There was plenty to see at the big auto shows this year, and from what we hear, more news is coming. Expect new technology to arrive soon as well as major changes to what's already here. There may even be a few wild experiments looking to grab headlines. We know the big truckmakers are doing their best to address the new fuel-economy requirements coming by 2020, but, believe it or not, that doesn't leave much time before we'll start seeing significant changes.
Dodge Ram
The 2009 Dodge Ram was revealed at the Detroit auto show with a new look and rear coil springs-a rather shocking change in direction. This rear suspension choice effectively eliminates the half-ton Ram from any class-leading payload or towing capacity numbers. Dodge's response is that for buyers who want to tow more than 9000 pounds or carry more than 1800 (both max capacity numbers for Ram, well below max Chevy, Ford, and Toyota numbers), they can consider the 2500 and 3500 Ram HD trucks. Of course, many will see this as a withdrawal from the unofficial half-ton maximum payload and towing capacity war that's been waged with each successive new model in recent years. In fact, Ford is reporting that it will have the highest numbers in the segment when its 2009 F-150 debuts in several months. Only time will tell if this was a bold strategy or huge oversight.
There are two wheelbases and three separate box lengths-only a longbed will be available with the regular cab. Two shortbed options are available-a six-foot bed for the Quad Cab, and a five-foot, seven-inch bed for the crew cab. Additionally, the RamBox will be an exclusive crew-cab model option.
Payload capacities are a direct function of the truck's gross vehicle weight rating and what the standing vehicle weighs. With that said, GVWR is tied to powertrain (engine and transmission), chassis construction, and drivetrain (4x2 or 4x4), each adding or taking away from the overall number. Max payload for the 3.7-liter V-6 is 1850 pounds (regular cab longbed 4x2). Max payload for the 4.7-liter V-8 is 1750 (regular cab longbed 4x2). And max payload for the 5.7-liter V-8 is 1690 (regular cab longbed 4x2).
Maximum towing capacity for the 3.7-liter V-6 (offered in regular and Quad Cab) is 3800 pounds in the regular-cab shortbed. For the 4.7-liter V-8 (in the regular, Quad, and crew cabs), max towing is 7600, 7350, and 7100, respectively. Max towing for the 5.7-liter V-8 (regular, Quad, and crew cabs) is 9100, 8800, and 8400, respectively.
The new Ram will offer four different ring-and-pinion options, determined by powertrain and drivetrain. Ratios include 3.21:1, 3.55:1, 3.92:1, and 4.10:1.
Even though the towing and hauling numbers are smaller than those of the other segment players, Dodge is banking on better ride and handling from the coil/link setup and overall comfort levels to get the Ram more attention from buyers and the car-loving media.
There are only two wheelbases offered (120 and 140 inches)-Dodge will cover the three-model spectrum (regular cab, Quad Cab, and the new crew cab) with just two frames. Expect more choices at the next midmodel refresh.
The entry-level 3.7-liter SOHC 12-valve V-6 is offered as a regular cab and Quad Cab (manual or auto, 4x2 only); the 4.7-liter SOHC 16-valve V-8 is offered across the board (auto only, 4x2 or 4x4), as is the 5.7-liter OHV 16-valve Hemi V-8 (auto only, 4x2 or 4x4).