So how does it work? Essentially MDS deactivates the valve lifters in four of theV8's cylinders (1, 7, 4 and 6), resulting in four closed valves and zero combustion in half the cylinders. Fortunately the "dead" cylinders don't drag energy from the working four, due to air being pumped through those cylinders temporarily out of action. In the end the HEMI has the ability to mosey along with near 4-cylinder efficiency when enjoying a Sunday drive, but immediately when called upon produces stunning performance.

The Magnum also features a wonderfully smooth 5-speed transmission with AutoStick manual mode, thanks to Mercedes-Benz. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The car might even be faster if Chrysler hadn't chosen to offer such a wonderfully smooth transmission, a Mercedes-Benz derived 5-speed that puts the Magnum in a class of very few V8 powered cars, and a class of one in the $30-something price range. It's perfectly mated to the HEMI, producing close to seamless shift intervals up and down the gearbox. Yes, I would have liked a "sport" button to remap the electronic throttle control for quicker shifts, even at the expense of smoothness, something that can be turned on and off at will. But factoring in the price of entry I can hardly complain. After all, the transmission includes the brand's acclaimed AutoStick sequential manual mode, delivering hands-on control of shifting duties. Again, this particular version is part of the Mercedes derived transmission - high-level premium sophistication and reliability at budget prices. That's an argument I find hard to pass up.

Thanks in part to the Mercedes E-Class sourced architecture, there is no better handling V8 powered domestic car on the market. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The transmission, although originally engineered in Germany, has been modified for use with the new engine and is now manufactured in Chrysler Group's Indiana production facility, along with the car's top-level suspension system. Again the Magnum's setup is as good as anything in the premium market. It features Mercedes E-Class sourced architecture redesigned to fit the larger, more powerful Dodge. There is no better handling V8 powered domestic car on the market, and few that offer a better ride, handling compromise at any price. It's smooth, never punishing its occupants no matter how quickly it's hustling down the highway. Curves are hardly a problem, but instead a welcome sight.