Autoblog

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

John Neff — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:41:00 EST

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

Motor Trend magazine's 2010 Truck of the Year competition was an odd one this year. Only four models met MT's criteria of being new or substantially changed from the previous model year. Of those, only two were actual work trucks: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Toyota Tundra 4.6-liter work truck. The other two contenders, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and Transit Connect, likely won't ever do much of the work that we normally associate with trucks (hauling, towing, etc.). Perhaps that hindered their chances at winning the coveted Golden Calipers, because the truck that did win was the purest pickup of them all.

If you hadn't guessed yet, the Motor Trend 2010 Truck of the Year is the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. We'll let the MT editors explain why the Ram HD was their unanimous choice, but the gist is that it arrives to market a full year ahead of substantially new versions of Ford and General Motors' heavy-duty trucks. As such, it will be the reigning HD truck in nearly every category that matters to heavy-duty pickup buyers, at least for a model year or two.

Not to take away from the Dodge's victory, but we would've chosen the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor if it were our award to give. While the Ram HD no doubt beats it in every measure as a work truck, the Raptor is extra special if for no other reason than that it shows this industry of ours still has a little spark of life left. Ford deserves credit for not only driving out on a limb with the Raptor but also handing its development over to SVT, which guaranteed the final product offer legitimate high performance.

What about you? Did Motor Trend get it right or is there a more deserving Truck of the Year? Sound off in the comments. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Dodge, Fiat

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram brand may enter heavy-duty 18-wheeler market

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge

2007 Dodge Ram BFT Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the passing note about considering a unibody replacement for the slow-selling Dodge Dakota, Ram CEO Fred Diaz said (with conviction...!) that they are strongly considering entering the heavy-duty 18-wheeler market with the Ram brand.

Interesting, no? The consumer-grade pickup that popularized the big rig styling on a smaller scale might make the jump up the ranks and into the heavy-hauler market. In the past, Dodge has teamed up with both Sterling and Freightliner - both of which are big players in the large truck marketplace - and the Ram brand is sure to keep up its current partnership with heavy truck engine maker Cummins. In other words, it might not be as big a leap as you may at first think to see a Ram-badged 18-wheeler rolling down a highway near you within the next few years.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Dodge Ram BFT

Ram brand may enter heavy-duty 18-wheeler market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a rambling presentation that presented almost nothing of any value, Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, did drop at least one little tidbit in passing. Currently the Dodge truck offerings consist of only two vehicles, the full-size Ram and the mid-size Dakota. The long-term fate of the Dakota has been the subject of much speculation but one of Diaz's slides did mention that Ram was considering a replacement. The key word was "considering."

Interestingly, the possible replacement would be based on a unibody platform which in all likelihood would be derived from the new Grand Cherokee/Durango architecture. That would be a big departure for Chrysler - jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline. If Chrysler were to build this vehicle, it would make sense to do something to differentiate it from the big Ram, and perhaps with the right styling and powertrain - perhaps something like the Rampage concept from 2006 - it could be more successful than the Honda.

The current Durango will remain in production until mid-2011 and the new truck, if approved, would not launch until at least then.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota

Gallery: 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept

Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

Chris Shunk — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, First Drive

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge's truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn't have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn't come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler's trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.

Last year, Dodge introduced a new light-duty Ram, with sleek updated aesthetics and controversial coil springs that provide a superior ride at the expense of some towing and hauling capability. Fast-forward a year and the truckmakers at Chrysler are set to unleash a new heavy-duty Ram that's been redesigned to provide customers more capability, more options and a better ride while competing against offerings from its crosstown rivals with a lower cost of entry. We headed out to Ann Arbor, MI to drive, tow, brake, climb and traverse in the new Ram HD to see if Chrysler's truck team has succeeded. Follow along with us after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

When Chrysler announced plans to spin off the Ram brand from the Dodge division, more questions than answers were left in its wake. So the truck-obsessives at Pickuptrucks.com sat down with the newly-appointed President and CEO of the Ram brand, Fred Diaz Jr., to suss out the details - to varying levels of success.

