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The next generation of Dodge Ram 1500 pickups, are set to debut in the 2009 model year. I have been hearing some very interesting things coming from many different sources about the new Ram 1500 lineup. One of my sources said that Ralph Gilles and his team are getting away from the “big-rig” styling that we all love, and going towards a new design similar to the pattern of the newer Dodge truck lineup are fallowing. Styling that will be similar to the design theme used on the new Dodge Nitro, Dodge Hornet Concept, and Dodge Rampage Concept.
Mr. Gilles told the press that the next generation of Ram will be more aerodynamic and have a more luxurious car-like interior. Using the aerodynamic theme, the Gilles’ gang is looking at making the pickup have more of a cab forward design. A design statement Chrysler Group created in the mid-1990s and is now trying to get away from. The bold fender flares of the Nitro, Hornet Concept, and Rampage Concept, allow for a wider track and make it possible to push the vehicle’s wheels out to the corners, making it possible to provide better handling.
New engines will debut in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The word is that the 3.7L V6 will be dropped and be replaced with the 4.0L V6 from the Nitro. The engine will produce 270 horsepower, putting it in from of the standard engine from the rest of the manufacturers. The 4.7L V8, will get huge updates for the 2008 model year. Power should be pushed up to 300 horsepower for the new Ram 1500.
A new version of the HEMI V8 in the Ram 1500 will debut in 2009. It will grow slightly in displacement, probably to a 5.9L or 6.1L configuration. The new engine will feature next generation MDS, a 3-valve per cylinder configuration, as well as variable valve timing. The engine will still be an overhead valve (OHV) application as well. The new HEMI, should put out best in class power (somewhere around the 400 horsepower mark). Towing capacity should be over 10,500lbs. Engines should be equipped with 6-speed automatics, as well as the two lesser engines with 6-speed manual transmissions.
Dodge, really wants their pickups back on top of the market and since its Chrysler Group’s best selling vehicle, they will do whatever they can to put the Ram 1500 in front of the rest of the half-ton pickup lineup. Chrysler Group, also wants to put the Ram 1500 ahead of the competition with better fuel economy. Dodge will have a bunch of configurations and trims available on the pickups during its release. Expect three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and four trim packages.
Dodge will also release a two-mode hybrid version of the Ram 1500 for the 2010 model year. The hybrid will only feature the new HEMI engine.
The next generation of Dodge Ram 1500 pickups, are set to debut in the 2009 model year. I have been hearing some very interesting things coming from many different sources about the new Ram 1500 lineup. One of my sources said that Ralph Gilles and his team are getting away from the “big-rig” styling that we all love, and going towards a new design similar to the pattern of the newer Dodge truck lineup are fallowing. Styling that will be similar to the design theme used on the new Dodge Nitro, Dodge Hornet Concept, and Dodge Rampage Concept.
Mr. Gilles told the press that the next generation of Ram will be more aerodynamic and have a more luxurious car-like interior. Using the aerodynamic theme, the Gilles’ gang is looking at making the pickup have more of a cab forward design. A design statement Chrysler Group created in the mid-1990s and is now trying to get away from. The bold fender flares of the Nitro, Hornet Concept, and Rampage Concept, allow for a wider track and make it possible to push the vehicle’s wheels out to the corners, making it possible to provide better handling.
New engines will debut in the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The word is that the 3.7L V6 will be dropped and be replaced with the 4.0L V6 from the Nitro. The engine will produce 270 horsepower, putting it in from of the standard engine from the rest of the manufacturers. The 4.7L V8, will get huge updates for the 2008 model year. Power should be pushed up to 300 horsepower for the new Ram 1500.
A new version of the HEMI V8 in the Ram 1500 will debut in 2009. It will grow slightly in displacement, probably to a 5.9L or 6.1L configuration. The new engine will feature next generation MDS, a 3-valve per cylinder configuration, as well as variable valve timing. The engine will still be an overhead valve (OHV) application as well. The new HEMI, should put out best in class power (somewhere around the 400 horsepower mark). Towing capacity should be over 10,500lbs. Engines should be equipped with 6-speed automatics, as well as the two lesser engines with 6-speed manual transmissions.
