COTY: 300 or Magnum?

[GWAZI]

Imagine you are a writer for a top car magazine...
Naturally, the 2005 LX cars FROM DCX are your top choices...
But...which one gets the award?

Chrysler 300 - The rebirth of the great American sedan and the best value in the near-lux class
Dodge Magnum - Segment busting sport tourer and the most powerful car under $30K

Which do you choose?

[DMAG]

I would most likely say the 300C would get top honors. It really is the true competitor to vehicles costing thousands more and bettering them in many aspects.

That being said, I still want a Magnum. ;)

[E55 KEV]

If I were getting the car for gratis it would be the 300C. It has more luxury features and Xenon HID lights and the Magnum at this point does not.

[BlackMagnum]

The 300C gets the nod, but because it's easy to compare. Large rear wheel drive luxury vehicle with monster engine but good handling. What does that sound like? i think it compares well to the last generation 540i, which cost $60,000. The technology is about a generation behind the Bavarians. It should completely dominate in its price range if people accept the styling. The 300C needs some sort of minor sports package, I think. Something with good tires and a nailed down suspension.

The Magnum is what I'm buying and I feel it might be in trouble. Is it an SUV, a truck, or a wagon? I've said for years that sports wagons will talk people off the ledge of SUV driving, but I don't know if its time, and I certainly wasn't expecting this FROM Dodge, essentially a truck company. I figured such a wagon would appeal to more aflluent buyers and perhaps that would have happened if Chrysler was in charge of this, instead of Dodge.

The Magnum has the worst marketing I've ever seen, aimed squarely at those who want nothing to do with it and ignoring those who might take a chance. Are they expecting people to trade in their Escalades or 325 wagons for this? DROP the monkeys and add some sophistication -- it's got a lot to boast about in the areas of technology and European driving dynamics. If it succeeds, it will be because of word of mouth.


Imagine you are a writer for a top car magazine...
Naturally, the 2005 LX cars FROM DCX are your top choices...
But...which one gets the award?

Chrysler 300 - The rebirth of the great American sedan and the best value in the near-lux class
Dodge Magnum - Segment busting sport tourer and the most powerful car under $30K

Which do you choose?

[DMAG]

The Magnum has the worst marketing I've ever seen, aimed squarely at those who want nothing to do with it and ignoring those who might take a chance. Are they expecting people to trade in their Escalades or 325 wagons for this? DROP the monkeys and add some sophistication -- it's got a lot to boast about in the areas of technology and European driving dynamics. If it succeeds, it will be because of word of mouth.


Bingo! Though, I think DC's marketing people don't equate BMW and Dodge buyers cross-shopping each other. That's why they should have offered the 300C Touring Wagon in the NA market.

[E55 KEV]

IMHO, I don't need any type of commercial to decide my buying choice. Regardless if the spots are silly with monkeys or what. Commercials are to make the product unforgettable and usually sophisticated uptight spots are forgettable. Funny, dumb and stupid spots remains on the brain. Dodge is not about luxury or sophistication - it is about power, speed, getting dirty and blue collar just like the dumb guys always asking "that thing goat a Hemi? Chrysler will not/never exclaim "that thing got a Hemi?" in any 300C ads.

I also believe Chrylser would have a hard time justifying the Pacifica if they also sold the 300 Wagon. That would be two so-called "Sport Tourers" under the Chrysler badge because the Pacifica is more wagon than SUV.

[DMAG]

I also believe Chrylser would have a hard time justifying the Pacifica if they also sold the 300 Wagon. That would be two so-called "Sport Tourers" under the Chrysler badge because the Pacifica is more wagon than SUV.

Good point...touche! :wink:

[BlackMagnum]

Yes, excellent point that puts the marketing in perspective. I guess what I'm saying is that I want (and would rather be associated with) a 300C Wagon.

I also believe Chrylser would have a hard time justifying the Pacifica if they also sold the 300 Wagon. That would be two so-called "Sport Tourers" under the Chrysler badge because the Pacifica is more wagon than SUV.

Good point...touche! :wink:

[fluxanimator]

I don't have any problem being associated with a commercial containing monkeys. Monkeys Rock!

[BlackMagnum]

Indeed. It's not just the monkeys, it's Bubba and his drivetrain questions that bugs me.

