A new instrument panel cluster sits under a redesigned cluster brow and is meant to reduce glare, while a wider center stack contains a new audio system and new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls.
Accavitti refers people who want to spend a little more for more amenities to such things as a new GPS Navigation stereo, new rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab only), an Infinity sound system, UConnect hands-free communication system, a SIRIUS Satellite Radio (which may be a little delayed past the start of the model year), sunroof, adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a new power-sliding rear window.
As for the exterior look that helped Dodge re-invent the Ram about a decade ago, Accavitti says the new shape takes the "big rig" look and "expresses it in greater magnitude." This means that a chrome crosshair grille with surround collar and new headlamps are supposed to strengthen the trademark front end.
One change involves the Ram's head, which moves from the top of the grille to the center of the crosshair, while larger modules provide 22 percent more light intensity and 40 percent improved beam spectrum from the headlights.
While about half of the 2006 Ram's buyers are expected to go for the HEMI with MDS and its 345 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, the rest will go for a pair of smaller powerplants.
The 3.7-litre Magnum V-6 is standard on the two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab and the two-wheel-drive Quad Cab with the standard bed configuration, delivering 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
The middle engine is the Magnum 4.7-litre V-8, good for 235 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Both smaller engines come with a Getrag six-speed manual shifter, and the 4.7-litre can be ordered with a five-speed automatic.
As for model choice, Accavitti says the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is available in Regular Cab and Quad Cab body styles, in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with six-foot or eight-foot beds, in ST, Sport, SLT and Laramie trims. A Mega Cab body style will also be available this fall.
Dodge Ram Quad Cab features four standard doors, available 60/40 folding rear seats, and a folding load floor that "ensures both passengers and gear fit in the back simultaneously and comfortably. "
By allowing seats to fold up, Accavitti says, tools and other items may be securely locked away.
The Dodge Ram Regular Cab offers just as much flexibility, he says, with storage behind rear seats and enough seat travel for ease in reclining of driver and passenger seats.
"Both the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Regular Cab feature numerous front-seat storage areas and convenience features," Accavitti says. The 40/20/40 front seat provides comfortable seating for three or ample center storage for one or two occupants. The center console offers room for a laptop computer and features fold-down storage dividers. The center "20" portion of the seat offers additional "hidden" storage under the cushion.
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 also offers a new standard electronic-shift transfer case, says Accavitti, "with the more fuel-efficient disconnecting front axle." The new on-demand four-wheel-drive system includes two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive "high" and "low" modes, plus a new four-wheel-drive "auto" mode that provides torque to the front axle only when required.
The new Ram also offers a Tow/Haul feature that "provides crisp shifts and reduces gear searching, and an Overdrive Off mode that delivers maximum trailer towing performance." These systems will also select a lower gear in downhill conditions in order to utilize the engine's braking capability, Accavitti explains.
Prices for the 2006 Dodge Ram will be announced closer to its on sale date.
photo:DaimlerChrysler
Accavitti refers people who want to spend a little more for more amenities to such things as a new GPS Navigation stereo, new rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab only), an Infinity sound system, UConnect hands-free communication system, a SIRIUS Satellite Radio (which may be a little delayed past the start of the model year), sunroof, adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a new power-sliding rear window.
As for the exterior look that helped Dodge re-invent the Ram about a decade ago, Accavitti says the new shape takes the "big rig" look and "expresses it in greater magnitude." This means that a chrome crosshair grille with surround collar and new headlamps are supposed to strengthen the trademark front end.
One change involves the Ram's head, which moves from the top of the grille to the center of the crosshair, while larger modules provide 22 percent more light intensity and 40 percent improved beam spectrum from the headlights.
While about half of the 2006 Ram's buyers are expected to go for the HEMI with MDS and its 345 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, the rest will go for a pair of smaller powerplants.
The 3.7-litre Magnum V-6 is standard on the two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab and the two-wheel-drive Quad Cab with the standard bed configuration, delivering 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
The middle engine is the Magnum 4.7-litre V-8, good for 235 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Both smaller engines come with a Getrag six-speed manual shifter, and the 4.7-litre can be ordered with a five-speed automatic.
As for model choice, Accavitti says the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is available in Regular Cab and Quad Cab body styles, in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with six-foot or eight-foot beds, in ST, Sport, SLT and Laramie trims. A Mega Cab body style will also be available this fall.
Dodge Ram Quad Cab features four standard doors, available 60/40 folding rear seats, and a folding load floor that "ensures both passengers and gear fit in the back simultaneously and comfortably. "
By allowing seats to fold up, Accavitti says, tools and other items may be securely locked away.
The Dodge Ram Regular Cab offers just as much flexibility, he says, with storage behind rear seats and enough seat travel for ease in reclining of driver and passenger seats.
"Both the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Regular Cab feature numerous front-seat storage areas and convenience features," Accavitti says. The 40/20/40 front seat provides comfortable seating for three or ample center storage for one or two occupants. The center console offers room for a laptop computer and features fold-down storage dividers. The center "20" portion of the seat offers additional "hidden" storage under the cushion.
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 also offers a new standard electronic-shift transfer case, says Accavitti, "with the more fuel-efficient disconnecting front axle." The new on-demand four-wheel-drive system includes two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive "high" and "low" modes, plus a new four-wheel-drive "auto" mode that provides torque to the front axle only when required.
The new Ram also offers a Tow/Haul feature that "provides crisp shifts and reduces gear searching, and an Overdrive Off mode that delivers maximum trailer towing performance." These systems will also select a lower gear in downhill conditions in order to utilize the engine's braking capability, Accavitti explains.
Prices for the 2006 Dodge Ram will be announced closer to its on sale date.
photo:DaimlerChrysler
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