2009 Dodge Ram gets a power bump

[Intrepidation]

Sure, it's not a great time to debut an all-new full-size pickup truck with sales falling fast courtesy of $4/gallon gas, but unlike Ford, which has delayed the release of its redesigned '09 F-150, the all-new 2009 Ram is coming despite fuel prices and market conditions. Pickuptrucks.com reports that the new Dodge pickup will actually be offering more power underhood than originally thought. The 5.7L HEMI V8 option will see its horsepower increase from 345 to a whopping 390, while torque goes up from 375 pound-feet to 407. It was originally thought the '09 Ram would offer 380 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque, so here we have a case of underpromising and overdelivering. The improvements in power come courtesy of variable cam timing, an active intake system, higher compression ratio, improved airflow and a reworked Multiple Displacement System. And what of speculation that there would be a Ram model capable of achieving 23 mpg highway? Not in the cards says Dodge, who told Pickuptrucks.com that the most fuel efficient model would be a regular cab 4x2 with the 3.7L V6 and 3.55:1 rear axle good for around 14 city/20 highway mpg. All Ram models, however, will receive some boost in fuel economy. The fastest Ram model will also be significantly quicker than originally thought, with an R/T regular cab 4x2 sporting a 4.10 rear axle capable of hitting 60 mph in the 5-second range. With a new coil-spring rear suspension that should provide a more compliant ride without sacrificing too much towing prowess, we think the Ram may give Dodge an opportunity to pick up some market share in the full-size pickup segment, though the bad timing will almost certainly translate into lower sales overall for the truck despite its improvements.

Source: Autoblog

[CSpec]

Ouch, what a poor launch time.

[Robert Hall]

Ouch, what a poor launch time.

Yeah, and Ford has pushed their '09 F150 launch back a couple of months...I can't imagine that these are going to do well in this market, even if they are new..

[Intrepidation]

The timing really couldn't be worse, but I don't expect it to get better so it's now or never. At least it's coming to teh party full of unique features, and powerful engines.

Edited June 26, 2008 by Dodgefan

[gm4life]

The new 6.2L in the Silvy/Sierra has the Hemi beat.

[cletus8269]

dodge to toyota: "i'll see your 5.7 liter and raise you 10 hp and 6 torque" (minus bedflex of course)

Edited June 26, 2008 by cletus8269

[Intrepidation]

dodge to toyota: "i'll see your 5.7 liter and raise you 10 hp and 6 torque" (minus bedflex of course)

Minus camshaft failures, and weak tailgates as well.

Edited June 26, 2008 by Dodgefan

[Blake Noble]

You know, I'm really starting to like the appearance of the new Ram with the Sport trim level.

[Robert Hall]

I really do wonder how they are going to sell them, though...esp. if gas goes to $5 and above before the end of the year..

[FAPTurbo]

I really do wonder how they are going to sell them, though...esp. if gas goes to $5 and above before the end of the year..

b-BUT IT HAZ EMM DEE ESS TEKNOLOJEEEE!!!111!!!!11

Still, I happen to like the looks of this new Ram, but it's a shame about the timing.

[BrewSwillis]

I really do wonder how they are going to sell them, though...esp. if gas goes to $5 and above before the end of the year..

Probably the same way any other company sells a truck......to people that NEED them. Gone are the days of getting a large truck for a daily driver, when your daily drive doesn't involve pulling or hauling something.

[caddycruiser]

Probably the same way any other company sells a truck......to people that NEED them. Gone are the days of getting a large truck for a daily driver, when your daily drive doesn't involve pulling or hauling something.

Very true. LOTS of people who just had them because they liked them for daily drivers and such threw them to used lots like the plague, but there's a whole industry and business that NEEDS them. Definitely nowhere near as huge as the truck market used to be in general, but still worthy.

Then again, with the coil rear thing, as well engineered as I bet it is, might scare some truck people. Hopefully it's better done than the new minivans that don't have a design problem as much as they seem to have far underspec'd coils out back making them look saggy too quickly and--according to some reviews--just as floppy in feel. I presume the truck won't have such issues, and is certainly more rigorously tested.

That said...great power ratings and I still really like the Dodge look and even the interior. If a truck is what you need or you're just loaded and want, worth a look, like anything.

[haypops]

dodge to toyota: "i'll see your 5.7 liter and raise you 10 hp and 6 torque" (minus bedflex of course)

Toyota to Toyota: Shudda, coulda, wished we woudaa stayed with the T100.

[Z-06]

It is a good looking evolutionary design. Good with 390 hp. It seems to be the peak of the horsepower war.