Of course, both are left as mere afterthoughts when turning over the top-line HEMI V8 that has just recently become available in 1500 trim. With 345-hp arriving at 5,400 rpm and a gut wrenching 375 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, it hardly hesitates off the line. Even fully dressed in Laramie Quad Cab 4WD long-wheelbase mode, like my test vehicle, the HEMI had surprising jump. At full throttle the tailpipe's rumble turns to a roar spiking the adrenaline meter, while the truck's new 5-speed automatic transmission makes it possible to accelerate the big beast beyond a safe braking distance quicker than expected.
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| Recently available in 1500 trim, the top-line HEMI V8 engine puts out 345-hp and a gut wrenching 375 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Fortunately the brakes are fairly good, with the largest discs in the class at all four corners and standard rear ABS. My test vehicle had ABS all-round, a good idea when playing with more than 2½ tons of vehicle. The chassis can handle abuse too, with a torsion bar independent front suspension system and rear leaf setup that has been designed to reduce hopping, common in pickup trucks due to the rear half being lighter than the front. The Ram actually lives up to the sales pitch, feeling pretty smooth over bumpy surfaces and tracking well on the highway.
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| With 9.5-inches of ground clearance and 8.5-inches of suspension travel, combined with the rigidity of a fully hydroformed frame, Ram 4x4s have go-anywhere capability. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The truck's rack-and-pinion steering system, standard on 2WD and 4WD Rams, has a lot to do with that. It's not only lighter and more durable than older recirculating ball types but feels more direct during turn-in. This helps on and off the road, the latter of which is the perfect arena to show off the pickup's virtues.
With 9.5-inches of ground clearance and 8.5-inches of suspension travel, combined with the rigidity of a fully hydroformed frame, Ram 4x4s have go-anywhere capability. My tester came with the optional "Off-Road" package that sports a 3.92 rear axle, limited slip differential, skid plates for the transfer case and front axles, heavy duty shocks and 17-inch aluminum wheels, that ironically are not as functional off-road as standard 17-inch steel wheels due to the potential of chewing up the rims with rocks. But whatever, they look really nice. Just like stock the tires remain P245/70R17s all-round, a good on and off-road compromise.