As expected, the 20-year Chrysler veteran did the executive shuffle around Pickuptrucks.com's most pointed questions, but it's clear Chrysler has plans to market and advertise the newly-formed truck and commercial vehicle division separately from its former Dodge umbrella.

Diaz didn't divulge much about how Ram will be differentiated from its former parent, only saying, "The car side is definitely going to be marketed and branded different than the Ram brand, which is all about trucks and their capabilities."

On November 4, Chrysler is holding a lengthy press event where the automaker is expected to divulge some of its future product plans and how each individual brand will be marketed going forward. While we've already heard rumblings (and seen one TV spot) of Chrysler's attempted move upmarket, it's unclear how Dodge will be positioned. The smart money is on a more performance and consumer oriented image (similar to Chevrolet), while Ram is sure to capitalize on its rough-and-tumble truck persona. To that end, Diaz told Pickuptrucks.com, "At the end of the day, the Ram [pickup] will still have some Dodge DNA to it. Anything that's a real, true truck is part of Ram and the Ram brand going forward."

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Dodge, Off-Road

2010 Dodge Power Wagon - Click above to be redirected to Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road for more images

Dodge's entire line of Heavy Duty pickup trucks gets a major refresh for the 2010 model year, and that includes the off-road-ready Power Wagon. The boys at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine managed to get their mitts on what must be one of the first such trucks off the line, and it'll be taking part in the mag's 4x4 of the Year competition.

In addition to the restyled sheetmetal, the '10 Power Wagon gets a new graphics package that makes the new model impossible to miss. Giant vinyl lettering in contrasting colors takes up residence on the hood, quarter panels and tailgate, and a matching set of stripes showcases the truck's stylized hood and bare flanks.

Buried deep inside the Ram's massive hood and behind that gaping chrome grille sits a Hemi V8 that sends its ponies through locking front and rear differentials. 4.56 rear axle gearing ensures that there's plenty of twisting power to spin the large 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, and an electric sway bar disconnect allows for maximum articulation over the really rough stuff. It's not exactly subtle, but then again it probably fits its target demographic like a glove.

See more images of the 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine.

[Source: Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road via PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #147

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #147 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready for your consumption. Chris calls in to Sam and Dan, and the trio bites into a few timely topics. BMW's move to put its turbo 4.4 liter V8 into the M5 is our first subject of conversation, before moving on to more powertrain news with the rumors that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will be a four-cylinder-only affair. Audi's fuel mileage achievement with its A3 TDI is up next, before we go all power crazy and touch on Rhys Millen's mid-engined Genesis Coupe. Wrapping it up, we head to truckville, thinking about what it would mean for Chrysler to make Ram its own nameplate, ponder the new Toyota 4Runner, and finally chat about the new Ford SuperDuty before moving on to some of your excellent questions.

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with our survey and in iTunes, as always, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. See you again next week, and if you start to miss your Weblogs Inc. podcasts, there's our friends at Engadget and Joystiq to help get you through the pain.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #147

Autoblog Podcast #147 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro in Red: Mr. Norm builds modern interpretation of L'il Red Express Truck

Drew Phillips — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Truck, Dodge

Mr. Norm's Red XPress Truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

There weren't too many exciting sports cars built in the late Seventies thanks to increasingly stringent emissions requirements, but a few performance vehicles did manage to get produced despite the horsepower-strangling legislation. One of those vehicles was the L'il Red Express Truck built by Dodge from 1978-1979. Easily recognized by its signature exhaust stacks protruding prominently from each side of the bed, the Little Red Truck featured a 360ci V8 and could run the 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds. That doesn't seem particularly quick by today's standards, but L'il Red was actually the fastest American-produced vehicle built in 1978.