Can luxury come with a 340 hp Hemi? Absolutely.

Redefining the classic American sedan.

Just a couple taglines FROM the Chrysler site for the 300. No monkeys, no Bubbas, just the classic combination of class and performance.

I don't have any problem being associated with a commercial containing monkeys. Monkeys Rock!

[fluxanimator]

I agree that those Hemi guys have gotten annoying. The monkey one was better than some of their other "macho guy" ads though. I guess I just have always found monkeys funny no matter the context.

[E55 KEV]

Don't hate the Monkeys! Most of us spend copious amounts of time "Spanking the Monkey"!

[E8502]

The monkey add was stupid...

I think the 300C would get it. However, would it be possible that they would give it to the "LX Cars" as a pair??

[GWAZI]

Personally, I think the 300 would win for many reasons, but mainly because of DCX's marketing job. The 300 comes out first, has the more conventional body style, follows up on 300M/Concorde sales, and is already being hailed as the great American sedan. All the Magnum has is poor, if any, advertising, questionable niche, no follow up on the Intrepid, and a LOAD of question marks FROM reviews. COTY: 300

PS - I'm suprised no one has pointed out my mistake: the Magnum is officially a "truck." TOTY, anyone?

[fluxanimator]

GWAZI you raise a point. I have not seen magazine reviews for the Magnum. Is this because the 300C is so similar that they lump the two together, or is it that the 300C is coming out first and soon the Magnum reviews will follow?

[BlackMagnum]

Check out my tagline for every article and review of the Magnum....


GWAZI you raise a point. I have not seen magazine reviews for the Magnum. Is this because the 300C is so similar that they lump the two together, or is it that the 300C is coming out first and soon the Magnum reviews will follow?

[E55 KEV]

Don't hate on the Magnum it is designed for people that don't like or need Trucks and SUVs (like me) and that Truck Classification means nothing and gets the Magnum rear dark privacy windows. The PT Cruiser is also a classified Truck.

When 300 owners start seeing the 300 in rental fleets and perhaps as a Police Cruizer they will calm down. he-he! :D

[GWAZI]

GWAZI you raise a point. I have not seen magazine reviews for the Magnum. Is this because the 300C is so similar that they lump the two together, or is it that the 300C is coming out first and soon the Magnum reviews will follow?

I think the problem is a combination of the two: the 300 comes out first (why?) and Chrysler wants buzz, so they send C's off to the magazines. Magnums get sent along as well, but in lower trim because they want good reviews of the 3.5 too. Naturally, the magazines make the 300C the feature piece and tack on the Mag. I think the only way we'll get a full review of a Magnum will be in a comparison test, probably something like the Pacifica vs. Volvo V70 vs. VW Touareg (fear the spelling power!!!). I'm dissapointed. :(

[BlackMagnum]

Naw. I think we'll just have to wait until next month before the Magnum's are sent out. Meanwhile, there are many reviews and several test drives to read -- enough to where I had no problem ordering an RT without seeing one in person.

Check out:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews &loc_code=index&content_code=02904799

http://www.autofieldguide.com/driven/0304dri10.html

http://www.thecarmagazine.com/en/info/roadtest/view.spy?artid=21981&make=Dodge



GWAZI you raise a point. I have not seen magazine reviews for the Magnum. Is this because the 300C is so similar that they lump the two together, or is it that the 300C is coming out first and soon the Magnum reviews will follow?

I think the problem is a combination of the two: the 300 comes out first (why?) and Chrysler wants buzz, so they send C's off to the magazines. Magnums get sent along as well, but in lower trim because they want good reviews of the 3.5 too. Naturally, the magazines make the 300C the feature piece and tack on the Mag. I think the only way we'll get a full review of a Magnum will be in a comparison test, probably something like the Pacifica vs. Volvo V70 vs. VW Touareg (fear the spelling power!!!). I'm dissapointed. :(

[GWAZI]

If you have to send out one LX before the other, why send out the 300? Why not get the riskier Magnum out first and see what happens? At least some good reviews might spark some interest and sway some troubled dealers. Plus, why else would all the big magazines lock on the 300C and not the RT?

