2009 DODGE RAM GETS BUFFED

By Casey Williams -
www.car-data.com

When Dodge launched the radical 1994 Ram, it knew there wasn’t much to lose.

While Rams were well known for their Cummins diesel engines and an ability to work hard, theirstyling was positively antique. GM and Ford re-designed their full-size trucks several timesduring the Ram’s lifespan.

Then came the Peterbilt face, flush glass, wrapped headlamps, and flared fenders withoutforgetting how to work for a living. Fifteen years later, Ram makes major advancements on aproven formula. “We built a range of concept trucks that we took to clinics, including one thatwas intentionally not ‘Ram-like’,” said Mark Allen, Chief Designer. “We heard loud and clear thatpeople wanted the look we own with Dodge Ram – bold, powerful and capable. We knew we had tobuild on that theme.”

Without a doubt, you’ll recognize the Ram instantly with its big rig snout, lowered frontfenders, and tough Dodge styling. Not surprising, much attention was given to aerodynamics andwind noise. Hood corners are pushed downward, the hood dome is shaped to flow air over windshieldwipers, mirrors are streamlined, wheel openings are minimized, and the sill surface was sculptedoutward to better match the tire plane.

Even the A-pillar was formed to direct air and water over the vehicle, window moldings werereduced to make glass more flush with the bodysides, and the front air dam was shaped to work as abelly pan. It is safe to say that no pickup in history has been so carefully designed to reduceaero drag, lower noise, and most importantly, increase gas mileage.

Inside the sleek cab is more Chrysler 300C than Dodge Ram with a gated gear selector placed inthe center console with two Super Gulp drink holders, a concealed storage bin that rivals a PODSunit, and space for cell phones and other small objects. True to tradition, a laptop can becompletely concealed. A three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, twin analog gauges, silverfinishes on the console, and elegant use of woodgrain raise the level of style and convenience.Twin glove boxes, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, express up/downwindows, in-dash navigation, side curtain airbags, rearview camera, and Sirius Backseat satelliteTV take it up another leap. If Mercedes built a truck, this would be it.

Unique in the segment is Dodge’s innovative “RamBox”. To conveniently store sports equipment,tools, fishing poles, or even beverages, two storage compartments were carved into the bedsides andare accessible from the outside by opening locked doors. The self-draining and lit compartmentshold up to ten cases of soda (240 12-oz cans). An adjustable bed divider, bed extender, and cargorail system with sliding cleats add versatility.

As stylists smoothed the exterior, chassis and powertrain engineers buffed and pumped the bigtruck’s muscles. Among engine choices of a 3.7-litre V6 or 4.7-litre V8 is a new 5.7-litre HEMI V8that generates 380 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque to pull almost anything. MDS(variable

displacement) technology allows the engine to run on four cylinders during low power situationsto save fuel while variable valve timing improves engine breathing, efficiency, and power. Dodgeclaims a 4% increase in fuel economy – rated 15/20-MPG city/hwy for the V6, 13/19-MPG for the 4.7-litre V8, and 13/19-MPG for the big 5.7-litre V8.

Just because a truck can tow big loads doesn’t mean it shouldn’t behave like a luxury car.Engineers stoked its undersides with a multi-link coil-spring rear suspension that dispenses leafsprings for a refined and “settled”

ride that promises to be the best of any full-size pickup. Trailer sway control, electronicstability control, brake force distribution, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are all availableto keep the big boy from throwing a fit on slick surfaces or when loaded to the max.

There is so much new about the 2009 Dodge Ram that I couldn’t possibly cover anything. Gasprices are sure to take a toll on Ram sales, but that will not be a reflection of the all-outeffort that went into engineering and styling a new generation of pickups. The fact that Dodgecould create an all-new truck with so much technology while keeping its face a familiar sight isall the more impressive. Expect similar prices to the current model when the truck goes on salethis fall. Competitors include the updated 2009 Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, NissanTitan, and Toyota Tundra.