Dodge, really wants their pickups back on top of the market and since its Chrysler Group’s best selling vehicle, they will do whatever they can to put the Ram 1500 in front of the rest of the half-ton pickup lineup. Chrysler Group, also wants to put the Ram 1500 ahead of the competition with better fuel economy. Dodge will have a bunch of configurations and trims available on the pickups during its release. Expect three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and four trim packages.
Dodge will also release a two-mode hybrid version of the Ram 1500 for the 2010 model year. The hybrid will only feature the new HEMI engine.
Registered User
Sounds like mostly believable stuff. A few quick thoughts I had after scanning that:
1) If the styling goes the way of the Nitro and away from the current Ram, that will be sad. The Ram is a nice looking truck. The Nitro looks really weird the more I see it, especially in person.
2) Powertrains sound formidible, and about right for the way the segment is heading.
3) If by "carlike" interior they are going for something like some of the current DCX cars, that may not be a good thing for Dodge.
1) If the styling goes the way of the Nitro and away from the current Ram, that will be sad. The Ram is a nice looking truck. The Nitro looks really weird the more I see it, especially in person.
2) Powertrains sound formidible, and about right for the way the segment is heading.
3) If by "carlike" interior they are going for something like some of the current DCX cars, that may not be a good thing for Dodge.
Registered User
Interesting that 3 valve heads are being planned. Doesn't GM own several patents on this? Maybe they found a different way or it is different enough to not infringe on the patent.
Anyways sounds quite promising for Dodge.
Anyways sounds quite promising for Dodge.
Registered User
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It would be plenty different. With the Hemi configuration, there would be no need for the second small pushrod to go across the cylinder head. Most likely they would use the single inboard pushrod to actuate two intake valves.Originally Posted by 91_z28_4me
Interesting that 3 valve heads are being planned. Doesn't GM own several patents on this? Maybe they found a different way or it is different enough to not infringe on the patent.
Interesting that they're hoping to be best in fuel economy for large trucks. The Hemi has never been known for its fuel efficiency, and three valve heads are not likely going to help.
Registered User
Gotta approach this news with some trepidition....
The Nitro makes me think that's that the International Harvester "Scout" would've looked like today if they still made it, and the new Dakota looks more like the between point between the late '80s Rams and the revolutionary '94.
The Nitro makes me think that's that the International Harvester "Scout" would've looked like today if they still made it, and the new Dakota looks more like the between point between the late '80s Rams and the revolutionary '94.
Registered User
Please DODGE don't wreck the best looking full size truck made today! IMO Aerodynamic talk scares me, sounds like somethins Japanese brands say.
Registered User
The only thing dodge has over ford or gm and they are going to ruin it.(exterior design). 
Registered User
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I don't know about that. Aero could work well on a large truck.Originally Posted by 99SilverSS
Please DODGE don't wreck the best looking full size truck made today! IMO Aerodynamic talk scares me, sounds like somethins Japanese brands say.
I am just commenting on the front through the B pillar here.
Registered User
Quote:
I am just commenting on the front through the B pillar here.
That is a pretty good looking truck. Better than the job they did on the Dakota when they wanted to move away from the mini-Ram styling.Originally Posted by 91_z28_4me
I don't know about that. Aero could work well on a large truck.I am just commenting on the front through the B pillar here.
Based on what Ford and Dodge have coming out I don't think Toyota will hit there goal of 300,000 units.
Registered User
With Toyota stepping up big, the big three will be forced to get on their game. No more 390 lb. ft. engines that are electronically restricted to half that coming off the line to keep the tranny and rear end from tearing themselves apart.
I'm looking forward to it, although my next truck will probably be a Diesel HD.
I'm looking forward to it, although my next truck will probably be a Diesel HD.
Registered User
Another thing to keep in mind: that 400 hp next-gen Hemi is going to be their bread-and-butter sedan V8, too.
Registered User
Sorry but I don't see "car like" as a positive description from DC. They have, as a whole, bar-none the worst interior aesthetics of any domestically sold car brand out there, IMO.