2009 Dodge Ram First Impressions

2009 Dodge Ram First Impressions
by Rob Rothwell / Auto123.com

Santa Barbara, California - The evolution of the utilitarian pickup truck has just leaped forward a millennium thanks to the boys at Dodge. The Ram pickup is completely new for 2009, and as the President of Chrysler Canada, Reid Bigland said, "it doesn't just raise the bar, it bends it in half and ties it in a knot."

The Ram has definitely intensified the battle for 'King of the Pickups.'

Segment-leading coefficient of drag
The newly-designed Ram body not only looks aggressive, it pierces the wind better than any other crew cab pickup shod in 20-inch rubber, thanks to a best-in-class co-efficient of drag of .419.

The body also seals out wind noise by integrating the bumpers. A reduction in panel gapping and the addition of triple-sealed doors further contribute to the big truck's hushed environment.

More power and better economy
The two main engines for the new Ram are V8s, although a V6 remains available. The two eights have both been reengineered to provide greater output with less input. The bad boy of the pair is a 5.7-litre Hemi producing 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque.

And best of all, the 13% increase in horsepower and 9% boost in torque has been accomplished while returning a 4% increase in fuel economy. Variable valve timing (VVT) and an expanded Multi-Displacement System (MDS) are at the root of the improvements.

At 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, the lighter-weight V8 is no slouch. This 4.7-litre unit also benefits from greater oomph, and with a 5% increase in fuel efficiency, less consumption.

Five Ram-ifications
The basic Ram continues to be the ST. This is the unadorned workhorse of the line. Most buyers will move up over the ST, and those seeking a limousine with a cargo box will select the pyramid-topping Laramie edition.

Three cab configurations allow plenty of flexibility in matching the vehicle to each owner's needs. Two four-door cabins are available. The smaller of which is the Quad Cab. It supplies a three-person rear seat but without the extra real estate attributed to the Crew Cab.

The two main engines for the new Ram are V8s, although a V6 remains available.

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