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What is it? Following the 2007 redesigns of the Chevrolet
Silverado/GMC Sierra and the Toyota Tundra, Dodge, like Ford, is
redesigning its full-size pickup truck for 2009.
The new Ram has a few interesting and innovative features as well as more
power, more towing capacity, a higher payload, and a bigger interior than
the previous generation. The truck features a fully-boxed frame in order to
keep up with the bragging rights of Ford. The top payload capacity is 1,850
pounds, found on the 3.7-liter V6 4x2 model with the automatic transmission.
The towing weight king is the 5.7-liter V8 4x2 model with the short box. It
has an estimated towing capacity of 9,100 pounds.
Engines include a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6; a 310-hp, 4.7-liter V8; and a
380-hp, 5.7-liter V8 (the Hemi, for the branding fans).The V6 gets a
standard six-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic. Both V8s get a
standard 5-speed automatic. Dodge claims the 3.7-liter will get 20 mpg on
the highway.
Dodge says the interior is nicer, with soft-touch materials and better
creature comforts. Standard safety gear includes electronic stability
control, 4-wheel ABS, and side curtain airbags.
What is new or notable? The bed features an available in-fender
storage system that can hold 8.6 cubic feet of gear, sodas, tools, or other
stuff. Inside the cab are two available in-floor lock boxes for additional
storage. And Dodge has a crew-cab model available for the first
time.
CR's take: The Ram appears to be more of a redesign than the F-150 that debuted immediately before the Dodge. We appreciated the ride and handling updates in our last Ram. The move to coil springs in the rear is an overdue development in pickups and is bound to be seen in other trucks in the future. A diesel will be available for the first time in the light-duty Ram 1500; it will be smaller than the very impressive Cummins in the current Ram 2500.
When will it be available? The Ram goes on sale this fall as a 2009
model. A light-duty Cummins turbodiesel arrives in 2009, and a Hemi Hybrid
will go on sale after that.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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