[fluxanimator]

They lock onto the 300C because of wider appeal which will ultimitely sell more magazines.

[E55 KEV]

If you have to send out one LX before the other, why send out the 300? Why not get the riskier Magnum out first and see what happens? At least some good reviews might spark some interest and sway some troubled dealers. Plus, why else would all the big magazines lock on the 300C and not the RT?

Because Chrylser intends to sell more 300's than Magnums. The 300 is the flagship plus cost more and will generate more profit. The 300C is a luxury car and the Magnum RT is not.

Why all this talk about the Magnum debuting? What would change if the Magnum hit now? It will not be in the showrooms until June. The Magnum kickoff is June 17th. A full 2 months after the 300 launch.

[BlackMagnum]

Where did you get that June 17th date? I'm wondering how that effects the current orders.

:?

If you have to send out one LX before the other, why send out the 300? Why not get the riskier Magnum out first and see what happens? At least some good reviews might spark some interest and sway some troubled dealers. Plus, why else would all the big magazines lock on the 300C and not the RT?

Because Chrylser intends to sell more 300's than Magnums. The 300 is the flagship plus cost more and will generate more profit. The 300C is a luxury car and the Magnum RT is not.

Why all this talk about the Magnum debuting? What would change if the Magnum hit now? It will not be in the showrooms until June. The Magnum kickoff is June 17th. A full 2 months after the 300 launch.

[fluxanimator]

When I ordered my Magnum RT they gave a June 17th release date also. A month or so after the 300C.

[E55 KEV]

Where did you get that June 17th date? I'm wondering how that effects the current orders.

:?

This FROM D-C 12 April 2004:

"The April 22 event will be followed by two "Premiere Days" of public celebration when consumers are invited to visit their local participating Chrysler dealer for all of the festivities associated with "Premiere Night."

In addition to direct mail invitations, consumers can learn more about Chrysler "Premiere Days" through owner publications, the brand Web site, www.Chrysler.com/premieredays , and online advertising.

The Dodge "Premiere Night" will be held on June 17, and the Jeep Premiere Night will take place in the fall."

[GWAZI]

But WHY!?!

Does anyone see the logic in taking the Intrepid out, replacing it with the Magnum, and launching it two months after the 300? I'm beginning to see why dealers are worried. I just can't follow the logic...HELP!!!

[fluxanimator]

I'm only guessing why but...

New cars with entirely new platform, new plant, new advertising, new employee training, new everything. If they have to take their time and make sure they get it right, then it's ok by me. I would hate for them to rush and ruin what could be a major turning point for DC.[/quote]

[DMAG]

Drew Hill on another thread stated that his dealership is getting a Magnum in next week. (he's the internet sales manager at Huntington Dodge).

Only one more week till Magnum hits Huntington Dodge's Showroom I factory ordered the First White R/T Magnum That hits my Showroom With Eevry Option Sirrus Satelite Radio, Navigation, Premium Leather with Heated Seats, 18in Alloys All the Good Stuff, Bluetooth Wireless Hands Free Cell, Good To Go

[BlackMagnum]

They've arrived. CHECK out the Make a Donation option at the bottom of the page.

I agree that those Hemi guys have gotten annoying. The monkey one was better than some of their other "macho guy" ads though. I guess I just have always found monkeys funny no matter the context.

[DMAG]

They've arrived. CHECK out the Make a Donation option at the bottom of the page.

I agree that those Hemi guys have gotten annoying. The monkey one was better than some of their other "macho guy" ads though. I guess I just have always found monkeys funny no matter the context.

:wink:

[dodgeatheart]

Drew Hill on another thread stated that his dealership is getting a Magnum in next week. (he's the internet sales manager at Huntington Dodge).

Only one more week till Magnum hits Huntington Dodge's Showroom I factory ordered the First White R/T Magnum That hits my Showroom With Eevry Option Sirrus Satelite Radio, Navigation, Premium Leather with Heated Seats, 18in Alloys All the Good Stuff, Bluetooth Wireless Hands Free Cell, Good To Go

Local Dodge dealer (I believe the largest in state) said they would have a Magnum or two by the end of the month - said they upped the original ship date by a few weeks.

