2009 DODGE New Truck Model Guide

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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 that's all-new for 2009 with a crew-size cab and huge new HEMI V8 engine. Heavy-duty Ram trucks in two weight classes pack big engines for torque-heavy towing muscle, and Dodge's mid-size Dakota pickup brings a new model.

Ram 1500
Dodge rolls out a new generation of designs for Ram 1500 (half-ton) pickups conformed with a regular cab, Quad Cab or crew-size cab, three box lengths and two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. Ram's strongest engine is new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 390 hp with a multi-displacement system (MDS), which switches to fuel-saving four-cylinder mode when all of that power is not needed. A flex-fuel (E85-compatible) 4.7-liter V8 pushes 310 hp, while a 3.7-liter V6 makes 215 hp. Ram 1500 for 2009 offers trim levels of ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and the line-capper Laramie.

Ram 2500 / 3500
The label "Heavy Duty" applies to this series of big and powerful work trucks for the upward expansion of Dodge's line of Ram trucks. 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 versions. Standard engine is the new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 netting 355 hp. A clean Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel develops 350 hp and 610 lb-ft of low-end torque.

Ram Power Wagon
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 Quad Cab with the powerful 5.7-liter 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 by electronic means. The undercarriage carries steel skid plates to shield the steering damper, transfer case and fuel tank from off-road bumps. And there are massive tow hooks up front, plus a Warn winch.

Ram Mega Cab
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 2500 and 3500 classes with trims of SXT, SLT and Laramie. Engines extend to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel with 350 hp.

Dakota
Mid-size Dakota, sized one step below Ram 1500, has new trim designations for 2009: ST, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), TRX4 and Laramie. The series encompasses two cab styles, 2WD or 4WD traction and two powertrain choices. Top plant is a flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8, which achieves 302 hp. Dakota's Extended 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. The cab's revised center console contains new Crate 'n Go collapsible and removable containers.

For more information, visit Dodge trucks.