2005 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

By far the most significant shot fired to date in the full-size truck battle, Dodge has finally introduced their Mega Cab Ram. Long criticized for their smallish Quad Cab rear seats and doors, the new Mega Cab is 20 inches longer than their current four-door configuration, giving Dodge buyers the most interior space (145 cubic feet--more than many SUVs) available for any full-size pickup. In fact, Dodge is saying there is more rear seat legroom in the Mega Cab than in the Maybach. A clever rear seat design (split 60/40) allows for a reclining seat back, as well as a fold-flat-forward configuration--the result being almost 70 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats are two hidden, floor-mounted storage compartments, designed to hold various tools, towing gear, and recovery straps. Although technically offered in 1500, 2500, and 3500 configurations, all Mega Cab models will be based off the Ram Heavy-Duty chassis, allowing for a wide variety of payload and towing capacities (the former ranging from 1400 to 2800 pounds; the latter from 6200 to 15,800 pounds). All current Mega Cab models will be based off the 160.5-inch 3⁄4-ton, single-rear-wheel long-bed Quad Cab wheelbase, with only one six-foot, three-inch bed offered, but we'd expect other, larger, wheelbase models (maybe even a long bed dually) to arrive later. Half-ton models will be offered with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and five-speed automatic, while the 2500 and 3500 models will offer the HEMI with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, as well as the 5.9-liter High-output Cummins Turbo diesel with the six-speed manual or heavy-duty four-speed automatic. Although pricing was not announced, we'd expect the two-wheel drive Mega Cab models to start near $27,000, with options like a sliding rear window, as well as an all-new navigation system and DVD option, pushing prices up to the mid $30s pretty quick. Expect Mega Cabs to be in showrooms by fall. Click to watch the Ram Mega Cab pickup video.