Dodge Ram 1500 Upgrade More than Just a Facelift

While the HEMI may be the stuff of dreams, reality doesn't always dictate it as the most practical (or affordable) option.

Darryl Jackson - Vice-President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group, addresses the media scrum during the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 launch. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Because of this Dodge also offers the Ram 1500 'light duty' with two other gasoline engines, a 235-horsepower Magnum 4.7-liter V8 with 300 lb-ft of torque, as well as an entry level 215-horsepower Magnum 3.7-liter V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and can be optioned with a five-speed automatic transmission, which has been upgraded for 2006 to receive a Dual-Mode towing option.

On trucks featuring 4WD, Dodge has revised the electronically controlled transfer case to adopt a disconnecting front axle, which decouples to improve fuel economy when 2WD mode is selected. Previously, this feature was only available on the 4x4 optimized Power Wagon.

With a 45 percent take rate and fame that's only outdone by a few Hollywood superstars, the HEMI V8 option for the Ram 1500 truly speaks for itself. The sheer number of cab variations, bed lengths, drivetrain options, and now luxury features makes Dodge's full-size entry the perfect truck for the discerning buyer who truly wants it all. The new Ram 1500, and other revised Ram models are expected in showrooms by autumn, just after pricing and additional specifications are to be announced.