From Dale Wickell,
Your Guide to Trucks.
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Designing the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck

The Dodge Ram 1500 team came up with eleven basic design ideas when it was time to revamp the truck for 2009. Ten of the designs were different from the current generation, but had characteristics that made them recognizable as a Dodge Ram. The eleventh design was a complete departure from the Ram "look."

Dodge queried truck buyers to get their opinions about the designs. The ten Ram-like trucks all had looks and components that were popular, but the eleventh got a consistent thumbs-down from the buyers who weighed in with their opinions.

The feedback gathered during research helped shape the 2009 truck -- a glance tells you it's a Ram, but compare it with the 2008 version and you'll discover plenty of differences.

First Look at the 2009 Ram Exterior

Manufacturers want their full-size trucks to have an aggressive look. Dodge is no exception, and that characteristic is perhaps most apparent in the new "head-down" grille, which makes the Ram's brow appear to jut out.

The truck's hood and fender tops are more sloped for 2009, giving the truck a less boxy appearance (and creating less wind resistance for better aerodynamics).

New Crew Cab Ram

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 will be available in a Crew Cab configuration, a first for Dodge. It's 6" longer than the Ram Quad Cab®, and has in-floor storage boxes under the rear seats. An optional Ram Box is available on the Crew Cab, a lockable, weatherproof storage compartment that runs along the side of the bed. Use the Ram Box for anything that will fit inside, even a cooler -- open the drain plugs to drain the water when you're finished.

The Ram's tailgate has a spoiler-like design, which makes the truck look a little sportier and improves aerodynamics by allowing easier airflow. A tailgate lift-assist is also available to help hoist the tailgate back up after use.

Inside the Ram's Bed

An optional cargo rail system is available. It includes four sliding and adjustable cleats, plus a bed divider that hooks into the rails.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Choices

Choose from one of three engines for 2009:

• A 3.7L V-6 producing 215hp and 234 lb.ft. of torque

• A 4.7L V-8 producing 310hp and 330 lb.ft. of torque

• A 5.7L HEMI engine producing 380hp and 404 lb.ft. of torque

The new 5.7L hemi has variable valve timing (VVT), a system that controls when valves open, changing their action to suit the way you're driving the truck in order to generate the best economy and performance. The HEMI has a less restrictive air flow system than before (Dodge refers to it as improved engine breathing) which improves air flow into the engine. That, along with VVT, improves power and helps fuel economy. Dodge reports a 10-percent increase in horsepower, an 8-percent increase in torque, and a fuel economy boost of about 4-percent.

The HEMI equipped truck has chrome-tipped factory dual exhaust, with a rear bumper that's notched for the pipes.

Sometime after 2009 (the timing isn't clear yet) Dodge will offer the Ram 1500 with a Cummins diesel, a somewhat smaller version than is currently used in heavy duty Ram trucks. And looking forward to 2010, Dodge will build a new two-mode hybrid gas-electric Ram. Now that's big news, but details are slim.

The 2009 Ram 1500s will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automatic.

Ram 4WD Systems

Choose either an on-demand or part-time four-wheel-drive system for the 2009 Ram 1500:

The on-demand 4WD system has four modes: automatic, 2 Hi, 4 Hi and 4 Lo. Put it in automatic if you want the truck to switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed for your driving conditions. The other three positions work the same as they do on a part-time transfer case.

New Coil Rear Suspension

Dodge reports that the Ram's new multi-link coil spring rear suspension gives the truck a better ride and improves handling without sacrificing load capacity. The coil system weighs forty pounds less than the equivalent leaf spring setup. The 2009 Ram is the only truck in its size category that uses coil spring suspension.

More 2009 Dodge Ram Features

• Four wheel disc brakes are standard on all 2009 Rams -- a feature we're beginning to see on more pickup trucks.

• The Ram has an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to help you maintain control if the vehicle begins to slide or skid. The program includes:
  • Hill start assist to keep the truck from rolling backwards on a grade.

  • Brake assist, which overrides a tendency of not applying brakes hard enough in an emergency. The system applies brakes as hard as safely possible if it senses you aren't doing it.

  • Trailer sway control, which recognizes a swaying trailer and applies individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to help bring it under control.

  • Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.

Diagram of 2009 Ram Safety Features

Inside the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

You'll find a Dodge-truck-first inside the Ram, an optional center console with shifter. The console has two compartments, an upper and a lower, plus two map pockets and several small storage areas around the gear shift lever. In all, trucks with consoles have 38 storage compartments. The console would have been even more useful if Dodge had made it a little larger, with a lockable area big enough hold a laptop or file folders.

The Ram Box is an innovative use of space, but we'll have to monitor its top and hinges over time to determine how they hold up to daily use.

The Ram has upper and lower glove boxes. Seats have larger side bolsters, and you'll find high-shouldered bucket seats in Sport and Laramie Ram trucks.

The new Ram offers an industry-first in pickups, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The heated steering wheel is a first for Dodge.

The optional Sirius satellite TV is another industry first in the pickup category. Surround sound stereo is another option.

Dodge hasn't released all the facts about the 2009 Ram truck just yet -- components will probably change somewhat before production begins. Stay tuned. I'll get behind the wheel of one as soon as possible.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Photo Gallery