Everyone showed up at the Dodge press conference this morning. Several boisterous Tesla employees sat behind us. Even Dieter Zetsche made an appearance.
Yes, when grown adults show up to watch four dozen steers wander down Detroit's Washington Boulevard, intermittently sniffing each other and relieving themselves, something is right with the world. Herding the livestock were several authentic-looking cowhands and, of course, a red 2009 Dodge Ram.
"The Ram is one of our most important products," Bob Nardelli, Chrysler CEO, told the crowd. "The 2009 Dodge Ram portrays the bold new attitude of our strong and durable company."
Nardelli left it to Chrysler VP Jim Press to deliver hard details on the redesigned Ram -- all of which you can read about in our full story
. Press also noted that in preliminary testing an '09 Ram equipped with the new 380-hp Hemi V8 achieved a "shockingly fast 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds." To celebrate that achievement, we were given a package of Torquey-Aki Jerky.
In addition, he delivered another plug for the half-ton Ram's new rear coil-spring suspension: "It hauls big loads with ease but doesn't ride like a ranch wagon." Later, he pulled a spring from the truck's "Ram Box" storage container (built into the side of the bed) and hurled it to the ground in an apparent test of its sturdiness.
He also pulled a set of golf clubs supposedly belonging to Chrysler's Tom LaSorda. The clubs were equipped with embarrassing booties, including a Yoda head. If confused you are by the wooden box, it's meant to represent the total volume of the Ram Box containers.
We also got a quick look at the Ram's overhauled interior and it's a positive sign after the recent Sebring/Avenger disappointments.
The downsizing of the Mega Cab to this more conventionally sized crew cab was evidently based on feedback from current Ram owners. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
In addition, he delivered another plug for the half-ton Ram's new rear coil-spring suspension: "It hauls big loads with ease but doesn't ride like a ranch wagon." Later, he pulled a spring from the truck's "Ram Box" storage container (built into the side of the bed) and hurled it to the ground in an apparent test of its sturdiness.
He also pulled a set of golf clubs supposedly belonging to Chrysler's Tom LaSorda. The clubs were equipped with embarrassing booties, including a Yoda head. If confused you are by the wooden box, it's meant to represent the total volume of the Ram Box containers.
We also got a quick look at the Ram's overhauled interior and it's a positive sign after the recent Sebring/Avenger disappointments.
The downsizing of the Mega Cab to this more conventionally sized crew cab was evidently based on feedback from current Ram owners. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
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