These are the first spy shots of the 2009 Dodge Ram. Caught during some hot weather testing, these Ram truck prototypes reveal a few of the changes in store for the next-generation truck that will go on sale late next year. Even with all the camouflage over the new front clip, it's easy to make out the more aerodynamic look of this Ram's design. The big crosshair grille remains, but the "shoulders" of the current truck are gone in favor of a broad, flat hood which extends all the way across...
In back, the Ram will get new taillights similar to the revamped Dakota
shown earlier this year.
Under the hood, expect to see the Ram incorporate Chrysler's latest V6 and V8 engines. The 4.0-liter V6 first introduced in the Grand Caravan is the likely choice for the base Ram engine as it provides more torque than the current 3.7-liter V6. An upgrade to the twin-plug 4.7-liter V8 may occur as early as this year as production of the revised engine it's already scheduled for the 2008 Dakota. An upgrade for the top-of-the-line 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is likely too, although it's already one of the more powerful engines in its class.
Expect to see the debut of this new Ram next spring with sales beginning in the fall.
Under the hood, expect to see the Ram incorporate Chrysler's latest V6 and V8 engines. The 4.0-liter V6 first introduced in the Grand Caravan is the likely choice for the base Ram engine as it provides more torque than the current 3.7-liter V6. An upgrade to the twin-plug 4.7-liter V8 may occur as early as this year as production of the revised engine it's already scheduled for the 2008 Dakota. An upgrade for the top-of-the-line 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is likely too, although it's already one of the more powerful engines in its class.
Expect to see the debut of this new Ram next spring with sales beginning in the fall.
gdog6 says:
02:37 PM, 05/21/07
I thought i heard something about a compact cummings?
and hopefully a more powerful HEMI, better payloads and 10000 in towing
acetee315 says:
03:53 PM, 05/21/07
I'm just hoping to the Lord above that they don't mess too much with success!! Changing the Ram for something more 'mainstream' is ludicris. The Ram look is what makes it a Ram. No other truck on the road looks (or ever will) like it. Keep your fingers crossed folks,this could really change everything. I'm a big Chrysler/Dodge fan and the Ram to me is an icon of what an American truck is. If anything,I would be happy is it were to appear more like the Rampage concept car of a few years back. Anything else wouldn't do it justice. Thank you.
rsholland says:
05:46 AM, 05/22/07
From what I see here, of the exposed areas, it doesn't look much different than the current model. This leads me to believe that the '09 Ram is merely a facelift rather than an all-new design. The cab and bed appear to be identical to current models.
No doubt major upgrades are under the skin, such as stronger roofs and the noted powertrain changes.
imacarguy2 says:
10:26 AM, 05/22/07
Can they make it more fuel efficient than the Silverado? I would think they would look to shed a few pounds off of it and focus the powertrain improvements to fuel efficiency.
ateixeira says:
12:37 PM, 05/22/07
The doors look the same. Must be a new face and taillights. Doesn't look like a true, full re-do.
srtdodge05 says:
01:49 PM, 05/22/07
These pictures show current Dodge Ram half-ton pickups running through the desert with the next-gen Ram's front clip and improved HEMI V8. Even under the heavy camouflage, it's clear that Dodge is moving away from the Ram's trademark big rig looks in favor of better aerodynamics to help boost fuel economy. The prominent crosshair grille remains - with stronger horizontal and vertical bars and slant forward styling shared with the Dodge Charger sedan.
They are only using the 2009 front for cooling testing right now. The rest of this mule is for the moment the 2003+ Ram.
Thanks to allpar.com
americantruck says:
02:22 PM, 05/22/07
Have anybody heard about this news ???
Dodge Enters China With a Bold and Powerful Statement :-
http://blogs.americantruckbuyer.com/dodge-enters-china-with-a-bold-and-powerful-statement/
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gdog6 says:
04:59 PM, 05/22/07
Remember that charger with a challenger nose
they are most likey testing the new front
in order to compete they will have to get better payload and towing
rdeason says:
08:46 PM, 05/22/07
I saw the truck at a survey I was invited to and it looks fantastic. They have a full size 4 door. (not the mega cab) a power bulge hood and sculpted sides. The interior is totally redone with a saddle leather option. The tailgate has a built in lip spoiler. Much larger inside. More aerodynamic outside. The new headlights are fantastic.
estreka says:
10:03 AM, 05/26/07
It looks more Durango-ish.