Dodge promotes strength and power on pickups in three sizes for the ram-horned brand. Heading the line is the full-size Ram 1500 (light-duty) truck presenting a get-out-of-my-way face. Heavy-duty Ram trucks in two weight classes pack big engines for torque-heavy towing muscle, and Dodge's mid-size Dakota pickup brings best-in-class power, torque and tow ratings.

Dodge's light-duty 1500 (half-ton) pickups offer a two-door Regular Cab or four-door Quad Cab, and both come in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. Entry issue is called ST, but there's also Sport, SLT and deluxe Laramie. In 2007 the Ram 1500 earns a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation because the 4.7-liter V8 burns gasoline or E85 ethanol or some combination of the two fuels. Ram's strongest engine is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 345 hp with a multi-displacement system (MDS) which switches to fuel-saving four-cylinder mode when all of that power is not needed.

The label "Heavy Duty" applies to this series of big and powerful work trucks for the upward expansion of Dodge's Ram truck line. The collection consists of two weight designations with 2500 (three-quarter-ton) and 3500 (one-ton) series. Cabs conform to two-door Regular Cab and four-door Quad Cab. Two transfer cases -- one with manual shifting and the other with electric shift -- go to 4WD. Standard engine is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 netting 345 hp. A new Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine appears by January with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of low-end torque.

These heavy-duty Ram work trucks have the cab removed for easy adaptation to custom installations such as flat beds, utility/service bodies, stake bodies, dry box, rancher bodies and catering applications. Standard powertrain until January will be the 5.9-liter in-line-six Cummins turbo-diesel with 325 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. In January, the series scores the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel with 650 lb-ft of torque directed through a six-speed automatic transmission.

This is not a muscle-bound SUV but a big and strong work truck rugged for 4WD forays. It's based on a heavy-duty Ram 2500 with two-door or four-door cab and the powerful HEMI V8 and 4WD armaments plus 32-inch BFG off-road tires. Power Wagon also stocks electric-locking front and rear differentials and a front sway bar that can disconnect electronically. The undercarriage carries steel skid plates to shield steering damper, transfer case and fuel tank from off-road bumps and bangs. And there are massive tow hooks up front plus Warn winch.

Mega Cab builds from a heavy-duty Ram, although the long box is replaced by a 76.3-inch regular-length box, leaving 18.7 inches of space to extend the rear wall of the cab. This cab stretch creates so much space inside that backs of rear seats recline for comfort. Rear seats also split 60/40 and fold to convert the area to a cargo compartment. Mega Cab works for Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 classes with trims of SLT and Laramie. Engines extend to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or new Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel with 350 hp.

Mid-size Dakota, sized one step below Ram 1500, achieves best-in-class power, torque and tow numbers. Dakota offers two cab styles, three powertrain options, 2WD and 4WD traction and multiple trims. The Club Cab contains two rows of seats for four and two rear-hinged access doors, while Quad Cab has four full-size doors and seat space for up to six. Top plant is a high-output Magnum V8 pumping 260 hp. Dakota's 2007 trucks stocking the 230-hp 4.7-liter V8 qualify as a FFV with E85 compatibility. A new dual-position tailgate is also aboard.