Dodge Ram 2009

Dodge introduced big rig styling to the full-size pickup market in 1994, and the move paid off. Dodge Ram market share tripled. As it redesigns the Ram for 2009, Dodge is sticking with the big rig formula, but going for a more refined look, the opposite direction from Ford.

The 2009 Dodge Ram will feature a new Crew Cab body style and two innovative storage systems when it goes on sale fall 2008.

The 2009 Ram will mark the debut of an upgraded version of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. According to Dodge, the addition of variable valve timing and other improvements will provide a 4-percent increase in fuel economy, a 10-percent increase in horsepower and an 8-percent increase in torque. The Hemi's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel, will operate more often. The Hemi will make 380 hp, up from 345 horses in the 2008 models. Dodge says it will be able to motivate the Ram from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.

Like the 2008 models, the 2009 Dodge Ram will be offered with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 and a 310-hp 4.7-liter V8 that can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol. A five-speed automatic transmission will be standard with the Hemi and optional with the 4.7. A four-speed automatic will be optional for the V6, and a six-speed manual will be standard with the V6 and 4.7.

Dodge says a two-mode hybrid powertrain is coming in 2010 and a diesel engine will offered some time after 2009.

Five trim levels, three bed styles, and three cab configurations will be available, including Dodge's first-ever Crew Cab. The trim levels will start with the ST and progress through SLT, TRX, Sport and topline Laramie. The two-door regular cab will be offered with a 6-foot, 4-inch short bed or an 8-foot long bed. The four-door Quad Cab will have rear access doors and the 6-foot, 4-inch bed. The four-door Crew Cab will have four regular doors and come with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. The Mega Cab, with almost two feet of extra rear seat space, will no longer be offered. Regular cabs will seat three, while the other body styles will seat up to six with a second-row bench seat.

Dodge will offer its Crew Cabs with a new RamBox storage system. It includes 4.3 cubic feet of weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, and drainable storage space in each bed rail. RamBox will also include a bed extender and a cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats.