Dodge Ram 1500 (2009)

Overview:

One truck in particular caught our eye the 2009 Dodge Ram. Believe me when I say that this ain’t yo daddies 1500. The exterior has some significant yet subtle changes that improve the looks and add functionality. Optional two-tone paint adds a nice touch, as do the extra chome accents on the door handles and mirrors. Dodge has also revolutionized the truckbed with toolboxes that are integrated into the sides of the bed. The RamBox Storage System is paint-matched, lockable, weatherproof, drainable and illuminated for the ultimate style, utility and convenience. The addition of chrome-tipped dual exhaust system integrated into the rear bumper finishes off the rear end nicely. Not only has Dodge redesigned the Ram on the outside, but it’s all new on the inside too.

Performance/Specifications:

• Auxiliary oil cooler

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• 4,701 cc 4.7 liters V 8 front engine with 93.0 mm bore, 86.5 mm stroke, 9.8 compression
  
• ratio, overhead cam and two valves per cylinder EVE.
  
• Unleaded fuel 87
  
• Multi-point injection fuel system.
  
• 32.0 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 26.6
  
• Power: 231 kW , 310 HP SAE @ 5,650 rpm; 330 ft lb , 447 Nm @ 3,950 rpm.

The standard engine on the two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram regular and Quad cabs is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 215 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy is a meager 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 3,800 pounds. The standard engine on the four-wheel-drive Ram ST and all SLT models is a 4.7-liter V8 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Output is a healthy 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, while fuel economy with 2WD is 14/19/15 mpg (4WD drops it by 1 mpg). Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 7,600 pounds. Standard on the Laramie trim and optional on the SLT is a 5.7-liter V8 with a five-speed auto and cylinder deactivation technology. Output is 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with 2WD is 14/20/16 mpg (4WD is 1 mpg less). In performance testing, a 4WD Hemi-powered Crew Cab model went from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 9,100 pounds. More interior options like heated and cooled front seats and a 7.1 surround sound system that will rock whatever you load up in the integrated multimedia and navigation system. The nav system, dubbed uConnect, has a slew of new features including bluetooth, wifi, integrated Sirius Satellite radio and a 30 gigabyte hard drive. The all-new dash board looks both clean and functional; dual glove compartments give ample storage room while stitching accents the instrument panel. The Ram Crew cab is even more spacious in the rear with innovative “store in the floor” bins that have removable liners for easy cleaning. Dodge has stuck with the 5.7-liter hemi for the top-o-the-line power plant, but you can also get a 4.7-liter flex fuel V8 or a 3.7-liter V6. The rear suspension has been given new coil springs and a mulit-link design to maximize towing capacity without sacrificing ride quality. I’d suggest taking a look at the RamChallenge to find out how much more capable the horned beast has become… plus it’s pretty entertaining to watch.