Misplaced Pages

#622377

123-503: In Brazil, the Magnum was a top-of-the-line version of the local Dodge Dart , produced from 1979 to 1981. In Mexico, the Dodge Magnum was a sporty rear-wheel drive two-door car based on Chrysler's M-body (American Dodge Diplomat / Plymouth Gran Fury ). From 1983 to 1988 Dodge marketed a sporty two-door K-car as the "Magnum", with an available turbocharger engine from 1984 on. The Magnum

246-443: A Dana 60 built heavy-duty axle with a 4.88 gear ratio , heavy-duty clutch , steel bellhousing, and special torque shaft and pivots. Manual transmissions were modified by removing synchronizers which lowered the chances of missed shifts . A Hurst floor-mounted shifter came standard. The automatic transmissions were the then-new Chrysler-built 727 TorqueFlite three-speed with 8-3/4 inch large stem pinion center section with

369-410: A Prestolite ignition and solid core wires were also used. The cars weighed approximately 3,000 lb (1,361 kg). The cars were designed to meet street legal requirements, but due to the modifications, the cars came with disclaimers that they were not for street use, but rather "supervised acceleration trials", or drag racing. The 2-door sedan was dropped at the end of 1968 and replaced with

492-614: A 2-door hardtop in the Valiant line called the Scamp. It was the same car as the Swinger with a Valiant front clip. The 1970 Dart's dual tail lamps were given over to the badge-engineered Scamp , while the 1971 Dart received new smaller quad taillamps that would be used through 1973. The custom 2-door hardtop coupe became the Swinger, and the standard Swinger became the Swinger Special. Dodge gained

615-417: A 225 cu in (3.7 L), 145 hp (108 kW) version was available for less than $ 50 extra. The aluminum engine block for the 225 was discontinued early in the 1963 model year. After the start of the 1964 model year, an all-new, compact, lightweight 273 cu in (4.5 L) LA V8 producing 180 bhp (130 kW) with a 2-barrel carburetor was introduced as the top engine option. 1964

738-491: A 2X4-barrel Holley carburetors atop a lightweight crossram aluminum intake manifold rated at 425 hp (431 PS; 317 kW) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. A high-performance Mopar battery was moved to the trunk to free up room and improve weight distribution . Darts could be ordered with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions. Manual transmission equipped cars, code A-833 , featured

861-460: A 4.86 gear set, and a 2,600 rpm high speed torque converter . They were also modified with a floor-mounted Hurst shifter for manual shifting. Other features include heavy-duty rear shocks , heavy-duty radiator with a seven-blade fan, and deep groove pulleys, a high capacity oil pump , solid- lifter cam, and a roller timing chain to reduce stretch and provide more reliable performance. A transistorized dual points breaker distributor coupled with

984-640: A Dodge model name. The Dart nameplate was resurrected for a Fiat-derived compact car that was introduced in 2012. The Dart name originally appeared on a 1956 Chrysler show car , featuring a streamlined body designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia , that was later modified and renamed the Dart Diablo. For 1957, Ghia built Chrysler a second, visually similar show car, the Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400. The first Dodge Darts were introduced for

1107-449: A best finish of 12th. In 2005 , he competed in every race for the first time in three years and had two top-tens and finished 27th in points. When Georgia Pacific left after 2005, Wells Fargo, Schwan's , and Marathon Oil became the team's new primary sponsors and Petty duplicated his top-ten total in 2006 , but fell five spots further in points. At the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 , Petty had his first top-five finish in ten years, finishing 3rd in

1230-560: A blackout 1986–1988 Plymouth Caravelle grille in 1986–1988) offered from 1983 to 1988 with available turbocharger ("TurboChrysler" engine) from 1984 on. Four engines were offered for the Mexican Dodge Magnum K: a 2.2 L SOHC I-4 (K-Trans-4, 1983–86), a turbocharged 2.2 L SOHC I-4 (1984–86) and two 2.5 L SOHC I-4s, with and without turbocharger (1987–88). When it was introduced, the Mexican Dodge Magnum 400 Turbo

1353-630: A carburetor anti-ice system borrowed from Canadian-market Chrysler 6-cylinder engines, and the drum brake automatic adjusters were revised for more consistent operation. At the top of the Dart performance range for 1969, there was limited availability of the 440 V8 in the Dart GTS model. The Dart was refreshed for 1970 with front and rear changes designed to bring the car closer to the design themes found in Dodge's full-size vehicles through grille and contour changes. In

SECTION 10

#1732858395623

1476-446: A chrome trim ring. These would remain unchanged through the 1976 model year. Kyle Petty Kyle Eugene Petty (born June 2, 1960) is an American former stock car racing driver and current racing commentator. He is the son of racer Richard Petty , grandson of racer Lee Petty , and father of racer Adam Petty , who was killed in a crash during practice in May 2000. Petty last drove

1599-493: A grandchild. Petty is active in many charitable causes, such as Victory Junction, a facility that serves serious illness and chronic medical condition children, which he established to honor his late son, as well as an annual charity motorcycle ride across the country called the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America . Petty is also known for his brief attempts as a professional country musician. He

1722-452: A light-argent (silver) paint. Demon production was substantially less than Duster's; this is reflected in higher collector car values for the Demon, especially V8 models. The 1973 model year Darts received new front styling with revised fenders, grille, header panel, and hood. Impact absorbing front bumpers were installed to comply with new federal regulations, as well as side-impact guard beams in

1845-469: A more modern look was used, while the rear end was very similar to the 1975 American Dart (the Dart model from the same year having been identical to the Swinger from USA). The Magnum (top of the line) was sold as a separate model from the Dart (bottom line), despite being technically almost identical to the Dart. The Dodge was well received in Brazil. The coupe and sedan models in Brazil were (all variations from

1968-426: A new dual-plane front end contour: the center section of the grille, bumper, and leading edge of the hood were recessed from the front plane of the car. The single headlamps were placed forward of the recessed center section, defining the front plane. Park/turn lamps were set into the grille, in the corners formed by the transition area between the recessed and forward sections. With the new design, changes were made to

