS, and two, to meet their desire for the Magnum to be the entry price point for SRT. The cheapest planned SRT model is the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, set to start at just over $44,000. Dodge would have to offer a stripped down version to truly have cheap new wagons as an option.
Only time will tell if we see some new cars for sale wearing the Magnum badges. But chances are if we do, just beside it will be the SRT badge. If they do bring it out, expect more foot traffic at your local Dodge dealership. Because a Magnum SRT would be a beast to behold.