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