2091-508: A passed down STP Dodge Magnum numbered No. 42 (a number used by his grandfather Lee Petty ) for his family's team. He ran five races and had a ninth-place finish in his first series race, the 1979 Talladega 500 . In 1980, he made a total of fifteen starts in the No. 42 (after crashing the last of his father's Dodge Magnums in one of the Daytona 125 qualifying races) and had six top-ten finishes, garnering

2214-741: A place for me there going into 2009." Any time he appeared on television with Speed, he wears a hat with a number 45 with a black line across the number, in memory of his son Adam. In the early 2010s he appeared on Fox Sports shows NASCAR Trackside , NASCAR Victory Lane , and NASCAR RaceDay as a television personality. Since 2015, he works for NBC Sports , appearing on all of their NASCAR related shows and broadcasts. Petty has been married twice, to Pattie Petty (1979–2012) and Morgan Petty in 2015. Kyle has six children: Adam Kyler Petty (1980–2000), Austin Kemp Petty (b. 1982), Montgomery Lee Petty Schlappi (b. 1985), and three other children. Petty also has

2337-455: A press release to Dodge dealerships . It was a promotional pitch purposed at selling drag-ready, Hemi-powered Darts. The press release stated that Dodge wanted to make a factory-built and ready drag racer out of the 68 Dart GTS hardtop for competition in class B Super Stock (drag racing) . Engineers stated the new Hemi Dart reached speeds of 130 mph (209 km/h) in less than 11 seconds and 1 ⁄ 4  mi (402 m) times in

2460-641: A refined automatic choke. In 1965, the 2-barrel 273 remained available, but a new performance version of the 273 engine was released with a 4-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, a more aggressive camshaft with solid tappets, and other upgrades which increased output to 235 bhp (175 kW). At the same time, the Dodge Dart Charger was offered. The Dart Chargers were yellow Dart GT hardtops with black interiors, Charger 273 engines, (Plymouth called their 4 barrel 273 Commando), premium mechanical and trim specifications, and special "Charger" badging. They were

2583-570: A revised front and rear-fascia completes the transformation. The SRT-8 was named "Best New Modern Muscle Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year contest. Motor Trend Test Results: 2007 and 2008 also saw the addition of the R/T "Red Badge" 29R Road and Track package, which featured all of the SRT-8 options except the 6.1 Hemi engine and Brembo brakes. NHTSA crash test ratings (2006): In Europe and Australia,

SECTION 20

#1732858395623

2706-435: A small platform and the Magnum name, equipping it with 360 CID (5.9 L) V8 engine (rated at 300 hp (224 kW), with a Carter ThermoQuad four barrel (four-choke) carburetor), Mopar oil cooler, a 3-speed A727 automatic transmission ( A833 4-speed manual optional), heavy-duty suspension, power brakes, stabilizer bars in the front and rear and a Dana 44 differential with positive pass and posi-traction . All of

2829-556: A top-ten at Talladega, raising him to 22nd in the points. After 2002, Sprint left the team and Brawny / Georgia Pacific became his new sponsor. He missed three races in 2003 (including one due to injury) and fell back to 37th in the standings. In 2003, during the Food City 500 , Petty crashed his No. 45 car in a hard driver's side impact, recording a hit of 80 g's. Petty held the record for hardest hit until Elliott Sadler crashed at Pocono in 2010. He moved up four spots in 2004 and had

2952-568: A top-ten finish at the Daytona 500 , filling in for Eddie Bierschwale , as well as Ames Department Stores . Petty and the #42 Pontiac team competed in nineteen races that season, his best finish being a 4th at Atlanta. Peak became the team's full-time sponsor in 1990 , and Petty finished eleventh in points after winning the GM Goodwrench 500 at North Carolina Speedway with a 26-second margin of victory. Mello Yello would replace Peak as sponsor of

3075-421: A tribute to his father Richard written by Rodney Crowell that was released in 1995 as part of a NASCAR-themed country music compilation album. A music video for the song was produced, featuring Petty playing an acoustic guitar in front of his father's No. 43 racecar, as Richard watched highlights of his career on a screen. Petty appeared in the 1983 film Stroker Ace , as himself, and provided voice work for

3198-581: A twenty-eighth-place points finish. He began the 1981 season driving his father's No. 43 for one race, before running a full schedule in his regular No. 42, finishing in the top-ten ten times and finishing twelfth in points. He began the 1982 season with two top-ten finishes, but later began splitting time between his No. 42 and the No. 1 UNO /STP car owned by Hoss Ellington , and ended the season fifteenth in points. In 1983 , he picked up funding from 7-Eleven and accordingly switched his number to 7. He had only two top-ten finishes but improved to thirteenth in

3321-542: A version of Plymouth's popular Valiant-based fastback Duster which was to be named the Beaver , but when Chrysler's marketing department learned that "beaver" was CB slang for vagina , the vehicle was renamed the "Dart Demon". As was the case with previous Dodge rebadges of Plymouth Valiants, such as the 1961–1962 Lancer , sales of the Demon lagged behind those of the Duster. With optional hood scoops and blackout hood treatment,

3444-570: Is a line of passenger cars produced by Dodge from the 1959 to 1976 model years in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The production Dodge Dart was introduced as a lower-priced full-size model in 1960 and 1961, but became a mid-size car for one model year for 1962, and was then reduced to a compact for two generations, from 1963 to 1976. Chrysler had first used 'Dart' name plates on two Italian styled show cars , in 1956 and 1957, before it became

3567-590: The Coke Zero Dodge. He then raced the Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma in a Petty Enterprises car while broadcasting for TNT. On lap 1 as the cars began lap 2, Petty crashed with Matt Kenseth , causing him to accidentally swear during the broadcasting. He later took several races off to work as a color commentator for TNT's Nextel Cup coverage, replacing Benny Parsons after Parsons passed in January. He returned to

3690-661: The Ford Fairlane . When Dodge dealers voiced their displeasure at having no true full-size car to offer, Chrysler quickly created the Dodge Custom 880 in January 1962 by putting the 1961 Dodge Polara front end assembly on a version of the 1962 Chrysler Newport body. The 1962 Dart, like the Plymouth, was on a new lightweight unibody "B" platform , featuring Chrysler's well-received "Torsion-Aire" torsion bar front suspension and asymmetric rear leaf springs. The rigidity gained through

