14 Jan 08
Dodge launched the 2009 Ram pick-up truck by charging a herd of long-horn cattle down Detroit's Washington Avenue. Some publicity stunt.
Truck-driving cowboys may note that the new Ram, on sale in the autumn, gets a more powerful HEMI V8: 380bhp and 404lb ft, with marginally-improved fuel economy. But a diesel follows later, as will a hybrid (2010), and 4.7 V8 (310bhp/330lb ft) and 3.7 V6 (205bhp/235lb ft) petrol engines will also be offered.
Transmission options are a six-speed manual, four- and five-speed autos, part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive systems, and different axle ratios, depending on version.
The heavy-duty Ram comes in regular, Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with eight-foot, 6ft 4in or 5ft 7in load-bay lengths, and five trim levels; towing capacity is up to 9,100lbs and payload up to 1,840lbs. Technical changes include new multi-link coil spring rear suspension, to improve ride and handling, and safety kit now includes standard front and rear side-curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and stability control. Parking sensors, rear-view cameras and adjustable pedals are optional.
Further new equipment on offer includes a cargo box system with load-bed dividers, rails and bay extender, tailgate lift assistance, huge cup holders with removable liners, map pockets, a rear-seat DVD system, SIRIUS digital TV, surround-sound audio, a 30GB hard-drive, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, auto headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control. There's also a choice of three different 20-inch alloy wheel designs.
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