UPDATE: This is the real thing. See here.
A word of caution: We have no info other than the photo itself, which certainly appears to be the real deal and has been posted at DodgeTalk.com. For all we know, it's a 'chop, but let's assume for the sake of discussion that it isn't. If this is indeed the 2009 Ram, then Chrysler should soon find itself very much in the thick of the truck-segment mix. Of course, in the battle to win truck buyers, it's the tech specs that ultimately get people to commit. We don't know what those'll be yet, but in terms of appearance, this is a grown-up and classy evolution of the Ram nameplate.
The most important visual element, the grille, ensures that it is instantly identifiable as Dodge's full-size truck. Gone are the round-bottomed headlights in favor of the wraparound\parallelogram-shaped units shown. They're simple and fit the rest of the look. The truck pictured is obviously a higher trim level, as indicated by the polished wheels and two-tone paint scheme. Speaking for myself, it's easily as good-looking as the current GMC Sierra and Ford F-150, the two best-looking full-size trucks. 2008 is going to be a very interesting year in the segment as both Ford and Dodge bring their latest, greatest, best and brightest to the market and into battle against the year-old offerings from GM and Toyota.
If this is the new Ram, we're looking forward to seeing more of it.
Thanks to Gary for the tip!
[Source: DodgeTalk]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Taylor @ Dec 9th 2007 1:21AM
Handsome, but I was hoping for more changes. =\
fm @ Dec 9th 2007 1:21AM
wow look how modern and game changing this truck is. It's incredible.
paul34 @ Dec 9th 2007 1:23AM
Chrysler Ram?
fm @ Dec 9th 2007 3:11AM
that was sarcasm just incase I wasn't clear
Derek @ Dec 9th 2007 11:45AM
I fail to see how different looks on a truck are "game-changing". Stuff like ABS, cylinder deactivation, turbodiesels, or maybe trucks finally getting some improved aerodynamics are game changing things. Are we really this superficial as a society that looks alone are such a big predictor of performance?
I think it looks good, but is it an airheaded runway model or a linebacker in a good suit?
paul34 @ Dec 9th 2007 1:44PM
I picked up the sarcasm, apparently others did not =/
fm @ Dec 9th 2007 2:24PM
Thanks Paul
@ Derek
Look your point on aero and tech might be a good one if they mentioned it in the article. But they don't.
In fact I dare you to tell me that truck is significantly more aerodynamic then the previous iteration or any other truck for that matter. I just donc think it's possible for that to be the case.
Ferraris don't have big blunt front ends... because it's NOT aerodynamic. I'd love to see them raise mpg for trucks. Not necessarily for an ecological stand but rather an egotistical one (my plumber raised his prices to cover the price of gas). It's taking a toll on small businesses. Better milage just makes sense.
I whole heartedly agree with you on turbo diesels though, and not only in trucks, but in cars as well.
RJ @ Dec 9th 2007 4:53PM
Actually, the GMT900s are significantly more aerodynamic than all previous trucks. Some models, such as the Escalade and Yukon, are as low as .36.
The new Tundra is also very aerodynamic for trucks at .38
Kwesi @ Dec 9th 2007 1:24AM
personally, i prefered the raw, mean, powerful look of the current one. this looks too elegant.
"it's easily as good-looking as the current GMC Sierra and Ford F-150"
good looking in terms of....
Braun can be beautiful too (but i agree with the above)
adam @ Dec 9th 2007 4:24AM
Please define your definition of "elegant".
To me, this almost looks like a cross between the Mitsubishi Lancer and a Dodge Ram.
It's absolutely hideous in the presence of it's competition.
Jordan @ Dec 9th 2007 1:25AM
Did they change anything?? Chrysler just hung themselves if they were hopping to get more truck profits with this thing.
Jordan @ Dec 9th 2007 1:25AM
Did they change anything?? Chrysler just hung themselves if they were hopping to get more truck profits with this thing.
JonnyRock @ Dec 9th 2007 1:29AM
I don't like it. It's proportions don't look right to me, and I'm not fond of how they executed the bulges/creases.
Although, aside from where the headlights meet the grill, the front does look pretty good.
garlinski @ Dec 9th 2007 1:31AM
I like it. Looks as good as the F150 and Tundra. Not a big fan of the GM twins. This looks good!
Taylor @ Dec 9th 2007 1:31AM
The rear kinda looks like a Ford Super Duty...
Orion ZyGarian @ Dec 9th 2007 1:35AM
Tundra headlights, F150 cab, and Chevy bed/rear.
Actually, I think it looks hot. Put a Cummins in it and a Getrag (or anything not made by Dodge for a drivetrain) and I think its good to go
Bob-omb @ Dec 9th 2007 1:44AM
They tried to tweak everything else while not changing the grille at all. This is called forced design, and it shows. What a mess.
Denord @ Jan 1st 2008 12:00PM
If this is truly an '09, i will never buy another RAM1500. It looks aweful. Leave the RAM1500 as it is. Increase torque, horses, and put in navigation.
KA @ Dec 9th 2007 1:50AM
I'm definitely not a fan of this design, although I do think it's an improvement. The thing about trucks is that you have to aim for a balanced look -- the Ford Superduty, for example, is perfect. It looks like it's ready to get work done. This one looks sort of, well, droopy.
Bob-omb nailed it -- this is yet another product of bureaucracies that plague American car companies. Engineers and designers should be making these decisions, not special focus groups.
Hardy @ Dec 9th 2007 2:09AM
surely you're joking about the upside down faced ford being pretty. Give me the previous gen SD over the current any day, even with the 1992 ford taurus interior!