NAIAS 08: 2009 Dodge Ram

[hidden_bull]

NAIAS 08: 2009 Dodge Ram
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All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Breaks From the Herd — Literally

• First-in-segment coil-spring, multilink rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle provides ride and handling capabilities unexpected in a pickup truck
• All-new, bold, powerful, “get-out-of-the-way” Dodge Ram design
  • New, aggressive “grille-forward” design
  • First-in-segment chrome-tipped dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper
  • Best-in-class aerodynamics – an estimated .419 Cd
• Dodge Ram’s first-ever crew-size cab, giving Dodge an entry into the largest and fastest-growing part of the market. Crew-size cab accounts for nearly 50 percent of market
• New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 provides more horsepower (380 hp) and torque (404 lb.-ft.), with increased fuel economy (an estimated 4 percent)
  • Shockingly fast performance: 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds
• New interiors with premium seating, soft-touch materials, redesigned controls, floor console with shifter, and nearly double the storage options
• More than 35 new or improved features
• Industry-first RamBox cargo management system (crew-size cab) includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into bed rails (a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space); pickup bed divider/2-foot bed extender; and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats
  • RamBox bins hold up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages, or other gear for work or leisure
• First-in-segment “store in the floor” storage bins with removable liners, big enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice
• First-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats also available
  • Heated steering wheel a first for any Chrysler LLCvehicle
• First-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™
• First-in-segment surround-sound audio system
• More than 30 safety features, including standard four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
• All-new 2009 Dodge Ram to arrive this fall
• Light-duty diesel to arrive after 2009; two-mode hybrid powertrain to be offered in 2010 model year

Detroit, Jan 13, 2008 - Emerging from a herd of 120 long horn cattle driven by 10 cowboys on horseback down Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit today, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. "Since the dawn of the 'big rig' look, Dodge Ram has always been a game-changer," said Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. "And this is our all-new game-changer -- the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, which is packed with full-size pickup firsts and best-in-class features."
In 1994, Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram in the light-duty pickup market, with its “big rig” styling and iconic crosshair grille.
“We put a truck on the market that tripled our market share,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck Design Studio, Chrysler LLC. “Our design was polarizing — people loved it or hated it. But the people who loved it, bought it. They still do, because Dodge Ram continues to stand out from the herd of ‘me-too’ trucks.”
For the redesign of its all-new, next-generation Ram, Dodge pulled out all the stops.
“Our mandate was to make a quantum leap and add even more voltage to Ram,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice President – Body-on-Frame Product Team. “Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is a game-changer in terms of capability, convenience, craftsmanship and safety.”
Capability
In addition to the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI which produces 380 hp (283 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque; four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.
Equipped with the new HEMI, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab® and crew-size cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (Ram crew 1500). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.
An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to an estimated 1,850 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).
Convenience
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to 4.3 cubic feet of whatever — such as five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages.
The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. The 2009 Dodge Ram’s tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.
Another new segment-first innovation for the 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 is a pair of “store in the floor” bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage — large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice.
There are many other convenient storage locations throughout the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram including a large upper glove box, map pockets in door panels and a configurable center console. All in all, there are nearly twice as many storage locations (38) in the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram than were in the previous model.
Technically sophisticated, yet simple-to-navigate electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and crew cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and segment-first surround-sound audio.
Other premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, first-for-Dodge heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control — a first for Dodge Ram.
Craftsmanship
In addition to the exterior, the all-new interior of the 2009 Dodge Ram stands out with a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship expressed in premium interior appointments including six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery. An automatic-transmission floor shifter, incorporated into a configurable center console, is available for the first time in a Dodge Ram. All 2009 Dodge Ram interiors are significantly upgraded with “soft-touch” materials that feature industry-first two-tone technology and premium fit and finish. Full-width contrasting stitching is offered on soft-touch instrument panels for Sport and Laramie models.
On the exterior, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram features a redesigned aluminum hood with a large power bulge and a forward-canted grille, imparting a “head down, ready to charge” attitude, while front and rear bumpers wrap around each body side. The rear bumper on HEMI-equipped models is radiused over chromed dual exhaust tips – a first in light-duty pickups. Attractive 20-inch wheels are available in three styles. Sills are pulled down to cover frame rails for a premium appearance. Badges are three-dimensional, rather than decals, and are designed to stand out. The sculpted Ram’s-head badge on the tailgate is 250 percent larger than the previous badge.
Safety
On the safety and security front, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers more than 30 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat-belt pre-tensioners, Anti-lock Brake System, BeltAlert® System, and Electronic Stability Control; and available
adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist and ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera.
Manufacturing
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram will be built in two locations: Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the Warren (Mich.) Assembly Plant, and regular cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the St. Louis North Assembly Plan in Fenton, Mo.




High-Resolution Ram Images

[91 s-10baja]

WOW that interior is...............WOW! Their commitment to interiors is on the way if this is any indication!

[nsap]

Wow...can you say total F-150 knock-off on that interior?!?!? The center stack is a splitting-image of the F-150's!

[giagastormer]

Wow, I'm blown away. Super nice truck, I'm loving the dual exhaust.

[giagastormer]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

WOW that interior is...............WOW! Their commitment to interiors is on the way if this is any indication!

Agreed. The design is most definately there, lets just hope Chrysler didn't skimp on the quality.

[Buick61]

BEAUTIFUL

BEST PART:




Totally unexpected.

380hp, coil rear....this truck is off the chain.

[rhvfd10]

I'm not gunna lie... that's pretty impressive. I suppose that's the last gasp of the creations of DCX. Too bad it's future is in doubt.

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

I'm not gunna lie... that's pretty impressive. I suppose that's the last gasp of the creations of DCX. Too bad it's future is in doubt.

Me too, exceeded is the word I am thinking. I would buy this hands down over a GM truck. God bless them. Like many have said in the past, the best work comes in dire straights. It happened w/ GM and it appears to be occurring w/ Chrysler too. Again, god bless them.

[86fleet]

Chrysler once again proves that when it really needs to, it can make cool innovative vehicles. Hopefully they've gotten the quality right this time around...

[Quickening]

Exhaust, nice touch. The side storage stuff is nice. Interior while nice, I feel like I'm looking at a slightly tweaked F-150 interior. Also almost Lincoln-esque door panels with the slabs of wood. Its nice but it doesn't take much thought to see where their inspiration came from.

[pete4280]

I don't care for the new front end. Seems to have lost its aggressive/handsome look. Interior is pretty impressive. The dual exhaust is pretty cool looking.

[Koasterking]

I like it. It's not as bad as I thought it would be.

Still, nice to see the Silverado and Sierra have two different interior choices.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Very nice truck, I hope GM has a very good MCE planned, this gives the Denali a run for its money, maybe...dare I say Better? To my knowledge there is no leather dash in any GMC/Chevrolet truck...

CobaltSScrazy

Is it just me, or does every automaker now think that a leather wrapped dash is the way to go?

[ctsmo]

i have a feeling that the plastics will not feel as good as they look.

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

I am SO suprised. This is nothing like current DCX products...