NEW FOR 2009:
– Redesigned 1500 model
– New 1500 Crew Cab replaces Mega Cab
– New 5.7-litre Hemi with variable valve timing
– New diesel engine remote start on 2500/3500 models
– Sport Appearance Group on 2500/3500 models adds 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, low-back bucket seats, six-way power driver’s seat, rear 60/40 split-folding seat, rear fold-flat steel floor storage, and instrument panel sport bezel
– Exterior colours: Light Greystone, Austin Tan, Deep Water Blue and Stone White added
For 2009, the Dodge Ram 1500 is all-new. The 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models, as well as the 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are carried over from 2008 and will be updated to match the light-duty trucks for 2010.
Changes to the 1500 include a new Crew Cab that replaces the previous Mega Cab; new option packages; features such as the RamBox Cargo Management System, which allows for covered, lockable storage inside the box sides; a new 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with variable valve timing and Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for more horsepower with improved fuel efficiency; multi-link rear suspension with coil springs; dual exhaust with bumper cut-outs; rear interior in-floor storage; and new standard or available interior items including heated steering wheel, automatic temperature control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, mirrors with integrated signals and puddle lamps, MyGIG entertainment system, rear-seat DVD system, surround-sound audio, dual glovebox, and memory seat system.
The 1500 is available with a choice of three engines: a 3.7-litre V6 with four-speed automatic, 4.7-litre flexible-fuel V8 with five-speed automatic, and 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with five-speed automatic. Both the Regular and Quad Cab can be ordered with any of the three, while the new Crew Cab uses the 4.7-litre or 5.7-litre only.
The 2500 and 3500 models also use the 5.7-litre V8 with five-speed automatic, along with an available 6.7-litre inline six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel with six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Both engines are available in the Regular, Quad and Mega Cab models, except for the Quad Power Wagon, which uses the 5.7-litre exclusively.
All cab models are available in rear- or four-wheel drive. The Ram 1500 is available in ST, SLT, Sport and Laramie trim lines. Regular Cab models come with a 6-foot-4 or 8-foot box; Quad Cab with a 6-foot-4 box; and Crew Cab with a 5-foot-7 box.
The ST uses the V6 or 4.7-litre, and includes 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, grey bumpers and upper fascia, bright grille, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability program, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 40/20/40 heavy-duty vinyl bench seat, folding rear seat, black door handles, tilt steering, automatic headlamps, CD/MP3 stereo, black vinyl floor covering, and trailer tow with four-pin wiring harness. The Quad Cab includes rear under-seat storage, and power windows, locks and mirrors.
The SLT uses the 4.7-litre and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and bumpers, body-colour upper fascia, overhead console with trip computer, Electronic Vehicle Information Centre with exterior temperature gauge and compass, keyless entry, Sirius satellite radio, colour-keyed instrument panel bezel, premium door trim with map pocket, 40/20/40-split cloth and Stain Repel seat fabric, cruise control, carpeted floor, floor mats, and passenger vinyl mirror. The Quad and Crew Cab models include B-pillar blackout tape and rear power sliding window.
The Sport uses the 5.7-litre and adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with locking nuts, body-colour front fascia, rear bumper and grille, dual exhaust, fog lamps, power multifunction mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, ten-way power cloth bucket seats with power lumbar support, halogen quad headlamps, body-colour door handles, Highline door trim panel, 115-volt outlet, and light group package. The Quad Cab adds a split rear fold-flat steel floor.
The Laramie uses the 5.7-litre and adds dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated leather seat with memory, bright grille, lower two-tone paint, fog lamps, interior woodgrain and bright accents, power-adjustable pedals, chrome power multi-function mirrors, remote starter, Surround Sound with subwoofer, MyGIG entertainment system, UConnect hands-free connectivity, security alarm, rear park assist, and deluxe door trim panels.
The 2500 and 3500 models come in ST (Regular and Quad Cab), SXT (Regular, Quad and Mega Cab), SLT (Regular, Quad and Mega Cab), Power Wagon (Quad Cab) and Laramie (Quad and Mega Cab) trim.
Features on the ST include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, CD stereo, 40/20/40 split-bench seat in heavy-duty vinyl, trailer tow harness, and variable intermittent wipers.
The SXT adds 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, bright front and rear bumpers, power locks with keyless entry, carpet floor, floor mats, power mirrors, cloth and Stain Repel fabric seats, power windows and cruise control.
The SLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, overhead console, trip computer, fog lamps, Sirius satellite radio, and sliding or power sliding rear window.
The Power Wagon is strictly a 4WD and adds electrically-locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, electronic disconnecting stabilizer bar, tow hooks, front electric winch, and wheel well flares.
The Laramie builds on the SLT and adds 17-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels (17-inch chrome-skinned steel wheels on 3500 dual-wheel model), dual-zone temperature control, garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, UConnect hands-free connectivity, heated leather power-adjustable seats, security alarm, and leather-wrapped wheel.
The restyled Ram is an evolution of the previous model, with a more slanted grille, bolder face and chunkier styling. Powertrains are unchanged, save for the revised 5.7-litre V8, but the new multi-link rear suspension improves ride quality and reduces wheel skitter on rough roads. Interior fitments take it from a bare-bones work truck, right down to its vinyl floor and seats, to a seriously luxurious heavy hauler with all the toys.