As a tribute to the original performance truck, legendary Mopar hot rodder Norm Kraus, better known as "Mr. Norm," has put together his own aftermarket package that will turn a 2009+ Dodge Ram into the L'il Red Express' bigger, more powerful grandson. Granted, the new version doesn't necessarily have the visual impact of the original, but some concessions were made to keep the the basic package relatively affordable. To convert the bed into a stepside and mount the exhaust on the outside, for instance, would have cost seriously big bucks.

So - how does the new one compare? Our friend Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com has the answer. Levine managed to wrangle a drive in Mr. Norm's Red Xpress Truck, as well as an all-original '79 with just 16k on the odometer. As you can imagine, Levine found that trucks have come a long way in thirty years, but he still appreciated the unique details that went the original. Check out his comparison here, or browse through the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mr. Norm's Red XPress Truck

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Retro in Red: Mr. Norm builds modern interpretation of L'il Red Express Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler to make Ram its own brand

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Truck, Europe, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

When a report came out earlier this week regarding Fiat's intentions for Chrysler (making it a Cadillac competitor), Dodge (focusing on driving dynamics) and Jeep (being, well, Jeep), one semi-iconic nameplate was left out of the discussion: Ram.

Toiling away under the Dodge brand, the Ram moniker has been reserved for Chrysler Co.'s truck offerings. However, a new initiative could promote the Ram as a standalone brand, focusing exclusively on vans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and, of course, pickups. That would free Dodge from rough-and-tumble heavy-duty products, leaving it to fend for itself in the compact, mid-size and performance segments - although it's destined to receive some help from Alfa Romeo in the form of joint product development.

Unfortunately for Europe, Dodge - which was just recently introduced across the pond in 2006 - won't benefit from the reworked branding and products. According to InsideLine, Chrysler Group's European arm is likely to drop Dodge abroad in the future. So get your Avenger, Caliber, Journey or Nitro while you can... if you must.

[Source: InsideLine]

REPORT: Chrysler to make Ram its own brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Nissan and Chrysler end collaboration, Ram-based Titan dead

John Neff — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Nissan

It's been a year of ups and mostly downs for Chrysler, and you just can't expect every partner to hang on for the ride. As such, Nissan and Chrysler released a joint statement today announcing a mutual end to their agreement to jointly produce three vehicles. The vehicles were to include a new Titan full-size pickup truck for Nissan based on the Dodge Ram, a new small car for Chrysler based on the Nissan Tiida (Versa in the U.S.), and another compact sedan from Nissan for Chrysler to sell in South American markets. The joint release blames "significant changes in business conditions" as the reason for the breakup, though we suspect it has more to do with the condition of Chrysler than anything else.

[Source: Nissan, Chrysler]

Continue reading BREAKING: Nissan and Chrysler end collaboration, Ram-based Titan dead

BREAKING: Nissan and Chrysler end collaboration, Ram-based Titan dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Chrysler make Ram its fourth brand?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Over the past dozen years, the domestic auto industry has worked hard to shrink its brands to more reasonable levels. Gone are Eagle, Plymouth, Pontiac and Oldsmobile and some would speculate that Mercury should have joined the extinction club long ago. Of course, Ford has sold off Jaguar, Land Rover and Austin Martin, while GM is in the process of jettisoning Saab, Hummer, Saturn, and Opel.

However, if Autoextremist's Peter DeLorenzo is to be believed, the Chrysler portfolio could grow instead of shrink. DeLorenzo says he's hearing rumblings around Motown that Chrysler could break off the Ram from the Dodge, with the truck line becoming a dedicated brand. Doing so would make Dodge a car outlet, while the Ram brand would be all trucks, all the time, including the Dakota.

We don't get how this could possibly be a good idea, considering Chrysler's financial position and struggling sales. Why spend money marketing a new brand, while asking battle-weary dealers to invest in more signage and differentiated floor space? At this point, its just speculation and we're hoping it stays that way.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Auto Extremist]

Will Chrysler make Ram its fourth brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

The 2008 and 2009 Dodge Ram and 2009 Dodge Journey are being recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each for a different reason. The Ram's windshield wiper motor isn't adequately protected from water, so it could fail completely due to water intrusion. Initial numbers suggest 72,138 Rams are affected. The fix is a stop at the dealership to have some vented wiper motor housings installed.