3813-539: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) and S-Class of the era. Shared and or derived components from Mercedes-Benz included: the rear suspension cradle and 5-link independent rear suspension design derived from E-Class, a double-wishbone front suspension design with short-and-long arm front suspension geometry derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) , the 5-Speed NAG1 W5A580 transmission (SRT8, AWD SXT, and

Dodge Magnum - Misplaced Pages Continue

3936-528: The windshield wiper arms were also part of the 1968 federally mandated safety package. Chrysler's "clean air package" emission control system became standard equipment on cars sold in all 50 states. The steering linkage was revised again, as were the windshield and rear window gaskets and trim-lock strips, leaving the 1967 pieces as one-year-only items. The standard rear axle ratio was dropped from 2.93 to 2.76 with all standard-performance engines and automatic transmission . Part-throttle downshift functionality

4059-439: The #21 and received new sponsorship from Citgo , as well as winning the 1987 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. He failed to pick up a win in 1988 , and fell to thirteenth in points, causing him to be released from the ride. He signed on to a part-time schedule in 1989 for the new SABCO Racing team. Originally beginning the season unsponsored, he and SABCO later picked up sponsorship from Peak Antifreeze after he drove their car to

4182-548: The #42 in 1991 , and Petty was running eleventh in points when he suffered a broken leg at a crash in the Winston 500 at Talladega, causing him to miss the next eleven races. His abbreviated schedule combined with only one top-ten in the second half of the season caused him to finish the season 31st in points. In 1992 , Petty rebounded to a career-best fifth-place finish in points, as well winning two separate races that season at Watkins Glen and Rockingham . The 1992 season would be

4305-410: The 10-11 second range, although times have been reported as low as the 9-10 second range. To keep weight low, a fiberglass hood and fenders were used. The hood featured a functional intake scoop and four hood pins for full lift-off removal of the hood. Lightweight acid-dipped steel doors with thin side window glass were used. As the doors lacked a window mechanism, a strap was attached to the bottom of

4428-423: The 1960 model year. They were downsized large cars developed to replace Plymouths in the standard, low-priced car segment for the Dodge dealer network. Dodge dealers had been selling Plymouths since 1930, but divisional restructuring took the Plymouth brand away from the Dodge dealer network. Project planners proposed the name Dart, only to have Chrysler executives demand an expensive research program that produced

4551-684: The 1978 season, Petty and Neil Bonnett (the two top Mopar teams) gave up on the car's inconsistent performance and switched to Chevrolets and Oldsmobiles , leaving independent drivers Buddy Arrington (who bought a few of Petty's Magnums, along with some parts), Frank Warren , and Country singer Marty Robbins to soldier on without any substantial factory support (Chrysler did provide sheet metal and some engine parts to teams driving Magnums). From August 1978, two to five independent teams showed up with Magnums in NASCAR races, until January 1981, when NASCAR switched to smaller bodied cars. The Magnum never enjoyed

4674-492: The 2-barrel carbureted 273's 180 bhp (130 kW). At the same time the 4-barrel carbureted 273 235 bhp (175 kW) was replaced on the options list by the 275 bhp (205 kW) 4-barrel carbureted 340 cu in (5.6 L) available only in the 1968–1972 Swinger and the hottest Dart, the performance-oriented GTS models. The Dart GTS came standard with the 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8. A 300 hp (220 kW) 383 cu in (6.3 L) big-block

4797-621: The 250 hp (190 kW) 3.5 L V6 , and the RT had the new 340 hp 5.7 L Hemi V8 . The SRT-8 has a 425 hp 6.1 L Hemi engine. All-wheel drive became an option in 2005 on SXT and RT models. The SRT8, AWD SXT, and the RT use a Mercedes-Benz -derived 5-speed automatic transmission , while all other models use a four-speed automatic. The Magnum was built at the Brampton Assembly Plant , near Toronto, Ontario , Canada, from 2004 to

4920-440: The 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8s were also available in various configurations. Phoenix convertibles were equipped with V8 engines. Beginning mid-year, some Darts ordered with the 225 engine were equipped with the die-cast aluminum block. Darts in all series were equipped as standard with three-speed, column-shifted manual transmissions . Chrysler's pushbutton-shifted TorqueFlite automatic

5043-431: The 4.125 in (104.8 mm) stroke of the 225 crank) and connecting rods (7.006 in (178.0 mm) long vs. the 6.67 in (169 mm) rods in the 225). Nevertheless, the 225 remained an upgrade option. The 2-barrel 273 cu in (4.5 L) small-block V8 was supplanted on the option list in 1968 by a 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2-barrel engine. The 318 was rated at 230 bhp (170 kW) versus

Dodge Magnum - Misplaced Pages Continue

5166-435: The 45 after a five race break but surrendered the car for two additional races later in the season. Early in the 2008 season , Petty Enterprises was purchased by Boston Ventures, causing Petty to step aside as the team's CEO. When the #45 car fell out of the top-35 in owner's points, he took a large portion of the season off, including races that did not conflict with his broadcasting duties. After fourteen races, his best finish

5289-487: The American market in 1961, down from sixth place in 1960. Sales of the compact Dodge Lancer were 74,773 units compared to its Plymouth twin, the Valiant, which sold 143,078 units for the same year. The 1961 model year saw Dodge's total production drop below the slow-selling 1959 model year and almost the disastrous recession year of 1958 when Dodge faced the consequences of the poor reputation of its 1957 models. For 1962,

5412-664: The Crossfire, and the Pacifica were not earning their keep". Production ended on March 28, 2008. The Dodge Magnum (along with the short-wheelbase Dodge Caravan) has been replaced by the Dodge Journey . Since the LX platform-based Magnum were considered as a wagon version of the Charger,it were popular for modification by changing the front fascia of the Magnum into the front fascia of the Charger,gaining

5535-469: The Dart 1968 model): Dart [1969–1981] (as a 2-door coupé from 1970 until 1981 or as a four-door sedan from 1969 until 1981), sporting but lower priced Dart SE, better equipped Dart DeLuxo (two or four doors), Gran Coupé (more luxurious yet than the Dart DeLuxo, with two doors only), Gran Sedan (above the Dart DeLuxo model, with four doors only), Charger R/T [1971–1980] (coupé bodywork only, from 1971 to 1980 it

