Santa Barbara, California - The evolution of the utilitarian pickup truck has just leaped forward a millennium thanks to the boys at Dodge. The Ram pickup is completely
new for 2009 , and as the President of Chrysler Canada, Reid Bigland said, "it doesn't just raise the bar, it bends it in half and ties it in a knot."
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| The Ram has definitely intensified the battle for 'King of the Pickups.' |
Segment-leading coefficient of drag The newly-designed
Ram body not only looks aggressive, it pierces the wind better than any other crew cab pickup shod in 20-inch rubber, thanks to a best-in-class co-efficient of drag of .419.The body also seals out wind noise by integrating the bumpers. A reduction in panel gapping and the addition of triple-sealed doors further contribute to the big truck's hushed environment.
More power and better economy The two main engines for the new Ram are V8s, although a V6 remains available. The two eights have both been reengineered to provide greater output with less input. The bad boy of the pair is a 5.7-litre Hemi producing 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque.And best of all, the 13% increase in horsepower and 9% boost in torque has been accomplished while returning a 4% increase in
fuel economy . Variable valve timing (VVT) and an expanded Multi-Displacement System (MDS) are at the root of the improvements. At 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, the lighter-weight V8 is no slouch. This 4.7-litre unit also benefits from greater oomph, and with a 5% increase in fuel efficiency, less consumption.
Five Ram-ifications The basic Ram continues to be the ST. This is the unadorned workhorse of the line. Most
buyers will move up over the ST, and those seeking a limousine with a cargo box will select the pyramid-topping Laramie edition.Three cab configurations allow plenty of flexibility in matching the vehicle to each owner's needs. Two four-door cabins are available. The smaller of which is the Quad Cab. It supplies a three-person rear seat but without the extra real estate attributed to the Crew Cab.
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| The two main engines for the new Ram are V8s, although a V6 remains available. |