Dodge Ram Breaks From the Herd

It's the kind of spectacle that could happen only in Detroit. With the street in front of the exhibition halls closed off by police, cowboys loaded bales of hay onto Dodge trucks. Then, as they maneuvered a small herd of cattle down the street, two new Rams burst through the pack.

It's all scripted, of course, except when one of the bulls made an ambitious - albeit quickly stymied - escape attempt. "He wants to get a closer look at the new truck," joked Jim Press, Chrysler co-president.

First impressions of the 2009 full-size truck are dominated by the unmistakable Ram grille's new raked-back style, and the jewel-like headlights that fit smoothly into the vehicle's sides. Quality appears impressive, with reduced exterior panel gaps; the plush interior of the upscale models on display was well-finished.

Features such as the hood swept lower at the front, redesigned door mirrors and an air dam fully integrated into the bumper, Dodge has given the Ram improved aerodynamics without taming its aggressive looks. The hood has a larger, but more tapered, power bulge, and the tailgate a small built-in spoiler, while the doors' "roll-frame" construction integrates more smoothly into the body.

Rugged body-on-frame construction is retained, but with a redesigned, lighter and stronger hydroformed frame. It also adopts all-round coil springs. More expensive than the simple leaf springs that are traditionally fitted to trucks, these offer improved body control and comfort. As Dodge points out, they are now common in heavy-duty applications, including railroad cars and semi-trucks. Press even threw one onto the pavement to prove their durability.

Inevitably there's an engine upgrade - the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 gets a significant addition in variable valve timing. Power is up 10 percent to 380 horsepower, torque is up 8 percent to 404 lb-ft, and fuel economy is up 4 percent. Other choices are a 4.7-liter 310-horsepower V8 or 3.7-liter 210-horsepower V6. A light-duty diesel will be offered in future years.

Technology abounds, with satellite video through roof-mounted screens for rear passengers, the Chrysler MyGIG entertainment system with integrated navigation and audio entertainment controls, and a rear parking camera all on the menu. Thirty safety and security features include a trailer sway control system, knee bolsters and side-curtain airbags.

A clever "RamBox" option provides lockable, weatherproof stowage boxes built into the side walls on each side of the bed. They can accommodate fishing rods, tool kits, or 240 soda cans. A bed extender/divider and load fixing rails are also included.

Chrysler - the maker of Dodge-brand vehicles, which was sold by Daimler in 2007 - was making two statements crystal clear with this impressive event. Firstly: We're serious about being a leading automaker. Secondly: The new Ram is an authentically American product with the attitude, toughness, power and capability that truck buyers can expect - and one that's good enough to take on revitalized offerings from key competitors like Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

Sales of the 2009 Dodge Ram will begin sometime in the fall.