| When the word "pickup" is mentioned, the | | | | three engine choices. Engine options |
| Ford F-150 is expected to cross one's | | | | include a 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8 |
| mind. The legendary F-150 has been the | | | | and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for the high-end |
| best-selling pickup for 31 years now. | | | | model. The HEMI engine generates 35 more |
| But F-150 is now facing a serious | | | | horsepower than the previous model with |
| competition in the 2009 Dodge Ram. | | | | 380. What's more, fuel efficiency of the |
| The new Ram pickup was launched at this | | | | new pickup was increased to produce a |
| year's North American International Auto | | | | more captivating version. |
| Show during the first day of press days. | | | | "This is an all-new truck. It's all-new |
| But it was not launched in the usual | | | | design. New features. All kinds of new |
| way. With a throng of American cowboys | | | | storage," said Dan Bodene, Chrysler's |
| riding on their horses alongside a herd | | | | body-on-frame specialist. "We |
| of cattle, the Ram was flaunted outside | | | | significantly upgraded the interior. One |
| the front door of the Cobo Center in | | | | of the other new features for the '09 is |
| Detroit. | | | | the coil spring rear suspension, which |
| The 2009 Ram boasts of a higher fuel | | | | is a first in the pickup segment." |
| efficiency and more horsepower. | | | | "Depending on how you option the |
| Additionally, the new pickup is equipped | | | | vehicle, you can get everything from a |
| with loads of features that other rivals | | | | AM/FM radio with CD player to Sirius |
| failed to offer. The features include | | | | backseat satellite TV," Bodene said. |
| storage bins, dubbed the Ram Box, built | | | | "There's DVD available. MyGIG |
| into the sides of its bed area. | | | | entertainment system is available. You |
| "The 2009 Dodge Ram. Boldly styled. | | | | can have almost anything you want in it. |
| Tough as nails," said Chrysler Chief | | | | We've got our signature Ram design. |
| Executive Officer Bob Nardelli at the | | | | Compared to previous trucks, we think |
| Automotive News World Congress. "First | | | | it's a little more aggressive this time |
| heated seats. New cargo management style | | | | around. A lot of features built into the |
| - the Ram Box." | | | | design have helped the aerodynamics. |
| Other auto features include heated and | | | | We've got best in class aerodynamics on |
| cooled front seats, heated rear seats, | | | | this truck. It's a .419 coefficient of |
| ventilated front seats, memory seats | | | | drag. Our previous truck was .463 in |
| with power lumbar, dual-zone climate | | | | comparison." |
| control, steering wheel, and a | | | | The 2009 Ram, which will be manufactured |
| 10-speaker surround sound audio system. | | | | in Warren, Mich. and St. Louis North |
| Aside from the enhanced Dodge truck | | | | plants, will hit showrooms this fall. |
| parts, the Ram will also be offering | | | | |