Some 16,852 Dodge Journeys that do not have the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet are also being recalled. The unused electrical connector for that optional component could potentially cause a fire. It's the second fire-related recall for the Journey, and akin to the unused connector issue that affected the Town & Country and Grand Caravan. Dealers will remove the fuse and reroute the wiring. Full info on both recalls is available after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: NHTSA: Ram, NHTSA: Journey]

Continue reading Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09

Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Videos, Dodge, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.

Related:

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Dodge Ram 3500HD

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500HD

When it comes to consumer loyalty, you'd be hard pressed to find a more dedicated group of fans outside the heavy-duty pickup segment. Recognizing this, Dodge has brought a slew of full-size trucks to the Chicago Auto Show in the form of the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 HD Chassis Cabs.

Dodge started the heavy-duty retrofit with the highly-competent 1500 model introduced last year, then proceeded to create a crew cab variant that's claimed to be packing the most room in its class. Both regular and Mega Cab variants will be offered, along with two bed sizes (six-foot, four-inch or eight-foot) and five trim levels: ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon.

Pickup aficionados will notice the new bumper treatment, larger grille (with chrome, black or body-colored trim), wider fenders for the dually models and the subtle tailgate lip to improve aerodynamics.

The HD comes standard with Dodge's HEMI 5.7-liter V8, putting out 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque through a beefed-up 545RFE five-speed automatic. However, with a take-rate of over 90% for the diesel engine on HD models, Dodge is offering the optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six that channels 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to a 68RFE six-speed automatic featuring low-speed "creeper" mode and Electronic Range Select, allowing the driver to limit which high gear is used while towing. Two 4x4 models will be offered, along with four different axle ratios, and on the topic of towing, the Ram 3500 HD, equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel, dual rear wheels, 4x4 system and a 4.10 rear axle ratio can handle a maximum payload of 5,110 pounds and a towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. Sales will begin this fall and all the details can be found in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Dodge Ram 3500HD

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Dodge Ram 3500HD

Chicago 2009: Dodge Ram 3500HD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Dodge, Reviews

2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for high-res image gallery

Many consider the Dodge Aries K and Dodge Caravan the most important Chryslers of the past 30 years. We agree those two vehicles were a huge part of keeping the Pentastar in business, but we'd add the 1994 Dodge Ram to the list, as well. Dodge wasn't even competitive in the lucrative full-size truck market until the bold-faced '94 model hit dealerships, and Chrysler's light-duty pickup has held on to 3rd place in truck sales ever since. The Ram constantly finished in the money until the all-new Toyota Tundra hit the scene. Toyota's first serious try at a full-size pickup, coupled with the hot-selling Tacoma, outsold the Ram and Dakota combined for the first time in 2008.

Luckily for Team Pentastar, Dodge had an answer to the Tundra waiting in the wings. The 2009 Dodge Ram brings more power, more refinement and plenty of gadgets to the pickup truck party. The Ram looks like a real man's truck, with a forward-leaning front grille that's as big as a Toyota Yaris, and a unique coil spring suspension that enables this 5,000 pound truck to drive more like a sedan on regular roads than a rough-and-tumble work truck. There is no question that the 2009 Dodge Ram is far better than the model it replaces, but does it have what it takes to compete with the Tundra, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150? We took a loaded Laramie Quad Cab into the Autoblog Garage to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2

Review: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4X2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram HD

The 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty was left to rumble on its own out back while the electric concepts took to the Chrysler stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. But the hulking oil-burner certainly deserves mention. Powerplants come in two flavors on the 2500 models: a 5.7-liter V8 with 355 hp and 395 lb-ft. of twist and twizzle, and the big daddy 6.7-liter Cummins with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. The 6.7-liter diesel particulate filter reduces NOx emissions by 90%, meaning the car passes 2010 standards right now, and if you step up to the Ram 3500, you get the 6.7-liter standard - because obviously you go by the name Hoss.