5658-452: The Dart lineup, beginning with the elimination of its station wagons and the base model's "170" designation. The only body styles were the 2- and 4-door sedans, the hardtop, and the convertible. The base 170 model was now badged simply as "Dart". The 270 and GT versions carried on unchanged for the most part. In late 1967, the GTS model debuted but was built in limited quantities due to its lateness in

5781-643: The Dart station wagons used the same 122 in (3,099 mm) wheelbase as the upmarket Polara wagons. The Dart line was offered in three trim levels: the basic Seneca, mid-range Pioneer, and premium Phoenix. The new Dart came standard with a new engine, the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-six . The 318 cu in (5.2 L) (standard equipment on certain Phoenix and Pioneer body styles) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8s were optional with two-barrel or four-barrel carburetors , and with single or dual exhaust. The Dodge 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8

5904-439: The Dart to surpass compacts from Ford and GM. Changes for 1968 were relatively subtle. The park and turn lights in the grille were moved slightly inboard and made round. Side marker lights were added to the front fenders and rear quarter panels , to comply with newly introduced Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 . Shoulder harnesses (separate, this year and until 1973, from the lap belts) and non-glare matte finish on

6027-413: The Daytona 500 until a blown front tire caused him to wreck. However, the lack of factory development support of the small-block Chrysler 360 V8 as a race engine was becoming more of a problem, and in high speed racing traffic the Magnum did not handle well. Petty was particularly harsh in his criticism of the car - before the season he declared, "The Magnum is undriveable at 190 MPH." By the latter half of

6150-587: The Dodge Charger. The front fascia sported new aggressively squared off headlights and a smaller rectangular grille more reminiscent of the Charger. The Magnum SE, SXT, And RT models received two all new colors for the 2008 model year; Mineral Gray, and Light Sandstone. The SRT-8 variant gained a new hood scoop, more aggressive front fascia, a smaller, honeycomb mesh grille, and larger lower grille with brake cooling ducts. New colors such as TorRed and Steel Blue Metallic, originally introduced in 2007, were carried over to

6273-544: The Lancer's 106.5 in (2,705 mm). This longer wheelbase used the same A-body suspension of the Valiant and defunct Lancer, and would underpin all Darts from 1963 to 1976 except the 1963–1966 station wagons which used the Valiant's (106 in (2,692 mm) wheelbase) and the 1971–1976 Demon/Sport which used the Plymouth Duster 's 108 in (2,743 mm) wheelbase. The longer wheelbase gave more rear seat legroom than

SECTION 50

#1732858395623

6396-578: The Magnum was sold as the Chrysler 300 Touring . It was essentially the same as the U.S.-market Magnum, but with the Chrysler 300C's front end and interior, and right-hand-drive for Australia and the U.K. The 300C Touring added an available 3.0 L CRD Turbo Diesel version. The 300C Touring was assembled in Austria. For the 2008 model year, the Magnum received a facelift as well as an updated interior in line with that of

6519-590: The Mello Yello sponsorship at the end of the season. Coors Light became his new sponsor beginning in 1995, and Kyle won his final career Cup race in the Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Dover. He fell further down to 30th in points after only finishing in the top-ten five times and failing to qualify for the fall race at Bristol Motor Speedway . He improved to a 27th-place points finish the next season despite missing two races due to injury and failing to qualify for

6642-405: The No. 44 Hot Wheels Pontiac and qualified in 19 races in 2000, causing him to finish 41st in the points standings in the 2000 Winston Cup Series. In 2001 , Petty brought the No. 45 to Cup full-time and switched to Dodge . He failed to qualify for twelve races that season and failed to finish higher than sixteenth, causing him to finish 43rd in points. He qualified for every race in 2002 and had

6765-532: The No. 45 Dodge Charger for Petty Enterprises , where he formerly served as CEO; his last race was in 2008. Petty was born in Randleman, North Carolina . He made his major-league stock car debut at the age of 18. He won the first race he entered, the 1979 Daytona ARCA 200 , in one of his father's old 1978 Dodge Magnum race cars, at the time, Petty became the youngest driver to win a major-league stock car race. He made his Winston Cup Series debut, again driving

6888-475: The No. 45 Sprint PCS Chevrolet in 2000, finishing 31st at Martinsville. He also filled in at the Brickyard 400 for Penske Racing after their regular driver, Jeremy Mayfield , had to miss the race due to a concussion, Petty finished 32nd. Steve Grissom drove the No. 44 Hot Wheels Pontiac for the rest of the 2000 Winston Cup season and qualified 5 races in 2000. Kyle Petty had to drive the 45 Sprint PCS Chevrolet and

7011-544: The RT), rear differential, driveshaft, ESP & ABS systems, steering system, the CAN Bus electrical architecture, cabin electronics including several other electronic modules, switchgear such as the cruise control and turn signal combination stalk, seat controls, seat frames, and the wiring harness. Later models also feature a Mercedes-Benz-derived laser key ignition system in place of the traditional metal key. AWD models also benefited from

7134-464: The Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix trim levels and names were dropped – instead trim levels became Dart, Dart 330, Dart 440, and Polara 500, offered in downsized two- and four-door hardtop, and convertible styles, that stood out by their raised, protruding grilles, encompassing what look like inner headlights, similar to the inner headlights in the protruding grille of a 1969 Ford Mustang . The Dodge Polara 500

7257-530: The Swinger 2-door hardtop for 1969 available in Custom, GT, and GTS trim. Also added was the Swinger 340. The entire 1969 Dart range received trim updates including another minor revision of the grille and a return to rectangular park/turn lights. The 1968 round side marker lights were replaced with rectangular reflectors. Head restraints were optional equipment until January 1, 1969, when their installation became mandatory under federal law. The 6-cylinder models received

7380-457: The United States and Canada was an addition to Chrysler 's line up that allowed Richard Petty to continue racing with a Mopar . For the 1978 NASCAR season, the 1974 Charger that Chrysler teams had continued to use was no longer eligible for competition. Chrysler worked on several car designs to smooth out the current 1975 bodied Charger into something that would be reasonably aerodynamic for

