2009 Dodge Ram. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Dodge Ram
Detroit, Michigan - Dodge pulled the wraps off a bolder 2009 Ram 1500 pickup with aggressive "get-out-of-the-way" styling, a new interior design, a newly available crew cab bodystyle, a revised 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with more power and torque but better fuel economy; a new coil-spring, multilink rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle; and standard four-wheel ABS and electronic stability control.
As well, Dodge announced a new light-duty Cummins clean diesel engine will arrive after 2009 and a new two-mode hybrid powertrain will be available in the Ram 1500 in the 2010 model year.
The 2009 Ram's bolder exterior design features a redesigned aluminum hood with a large power bulge and a forward-canted grille that imparts "a head down, ready to charge attitude," according to a company news release. Its new chromed dual exhaust tips are a first in a light-duty pickup, says the company, and you'll have no trouble identifying the Ram with its new three-dimensional badges - the sculpted Ram's-head badge on the tailgate is 250 percent larger than the previous badge.
"It was in 1994 that Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram in the light-duty pickup market, with its "big rig" styling and iconic crosshair grille. Our design was polarizing - people loved it or hated it," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep/Truck Design Studio, Chrysler LLC. "But the people who loved it, bought it. They still do, because Dodge Ram continues to stand out from the herd of 'me-too' trucks."
The 2009 Dodge Ram will be offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and new crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels will be available: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.
In addition to the next-generation 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 380 horsepower (up from 345) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (up from 375 lb.-ft.), the 2009 Dodge Ram will offer a 4.7-litre V8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.7-litre V6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.
The Ram's improved frame design incorporates high-strength steel that supports a new multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).
Inside the Ram is new six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, and 'soft-touch' premium seats with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery. An automatic-transmission floor shifter in the centre console is available for the first time in the Dodge Ram. New entertainment options include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and crew cab. Also available will be first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV and surround-sound audio.
The 2009 Ram features more storage spaces including drainable storage bins built into the bed rails - each box is 4.3 cubic feet, and can hold five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages; and a pair of "store in the floor" storage bins with removable liners inside the cab that are large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice. A new "RamBox" system includes a bed divider/two-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. And the 2009 Dodge Ram's tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is expected to arrive at dealers this fall.
