DODGE
Design
The camouflage is doing its job here--there's not much to be seen with the front grille covered by so much screening. But one photo showed a new crosshair look for the Ram, and, as the photos circled the Internet, rumor has it a few motivated engineers got out to the test units and re-covered the front grilles, hiding the previously exposed hood changes.
Engines
With the new 3.0-liter V-6 in the current Grand Cherokee, and reports are that a Bluetec version will have it 50-state legal before the 2010 federal regulations come into effect, it would make sense to make that engine available with the debut of the 2009 Ram. There's also a possibility of combining technologies that could yield significant results. A Dodge hybrid system working with MDS cylinder shutoff and maybe a V-6 diesel, could be quite interesting.
Cabs
We're not sure the Mega Cab makes much sense in the lighter-duty cab configuration. Good crew cabs are the heart of the market, and if Dodge could lengthen its anemic Quad Cab, that could help sales. Don't forget about regular-cab buyers -- they're still out there and want something special.
Transmissions
Success with CVT and EVT (electric variable transmissions) systems could make the leap to V-8 power possible in several years, but we question whether Dodge loyalists are willing to sacrifice rough-and-tumble capability for high-tech fuel-economy solutions.
Towing
It seems almost a shame the Hemi name doesn't have the towing crown. We're not convinced half-ton trucks should be pushing to get 3/4-ton frames as a way to achieve bigger towing numbers. Something has to give, and if Dodge errs on the side of sanity by giving buyers many different options, that could be a valuable credibility feather in its cap.
The Future
The lead designer on the new Ram has a good track record: PT Cruiser, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum. And the team has had critical success in the media with the coming Dodge Challenger. The only thing that worries us is the threat of too much of the Dodge Rampage concept from last year. Clearly, there must be some styling cues in there; we just hope they're not the wrong ones.