7503-573: The big Chevrolets, but of the compact Chevy II Nova . This was a basic front-engine compact to compete more directly than the Corvair with the Ford Falcon , Rambler American , and Plymouth Valiant . Chevrolet's Impala and Ford's Galaxie both remained sized in accord with the prevailing norms of full-size cars. The redesigned Dart was perceived more as an intermediate, like the Rambler Classic or

SECTION 60

#1732858395623

7626-448: The big racetracks and the Magnum design was settled on in the summer of 1977 for use in the 1978 racing season. While not as aerodynamic as the 1974 Charger body, the shape of the Magnum showed promise, and the "Petty Enterprises" built test cars reached 190 mph (310 km/h) on test runs. At first it seemed that out on the tracks the cars ran well with Petty almost winning his Daytona 125 (finishing second), and leading over 30 laps of

7749-578: The car was advertised as a performance car. The Demon's Dart-type front fender wheel lips and Duster-type rear wheel fender lips reveal the car was essentially a Duster with Dart front sheet metal and other minor styling changes. A new audio option became available for 1971: Chrysler's cassette-recorder. Unlike the 8-track tapes, the cassette player was relatively compact, and it was mounted on the console or on its own floor-mount casing. This unit offered an available microphone in which one could record their own dictation. The Swinger 340, Dart's performance model,

7872-482: The central divider of the 1970 and 1971 items, new surface-mounted sidemarker lights rather than the previous flush-mount units, the instrument cluster was now shared with the Valiant and featured a large, rectangular speedometer and several, small, round gauges; the AM/FM-radio option returned. The Demon had new fender-mounted metal "Demon" badges without the small devil character on the 1971 decals. The "Demon" decal on

7995-462: The concave grille was highly unpopular with consumers. The low position and small size of the Dart's tail lights , just above the corners of the bumper, was also criticized and drivers of following cars complained that they could not see them. The wraparound taillights projected light sideward, not rearward. By mid-year, Dodge made auxiliary taillights available at extra cost through its dealer network. However, these large round lights were mounted near

8118-422: The dashboard. Other changes to comply with new federal safety laws included collapsible steering columns, additional padding on the dashboard and sun visors. Shoulder belt anchors were also provided for front outboard occupants. The 1967 redesign removed all traces of the older Virgil Exner styling that proved less popular by the early 1960s. The newer body was trimmer and proved extremely popular, causing sales of

8241-431: The division's highest total to date, and good for sixth place behind Chevrolet, Ford, Plymouth, Rambler, and Pontiac. Chrysler officials were somewhat less comforted at how 87% of Dodge's volume consisted of the low-profit Dart line, compared to the upmarket Matador and Polara, of which only 41,000 were sold for the 1960 model year. As the Dart's sales climbed, Plymouth's sales dropped. Chrysler executives did little to stop

8364-425: The doors and new emission control devices. New single-piston disc brakes replaced the more complex 4-piston units offered from 1965 to 1972. Chrysler's new electronic ignition system was standard equipment on all engines, and starter motors were revised for faster engine cranking. The K-frame was modified to accommodate a new spool-type engine mount that limited engine roll to 3°. The upper ball joints were upgraded to

8487-431: The end of A-body production in 1976 for North America and 1981 for South America. The restyled Dart for 1967 featured a rear window with compound inverse curves. This created a unique appearance at the rear of the greenhouse , but tended to collect snow and created thick C-pillars that looked formal but created blind spots for drivers. Curved side glass was used for the first time on a Chrysler compact. The front featured

8610-415: The end of model year 2008. The Dodge Magnum is based on the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler LX platform with Chrysler executives confirming that structural elements of the car's foundation such as the toe board, safety cage architecture, as well as the load-path philosophy being utilized by then-partner, Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes executives also confirmed that several individual components of the car are derived from

8733-460: The face lifted 2008 SRT-8 Magnums as well as other trim levels. These new changes brought the car closer to its Charger platform mate, away from the Chrysler 300 . On November 1, 2007, Chrysler announced that, as part of its restructuring plans, the Dodge Magnum would be one of four models discontinued after the 2008 model year. In Chrysler's words: "The Magnum, along with the PT Cruiser convertible,

8856-422: The federally mandated steering column and ignition lock. The "Swinger" name was applied to all the Dart two-door hardtops except in the high-line custom series. Other changes were made to the Dart line to avoid internal competition with Dodge's new Challenger : the Dart convertible was discontinued along with the optional 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8, leaving the 275 bhp (205 kW) 340 4-barrel V8 as

8979-453: The first Dodge models to bear the "Charger" name. The following year the larger B-body Dodge Charger was introduced, and the "Charger" name was thenceforth associated with Dart models only in the "Charger 225" marketing name for the optional larger 6-cylinder engine. Other new options for 1965 included upgraded suspension components and larger 14 in (356 mm) wheels and tires. Factory-installed air conditioning became available after

9102-831: The front of the Aspen and the rear of the Volaré), and sporty Valiant Super Bee , were dropped for this year. In 1979, Chrysler de México introduced the Chrysler LeBaron based on the M-body platform, and two years later it introduced the Dodge Diplomat as the Dodge Dart. These were very similar to the American Plymouth Gran Fury in appearance and trim, but had Chrysler's Rallye wheels instead of deluxe wheel covers. Chrysler de México used

9225-532: The glass on the interior door panel. To keep glass up, the strap latched to the inside of the door. The interior included only two bucket seats from a Dodge van. The center console , heater, sound deadeners, side-view mirrors, radio , carpeting , and even armrests were omitted to save weight. The engine was a race-spec 426 Hemi. These motors had a compression ratio of 10.25:1 pistons , bore x stroke 4 + 1 ⁄ 4  in ×  3 + 3 ⁄ 4  in (108.0 mm × 95.3 mm) fed through

9348-517: The highest points placement of all the new teams to run during the 1997 season. He only had two top-tens in 1998 , and fell back to 30th in points, causing him to return to Petty Enterprises and run his team from their shop, and became Petty Enterprises' new CEO. He began the 1999 season with two early DNQs, and finished 26th in points despite finishing in the top-ten nine times. Petty also made guest appearances on ESPN to provide commentary during Busch Series races. He had one top-ten early in 2000 ,

