In February, Dodge fans slipped their anticipation into high gear as they awaited the arrival of the 2010 Dodge Ram commercial grade of working class trucks.
Amid growing economic concerns and controversial financial bailout plans, Chrysler still pulled off its signature crowd pleaser with its repertoire of immense, ready-to-roar trucks.
At the Chicago Auto Show, Chrysler rolled out its "New Crew" of Dodge Ram Chassis Cabs, featuring increased leg room, new exterior styling with a chromed lean-forward grille and an all-new optional integrated trailer brake controller.
The new Dodge Ram Series 3500, 4500 and 5500 up the ante for commercial truck manufacturers, as Dodge touted the new rides as the "ultimate" in chassis cabs, which "set the new commercial standard." The Ram Heavy Duty 3500 is power-packed with muscle, too. It'll pull 18,500 lbs. and a payload of 5,110 lbs, according to specs.
Yes, it may be a work truck, but Dodge caters to the thrill seekers living inside the commercial-minded set by rolling out an increased throttle and acceleration response, and an upswing in GVRW (on the 3500). With a combination of upfit-friendly designs and its superior Powertrains, the Ram aims to please. Here's a sampling of what the new beasts have to offer.
5.7 Liter Hemi Eagle on 2500 Series and 6.7-Liter High
Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 on 3500 Series
400lb.-ft. Torque 2500 series and 650 lb.-ft Torque on
the 3500 Series
Ram Crew Cab 2WD Short Bed has 3,380 Payload,
and 10,100 GVWR Towing
The 2010 Ram has 25 separate safety/security features like crumple zones, and a Sentry Key engine immobilizer to keep you and your ride out of trouble.
These bad boys also have the new feature of transmissions with an "Electronic Range Select." The element puts the control directly into its driver's hands, with manual up and downshifts depending on terrain and speed. There's also the option of the integrated trailer brake control, another increase in towing controllability. Each model in the series also has distinct body style allowing bystanders to differentiate which truck you are riding in as you cruise past them. Not to mention, the increase in aerodynamic sculpting the Ram has, another factor in Chryslers move to evolve its heavy-duty truck line-up.
The Ram also boasts an increase in fuel-economy, another advancement previously overlooked in the big truck industry.
With a bundle of upgrades on its cab and interior comfort (can you say back seat and steering wheel warmers?) suspension and overall riding comfort, who says a work truck can't be tough and still have a soft, delicate side?
Feeling the urge to cave in to Chrysler's spending sirens? No worries. You'll have a few months to save up the cash; the trucks are due to arrive in the fall. If all else fails, those steering wheel warmers will keep you warm at night when the wife kicks you out for buying yet another new diesel.