2009 Dodge Ram

By MALCOLM GUNN

wheelbase communications

It was a wild spectacle like no other in downtown Detroit, Mich., of all places.

Among a specially imported herd of 120 long horn cattle was a trio of 2009 Dodge Ram pickups, which created their own stampede of photographers directly outside Cobo Hall in January, the scene of the 2008 North American InternationalAuto Show.

It was a raucous introduction for the all-new Ram, which parent Chrysler hopes will also steal sales and market share from General Motors, Ford and Toyota.

First impressions count for plenty in the fiercely competitive light-duty truck category, where brand loyalty runs chasm deep and getting it right the first time is crucial.

Compared to its 2008 counterpart, the ’09 Ram, which is slated to appear this fall, has undergone a character adjustment. The former blunt nosed, big-rig grille motif, first introduced back in the mid-1990s, has been considerably toned down.Dodge calls the look “grille forward,” meaning the snout is now angled so that its leading edge is about even with the bumper. As a result, the Ram now appears more aerodynamic and less stubby, while still conveying a sense of strength that’s further enhanced by a more prominent cowl bulge.

All three Ram body styles — regular cab, four-door Quad Cab and elongated four-door Ram Crew (which replaces the Mega Cab) — are perched atop a revised chassis that now uses rear coils in place of traditional leaf springs. The idea is to provide a better ride and road manners, while reducing weight (by about 40 pounds when compared to a leaf-spring setup).

Regular- cab models are available with 6' 4" or eight-foot-long pickup beds, while Quad Cabs are attached to the shorter box only. Selecting the Ram Crew gets you a 5' 7" bed. Payload capacity tops out at 1,850 pounds, while maximum towing capacity is an estimated 9,100 pounds.

The Ram’s interior has also come in for some updating with an all-new dashboard and available extra-wide floor console that can be configured to secure all sorts of bulky gear. Heated and ventilated front seats can be ordered, not to mention a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. Remember, this is a pickup truck we’re talking about.

As well, Ram Crew trucks feature two in-floor storage bins with removable liners that can store up to a dozen beverage cans each. There are also lockable storage compartments built into the rear fenders that can each hold up to 120 12-ounce cans.

Engine choices remain similar to that of previous models with a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 offered as standard on rearwheel-drive regular and Quad Cabs, while all four-wheel-drive and Ram Crew trucks run with a 310-horse 4.7-liter V8. The optional 5.7-liter “Hemi” engine,however, comes in for some tuning and now generates a lively 380 horsepower and 404 poundfeet of torque, instead of the 345 hp and 375 pound-feet produced by the ’08 version. Dodge claims the gutsier Hemi will propel the 4x2 Ram to 60 mph in slightly more than six seconds. Hopefully, this engine will be made available in Chrysler’s passenger- car line.

A five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic can be connected to the V6, while V8-equipped trucks come with a five-speed automatic.

When it comes to four-wheeldrive,buyers can choose between a part-time system and an ondemand setup that automatically engages when road conditions warrant.

Ram model designations include base ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie, with base content varying widely between each model. But what shouldn’t change is the Dodge’s ability to work and play with enough gusto to keep up with the competition.

And, as the Ram demonstrated in Detroit, that’s no bull.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 2009 Dodge Ram

■ Type: Two/four-door, rear/four-wheel-drive full-size light-duty pickup truck

■ Engines: 3.7-liter SOHC

V6 (210 hp); 4.7-liter SOHC

V8 (310 hp); 5.7-liter OHV

V8 (380

■ Transmissions: Six-speed manual (std. V6); fourspeed automatic; five-speed automatic

■ Market position: With a new look and much stronger optional “Hemi” V8, look for Dodge to skim sales from both Ford and General Motors.

■ Points: Style less aggressive than that of previous Rams. More powerful Hemi V8 now rivals class-leading Toyota Tundra in output. Both diesel and gas/electric hybrid options arriving for 2010 model year. Clever interior/exterior storage areas on Ram Crew add to usefulness. Ram now the only full-size pickup to offer manual transmission (4x2 V6 models only).

■ Safety: Front airbags;

side-curtain airbags; antilock

brakes; traction control;stability control.

■ The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 15/20 (V6 MT) Base price: $21,000 (est.)

BY COMPARISON

GMC Sierra

■ Base price: $18,100

Impressive engine lineup, comfy cabs, great ride,handling.

Toyota Tundra

■ Base price: $23,000

With strong V8 option, a threat to Detroit’s pickup supremacy.

Ford F-150

■ Base price: $18,300

Upcoming all-new ’09 pickup is extra roomy and powerful.