9471-490: The inboard side of the reverse fins and aggravated the already awkward styling. The 1961 automobile market was generally an off-year for automobile sales, and Dodge production went down to 269,367 units, of which 142,708 were Darts. Among all the Darts sold, almost half (66,100) were the Seneca line, down from 111,600 in 1960. Combined sales of Dart and Polara were lower than Plymouth's sales for 1961. Dodge ranked ninth in sales in

9594-420: The infighting between the divisions. Dart sales were so strong in 1960 that production of the medium-priced model lines were reduced. The full-size, mid-priced Matador was discontinued after the 1960 model year as buyers selected the slightly smaller but better-appointed and less expensive Dart Phoenix. The premium Polara remained in the medium-price segment in 1961. For the 1961 model year, the Dart continued as

9717-411: The larger B-body units. Along with these chassis changes, the wheel bolt pattern on Darts with disc brakes was enlarged from 4 in (101.6 mm) to the 4.5 in (114.3 mm) pattern common to the larger B- and C-body Chrysler-built passenger cars. Darts with 4-wheel drum brakes continued with the smaller bolt pattern. The standard rear axle was still the 7¼-inch unit, but the heavy-duty option

9840-520: The left-over Magnums in 1979, but wrecked them beyond reasonable repair by the 1980 Daytona 125. As of December 2012, only two NASCAR Magnums still existed; one (an ex-Petty car) resides in the Talladega NASCAR museum, and the other; ( Marty Robbins ' 1978 Magnum No. 42) has been restored and is owned by a private party in southern California. Production Figures: From 1969 until 1981 the Dodge Dart

9963-430: The model year; the 1968 GTS was, arguably, improved by fitting the new high-output 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 as standard equipment. The 1967 Dart, along with all other 1967 Chrysler products, got a new dual-circuit brake hydraulic system to ensure a loss of pressure in the front brakes would not prevent the rear brakes from working, and vice versa. The system also incorporated a brake system fault telltale on

10086-430: The name Zipp. This was promptly rejected in favor of Dart. With the cancellation of Chrysler's upper level DeSoto brand, upper-level Dodge products were pushed upmarket, while using Plymouth products with more features for lower-level Dodge products. The Dart sedans and coupes were based on the unibody Plymouth platform with a 118 in (2,997 mm) wheelbase, shorter than the standard-size Dodge line. However,

10209-412: The nearly pure unibody platform combined with the suspension's low unsprung weight and near-ideal geometry provided sound handling, braking, and acceleration; the latter especially with the mid-year 415 hp (309 kW) "Ramcharger" 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8 which was aimed primarily at sanctioned drag racing, where it quickly broke performance records. The Dart's new B-body chassis platform

10332-526: The nickname "Chargum".Also,the Magnum front fascia can be swapped with the front fascia of Dodge Challenger as well (built on the LC platform which we based on the LX platform) gaining the nickname "Challengum" as a mock-up of the wagon version of the Challenger. Rebadged models, mostly from Japanese or Korean manufacturers – Rebadged Chrysler/Plymouth models for external markets Dodge Dart The Dodge Dart

10455-567: The only year that he would win multiple races in a single season. Kyle came very close to winning the championship in 1992, he had a flat tire at Phoenix (2nd to last race) and broke an engine in the last race otherwise he would have been neck and neck with Elliott and Kulwicki for the title. He duplicated his points finish in 1993 as well as picking up a win in the Champion Spark Plug 500 at Pocono . He dropped ten spots in points in 1994 after he failed to finish higher than fourth, and lost

10578-614: The power from the turbo engine changed from 140 to 150 hp (112 kW). The K-car based Magnum was replaced by the Mexican Chrysler Shadow GTS for the 1989 model year. The Magnum name was revived in 2004 for the 2005 model year, as a station wagon based on the Chrysler LX platform . The Magnum had four engine options; the SE features the 190  hp 2.72 L LH V6 , the SXT had

10701-399: The previous Lancer or the contemporaneous Valiant. The Dart was available as a 2- or 4-door sedan , a 2-door hardtop coupe, a station wagon , and a convertible. Three trim levels were offered: the low-spec 170 , the high-spec 270 , and the premium GT , which was available only as a 2-door hardtop or convertible. The 1963 Dart has a turning diameter of 38.9 ft (11.9 m). The Dart

10824-567: The racing heritage of its predecessors, but it was not without its own achievements. Petty scored 7 top five finishes in his 17 races with the car, and Bonnett won three poles and scored 5 top five finishes with his. Petty recognized the Magnum with a commemorative decal, depicting his famous number 43 emblazoned on a Magnum for his 1992 Fan Appreciation Tour. Though Petty never won a race in a Magnum, his son, Kyle Petty drove one of his father's year-old Dodge Magnums in his first race (1979 Daytona ARCA 200), and won. Kyle raced in five NASCAR races using

10947-478: The rear of the car was replaced by Dodge and Dart emblems on the lower right edge of the deck lid. Some Demons with the side and rear panel tape stripes retained the tape devil character. A new, optional, single, hood scoop replaced 1971's dual scoops, and was coupled with a hood-paint blackout that had been standard on the 1971 high-trim/high-value Demon Sizzler model. Cars equipped with the optional rally wheels now came with newly restyled center caps, finished in

11070-501: The rear, the Dart's new rectangular tail lights were set into a wedge-shaped rear bumper design continuing the angled trailing edge of the new deck lid and quarter panels. The revised rear styling did not change the 14.1 cubic ft trunk space of the 1969 model. 14-inch wheels became standard equipment, and the 170 cu in (2.8 L) slant-6 was replaced by a larger 198 cu in (3.2 L) version for improved base-model performance and greater manufacturing economy—the 198 used

11193-449: The revised camshaft the bigger engine had received in 1965. For North American domestic-market vehicles, the base 170 engine was replaced for 1970 with a stronger new 198 cu in (3.2 L) version of the slant-6. This new base engine was also less costly to make, for unlike the previous 170 engine, the 198 used the same block as the 225. The smaller displacement was achieved with a new crankshaft (3.64 in (92 mm) stroke vs.