[fluxanimator]

My dealership called me today, updated me on my Magnum RT's status, and told me that the official release date is June 15th. This isn't saying that some dealers won't have cars in stock before then, just that they can't sell before the 15th. If someone gets one before then, let us know. It may start a domino effect with other dealers holding them.

[E8502]

My dealership called me today, updated me on my Magnum RT's status, and told me that the official release date is June 15th. This isn't saying that some dealers won't have cars in stock before then, just that they can't sell before the 15th. If someone gets one before then, let us know. It may start a domino effect with other dealers holding them.
Much like the Chrysler's as they are not up for sale before the 22nd. :?

[BlackMagnum]

My dealer told me the same thing today. A release date means the cars will be there, but they can't sell them until that day.

I'm flying FROM California to Ohio to pick mine up on June 26th, so I've got a lot riding on the car being available, including plane tickets, hotel and a two week vacation driving it back.


My dealership called me today, updated me on my Magnum RT's status, and told me that the official release date is June 15th. This isn't saying that some dealers won't have cars in stock before then, just that they can't sell before the 15th. If someone gets one before then, let us know. It may start a domino effect with other dealers holding them.
Much like the Chrysler's as they are not up for sale before the 22nd. :?

[DMAG]

My dealer told me the same thing today. A release date means the cars will be there, but they can't sell them until that day.

I'm flying FROM California to Ohio to pick mine up on June 26th, so I've got a lot riding on the car being available, including plane tickets, hotel and a two week vacation driving it back.


My dealership called me today, updated me on my Magnum RT's status, and told me that the official release date is June 15th. This isn't saying that some dealers won't have cars in stock before then, just that they can't sell before the 15th. If someone gets one before then, let us know. It may start a domino effect with other dealers holding them.
Much like the Chrysler's as they are not up for sale before the 22nd. :?

Now that is a vacation well spent! :D

[BlackMagnum]

Thanks! Here's my overly detailed itinerary, in case anyone has suggestions (email me).
http://www.runlevel6.com/04vacation/vacation.html

Now that is a vacation well spent! :D

[DMAG]

Wow, that sounds like a cool vacation!

You are doing so many things in 2 weeks. It would take me a few years to pack all of that in! ;)

Make sure to take lots of pictures, especially of Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Those are two places I want to visit sometime in this lifetime.

[FreeLantz]

I think the 300C, which has more heritage to back it up, would be the winner.

Personally, the Magnum is more my style and fits the needs I have and see myself HAVING over the next few years better than the 300. But for the masses, I think the 300 will be the more popular choice.

Wait another year, til Dodge introduces its Charger, and then Dodge can have its Car of the Year contender. ;)

[GWAZI]

LOL, i love how all the Magnum buyers say that the 300 will win!!! Is there anyone out there who says the Mag will win?

[FStephenMasek]

Remember when Motor Trend selected both the two and four door versions of the G35? Likewise, it would be reasonable to SELECT both cars. The 300C is the top of the line, but both offer excellent performance, features, size, and value. I agree that one reason for the success of both will be their appeal to present or potential SUV owners who do not need three rows of seats, and who realize that they will hardly ever drive on a gravel driveway, much less off-road.

[E55 KEV]

The 300C will be more mainstream and fit more peoples needs. The Magnum may be a little more niche.

What came first? The Chicken or the Egg?

The 300C is an offspring of the Magnum? Although, it has made production and showrooms prior to Magnum, the 300C is the 'b astard' child of the Magnum wagon!:D The Magnum SRT-8 concept was introduced in Dec 2002 and the 300C Concept in April 2003. Maybe or perhaps the 300C was spawned due to complaints and wishes that the Magnum should be a sedan.

[BlackMagnum]

I wish the differences were that smalll, but the 300C has a variety of luxury items that aren't available on the Magnum (even as options). It's the little things in the 300C that will especially impress American car fans: headlight washers, rain sensing wipers, HID headlights, park distance sensor, etc.


Remember when Motor Trend selected both the two and four door versions of the G35? Likewise, it would be reasonable to SELECT both cars. The 300C is the top of the line, but both offer excellent performance, features, size, and value. I agree that one reason for the success of both will be their appeal to present or potential SUV owners who do not need three rows of seats, and who realize that they will hardly ever drive on a gravel driveway, much less off-road.