Inside, the manual is no longer an option with the 5.7-liter, but Dodge wants to make that up to you with an available Infinity sound system, Internet connectivity with uConnect, and a power-sliding rear window. You'll want to make sure you choose your truck carefully, though - Dodge touts them as the longest lasting trucks out there: the 6.7-liter is expected to get you 350,000 miles before its first major overhaul. You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Dodge Rams after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pickuptrucks.com picks best truck in 2008 Half-Ton Shootout

John Neff — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck

When Mike Levine at Pickuptrucks.com sets his mind to something, it gets done in a big way. Witness last year's 2007 Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Shootout. This year he's back with a comparison test that bests his previous effort not only in size and scope, but also in relevance. For 2008 he has assembled every player in the half-ton truck segment, including brand new 2009 models of the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan and a 2008 Toyota Tundra. Despite the sagging economy, Americans still love us some trucks, and we've never encountered a more thorough comparison of their performance, towing abilities and fuel economy than what Mike has published at Pickuptrucks.com. Consider it the bible of half-ton pickup comparison shopping and have it pre-loaded on your iPhone when you start visiting dealerships.

We're not going to tell you which pickup won, but we will say that it was remarkable to learn how varied are the targets at which each of these trucks is aiming. Some were great for one task while failing miserably at another, and the winner was the one that performed well the most often. Click the source link below to check out the Pickuptrucks.com 2008 Half-Ton Shootout.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Pickuptrucks.com picks best truck in 2008 Half-Ton Shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Peek: 2009 Dodge Ram R/T

Alex Nunez — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Dodge

You know those videos that sometimes automatically start playing when you visit automaker websites? You know how you usually click right past them? Sometimes, they're worth paying attention to. If you visit to the 2009 Dodge Ram website, you're treated to a tour of the truck by Ralph Gilles and Mark Allen. Before the design guys give their spiel, however, you get a very brief glimpse of a poster showing '09 Ram body styles and options/accessories. There, clear as day, is a shot of the forthcoming Ram R/T.

When the new Ram was initially unveiled, PickupTrucks.com confirmed that the R/T was indeed on the way. Word at the time was that the R/T would be a standard-cab, 4x2, short-bed truck with a HEMI, 5-speed auto, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio. As you can see in the photo at right, the truck gets a monochrome treatment (a la the Ram Sport), a deep chin spoiler, and a hood reminiscent of the one used on the Challenger R/T and SRT8. As PickupTrucks.com reported, expect the Ram R/T's powertrain combo to deliver a sub-7 second 0-60 time. It'll be interesting to see the R/T's marketplace reception, given that gas prices are likely to continue climbing for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately for Chrysler, it's a less-than-perfect environment for welcoming a new performance-oriented truck. Nothing a little cash on the hood and a locked-in gas price can't fix, right? Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: Dodge]

First Peek: 2009 Dodge Ram R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cattle! Trucks! 2009 Dodge Ram reveal "Pregame"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Ram reveal preparations

The official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Ram is still almost a half-hour away, but preparations for the cattle stampede that will herald the truck's arrival appear to be going exactly as planned. Tucked out of sight in a downtown Detroit parking lot-turned-corral are 115 head of longhorn cattle that came all the way from Oklahoma for the event. As you can see, they're fine-looking critters, and according to the wranglers babysitting them, they're also as friendly as can be. They just don't smell too great. But hey, get 100-plus steer in one place and there'll be no shortage of BS.

Also on hand with our animal friends are a trio of 2009 Rams. They're disguised, but we managed to get peeks of different elements as the trucks were readied for their big moment. We'll have photos and video of the reveal and press conference a little later, but until then, we've got these pregame pics to tide you over.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram: Rampede Pregame

Cattle! Trucks! 2009 Dodge Ram reveal "Pregame" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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