11316-622: The same block as the 225, while the 170 had used a different block. Changes to the fuel system improved drivability, economy, and emission control. Part-throttle downshift was added to the 8-cylinder automatic transmissions. In compliance with FMVSS 108 , side marker lights and reflectors were installed at all four corners. 1970 Darts for the US and Canadian markets were built in Canada at the Windsor, Ontario, or Los Angeles, California assembly plant. All 1970 Darts got

11439-522: The same year in which his son Adam died while practicing for a Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway . He missed the next two races and returned to drive the No. 44 for the rest of the summer, before moving to the Busch Series full-time to finish out the season in Adam's No. 45 Sprint Chevrolet. He had four top-tens in the car over a span of fourteen races, and attempted two Cup races with

11562-421: The season-ending race at Atlanta. He parted ways with SABCO at the end of the season. In 1996, the popular rock group Soundgarden recorded a song called "Kyle Petty, Son of Richard." Beginning with the 1997 season , Petty formed his own team, PE2 Motorsports, and fielded the No. 44 Hot Wheels Pontiac Grand Prix for himself. He had two top-five finishes and nine top-ten finishes, and finished 15th in points,

11685-498: The smallest full-size Dodge. It retained the 118 in (2,997 mm) wheelbase, and was restyled to emulate the larger Polara. The same three trim levels were available: the premium Phoenix, mid-range Pioneer, and base Seneca. Once again, wagons shared the Polara's 122 in (3,099 mm) wheelbase; they also shared the Polara's unique side-mounted taillights. Engine choices included the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-six, and

11808-416: The standard bench seat with all-vinyl bucket seats, with which a center console could be ordered. A performance hood upgrade with scoops was painted flat black with hood tie-down pins. Mechanical options included power-assisted brakes and steering. Rallye wheels and wire wheel covers were also optional, as was a 6000 rpm tachometer and a vinyl roof covering in black or white. For 1971, Chrysler introduced

11931-445: The standings. He followed that season up with six top-tens the following year, but fell three spots in points. Petty took his number and sponsorship to Wood Brothers Racing in 1985 , where he had a then career-high seven top-fives and his first top-ten points finish. The next season, he won his first career race in the infamous 1986 Miller High Life 400 at Richmond and finished tenth in the final standings. In 1987 , he switched to

12054-453: The start of the 1965 model year, as well as disc brakes , which required the 14 in (356 mm) wheels to clear the calipers. Front seat belts became standard. The 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 engine remained standard equipment, though its power rating rose from 101 bhp (75 kW) to 115 bhp (86 kW) for 1967, owing to the installation of the 225 engine's 1 barrel Carter BBD or Holley 1904 series carburetor and

12177-496: The top Dart engine. The performance model in the Dart line for 1970 was the Swinger 340 2-door hardtop. The 1970 Swinger 340 came with functional hood scoops with 340 emblems. Standard equipment included front disc brakes (only on the Swinger), heavy-duty "Rallye" suspension, a 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, fiberglass-belted bias-ply tires mounted to 14 × 5½ inch steel wheels, and a bumblebee stripe. Optional equipment included an upgrade over

12300-582: The use of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system, including transfer case components. The Magnum was on Car and Driver 's Ten Best list for 2005. A higher performance SRT-8 version debuted at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show . The SRT-8 was based on a concept car that was displayed at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. It went on sale in 2005 as a 2006 model. Like the 300C SRT-8, it featured the new 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine , which produces 425 hp (317 kW). 20-inch wheels, firmer suspension, bigger Brembo brakes, new lower-body treatment, and

12423-485: The vinyl roof of the US version and with high output 2.2 L engine (available turbocharger from 1984 on), heavy-duty suspension, sporty wheels, tires, dash, steering wheel, console, shifter and seats). In 1984, the Mexican Magnum 400 Turbo was the closest thing to an American Dodge Daytona Turbo south of the border. For 1985, the "400" suffix was dropped. For the 1987 season, the turbocharger received an intercooler and

12546-484: The window trim was flat black; with only the bumpers and the grille chromed. Both the front fascia and the front fenders wore "Magnum" lettering, with a 5.9 L decal on the fenders as well. The Mexican Dodge Magnum was offered only for the 1981–1982 model years. The K-car based Mexican Dodge Magnum was a sporty 2-door compact, based on the Dodge Aries coupe body (with blackout 1982–1985 Dodge 400 grille in 1983–1985 and

12669-500: Was a 24th at Richmond. He finished 39th in his final 2008 start in the fall race at Phoenix International Raceway after getting swept up into a multi-car crash. According to the Yahoo! sports blog "From The Marbles,” he was being slowly pushed out the door at Petty Enterprises. In December, Petty told NASCAR.com, "I don't work for Petty Enterprises. When they did their deal and sold to Boston Ventures....they pretty much let me know there wasn't

12792-676: Was added as a refinement to the TorqueFlite automatic transmission in 6-cylinder cars, to retain acceptable city performance with the taller rear axle ratio. A limited option for 1968 only, code L023, the Hurst-reworked Hemi Darts used the 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi engine. These special models (only 80 were made) were created strictly for drag racing , and included a non-warranty disclaimer. On February 20, 1968, corporate headquarters in Highland Park, Michigan , sent out

12915-428: Was added in 1961. Brakes were 11-inch drums. Sales of the new Dart were greater than those of the full-size Dodge Matador and Dodge Polara , which also created an in-house competitor for Plymouth. Advertising from 1960 and 1961 compared the Dart to the "C" car ( Chevrolet ), the "F" car ( Ford ) and the "P" car (Plymouth). After the economic downturn of 1958–59, Dodge production for 1960 rebounded to 367,804 cars,

13038-501: Was advertised as "Mexico's fastest car" in the TV commercials of the time, and it surely was in 1985, when the "Fox" (1979–84) 5.0 L Mexican Ford Mustang was dropped from the catalog of Ford Mexico. The Mexican front-wheel drive Magnum was officially called "Dodge Magnum 400" between 1983 and 1984, as it was a sporty Mexican variation of the American Dodge 400 of the early eighties (without

13161-469: Was an instant market success, with 1963 sales up sharply compared to those of the 1962 Lancer. The Dart remained extremely popular through the end of the Dart's production run in 1976 in comparison to the Ford Falcon and the Chevrolet Nova . Initial engine offerings were two sizes of the slant-six: a 170 cu in (2.8 L), 101 hp (75 kW) version was fitted as standard equipment, and

