Dodge Ram Mega Cab earns ''biggest'' cabin titles

Whether it's equipped with the SLT or the Laramie trim, Jackson says, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab should be instantly recognizable with its pronounced signature Ram crosshair grille and big-rig styling. The chrome crosshair grille and strong surround collar sit above Mega Cab's substantial bumper. The Dodge Ram Mega Cab's Laramie trim features a chrome front fascia appliqué, creating a ''rugged yet premium'' look.

Ram Mega Cab features a dual-lamp system, Jackson notes, but with quad headlamps. ''Lamps are precise in appearance and extend deep into the fender, giving the Dodge Ram Mega Cab's front end presence a truly distinctive look from both front and side views.''

Pride of place in the Ram Mega Cab goes to a wide center console that Jackson says reinforces its large, interior dimensions.

''The instrument panel features precise gauges and large, user-friendly buttons and knobs,'' says Jackson, along with ''generous storage bins and compartments, flexible-sized cup holders, and premium materials that create a functional and upscale atmosphere.

Available in Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 models, all 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cabs are built on the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty structure. The chassis, frame, axles, wheels and both engines ''provide maximum power and payload capability, consistent with all Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks.''

Since Jackson, Dodge and a lot of consumers believe that ''the prerequisites for a full-size pickup truck are maximum power, maximum torque and maximum towing capability,'' the company went to some lengths to make sure that the Ram Mega Cab delivers on all three. ''The Dodge Ram Mega Cab consists of a proven frame and chassis design packaged with engines truck enthusiasts clamor for: Cummins and Hemi.''

That would of course be the 5.9-liter High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, available on the 2500 and standard on the 3500 model, and the 5.7-litre Hemi V-8.

The diesel delivers 325 hp at 2,900 rpm and a stump-pulling 610 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, with either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The V-8 is standard on the Dodge Ram Mega Cab 1500 and 2500 models and creates 345 hp at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, and is available with a five-speed automatic.

Along with class-leading power, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab retains Dodge Ram's heavy-duty towing and payload capability with a maximum towing capacity of 15,800 lbs., a payload of 2,840 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVRW) ratings of 23,000 lbs. and 9,900 lbs., respectively.
photo:DaimlerChrysler