13284-523: Was available at extra cost. The alternator , introduced as standard equipment in 1960 on the Valiant , replaced the previous DC generator on all 1961 Chrysler products. Canadian-built 1961 Darts were identical to U.S. models on the outside, but the interior trim, controls, and displays were those used on the U.S. Plymouth. Virgil Exner 's 1961 styling with its reverse fins, rear fender scalloping (the taillights were widely referred to as "ingrown toenails"), and

13407-421: Was available during the 1979 model year along with HD suspension, special axle, special "GT" badging and a "turned metal" dash applique. Technology was advanced for the time with an onboard spark control computer from inception, electronic ignition, and a lockup torque converter. During the end of the 1979 model year, the mid-size B-body Dodge Magnum (along with its mid-size B-body based Chrysler Cordoba counterpart)

13530-434: Was dimensionally identical but not officially a Dart by dint of its different name, and it was not built nor sold in Canada. The Dart models were the same in Canada as in the U.S. except that the base model was badged Dart 220 . The Dart and Polara were downsized as part of Chrysler's hasty effort to compete with what company leaders thought would be downsized large cars from Chevrolet. However, they had overheard talk not of

13653-441: Was discontinued, as was with just the Magnum name itself, in favor of what would become a smaller, all newly designed, M-body platform based Mirada coupe (which also would be shared along with what would become its M-body platform based Chrysler Cordoba coupe counterpart as well) all during the next four model years (1980–1983). Only 3,704 1979 Dodge Magnum coupes included a T-Top. The mid-size B-body 1978–1979 Dodge Magnum coupe in

13776-605: Was introduced for 1978 to supplement the Dodge Charger . It was sold in two forms, the "XE" and the "GT" and was the last vehicle to use the long running Chrysler B platform . The appearance was somewhat of a rounded off Charger, and was in response to getting a car that would be eligible for NASCAR that would be more aerodynamic, something that the 1975–1978 Charger was not. Styling features included four rectangular headlights behind retractable clear covers, with narrow opera windows , and an optional T-bar or power sunroof. The Magnum

13899-429: Was nearly 3,900 lb (1,800 kg). During the start of the 1979 model year, the 400 V8 engine was dropped from the options list as Chrysler stopped producing big-block V8 engines in production cars during the end of 1978 model year. A performance model, the "GT" had been available with the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 during the previous model year (1978) and the "E58" police interceptor (360 V8-195 HP) engine

14022-418: Was now an 8¼-inch item rather than the previous 8¾-inch rear axle. Standard rear axle ratios were 2.76:1 with automatic transmission and 3.23:1 with manual, though other ratios were available. Vent wings were deleted from the Swinger but not from the 4-door sedans. A new "Quiet Car" package was available, consisting of extra sound insulation, premium exhaust hangers, and an exhaust resonator. The Demon fastback

14145-485: Was optional. The Dart and its sister model—the Plymouth Valiant—were substantially redesigned for the 1967 model year. In addition to new styling, the cars received revised steering systems, wider front track and frame rail spacing, and redesigned K-members capable of accepting larger engines. The Dart kept this basic form, with facelifts consisting of revised front and rear-end styling and interior trim, until

14268-699: Was produced in the old Simca Factory in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil. More than 92,000 cars were sold in this period. They were built with minor changes from the original model, starting in 1969, and were all largely based on the 1968 Dart GT (and GTS). For its last three years of production, a two-door upper trim level version of the Dart was sold as the Magnum , featuring the 318 cu in V8 engine used in all Dodge coupé and sedan models in Brazil. A unique fiberglass front fascia that included four headlights to give it

14391-495: Was quite long-lived; while 1962 was the only year for a B-body model named "Dart", the B platform remained in use with only very slight modification and a few new letter designations through to the 1981 R-body cars. For 1963, Dodge made a last-minute decision to drop the Lancer name in favor of Dart for Dodge's newly designed "senior compact", a marketing term referring to the wheelbase having grown to 111 in (2,819 mm) from

14514-419: Was renamed "Dart Sport" in response to poor sales. It was thought that the "Demon" name and devil-with-pitchfork logo negatively affected sales to people of faith. The high-performance model thus became Dart Sport 340, and 1973 saw styling changes to go along with the name change. The Dart Sport received the same new front end as the other Darts, and its taillights were changed to two lights per side, each with

14637-413: Was replaced by the Demon 340, 275 HP engine with an optional 4-speed manual transmission, optional hood scoops, and blackout hood treatment. In 1971, Chrysler ended their longstanding corporate practice of installing left-hand-threaded wheel studs on the left side of the vehicle; all-wheel studs on the Dart thenceforth used conventional right-hand threads. Changes for 1972 included a revised grille without

14760-426: Was signed to a record contract by RCA Records in 1986 and began work on an album with Don Light. His lone single from this period was "The Other Guy", which led to appearances on Hee Haw and opening for acts such as Randy Travis and The Oak Ridge Boys . Due to disagreements with his record company and management, Petty later abandoned the album project. Later, Petty recorded a track entitled "Oh King Richard",

14883-416: Was the last year for pushbutton control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission, so 1963 and 1964 models were the only compact Darts so equipped. Standard axle ratios in 1964 were 2.93:1 with automatic transmission and 225 engine, or 3.23:1 with manual transmission and 225 engine, or with 170 engine and either transmission. A 3.55:1 ratio was optional. New features included stronger door locks and

15006-672: Was the top model in the sport segment), LeBaron (replacing the 'Gran Sedan' with four-door sedan body, from 1979 to 1981) and Magnum (replacement for the Dart Gran Coupé, Brazil's top model in the luxury segment from 1979 to 1981). In 1980, the F-body cars were discontinued in Mexico, as well in the U.S., so the compact cars Dodge Dart (using the front of the Volaré and the rear of the Aspen), Valiant Volaré (using

15129-407: Was well-featured with power steering, brakes and seats; the suspension included Chrysler's standard adjustable, longitudinal torsion bars, lower trailing links, and front and rear anti-sway bars. The base engine was the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with Lean-Burn , while two and four-barrel carbureted 360 cu in (5.9 L) and 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8s were optional; weight

#622377