ShareThisWhat is the future of full-size pickup trucks?Two words: coil springs.Creators of the new 2009 Dodge Ram are again threatening to "change the game" by redefining the chief characteristics of a pickup, starting with the suspension.For generations, pickups have always supported their cargo boxes with leaf springs, those long ribbons of steel that run lengthwise with the truck's body, bending like an archer's bow and flattening out under a load.Leaf springs can support tremendous weight. But in an unloaded pickup, they make the back end extremely springy, causing the rear-drive vehicles to hop excessively and fishtail if you hit a bump while making a turn.Coil springs, on the other hand, like those used on cars, provide a smoother ride and keep the tires planted more firmly on the pavement. The 2009 Ram is the first full-size pickup (actually, it's probably the first pickup, period) to ride on a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs."You're no longer held hostage by those leaf springs," said Bill Bialek, Dodge Truck product engineer. "You're able to lean into corners more than you were with leaf springs, with no sacrifice in payload at all."So, if coil springs are preferable, why have trucks always used leaf springs? Aren't leaf springs more rugged?"I think leaf springs were used because they had always been used and they were cheaper," said Bialek, who has worked on development of the truck for the past four years. "We've tested this truck in all kinds of conditions, with extreme loads and pulling trailers, and we've seen nothing to alert us that this was a mistake."As advertised, the ride and handling of the new Ram is unusually deft, contributing to a level of comfort that Bialek compares to a luxury car. No argument from this driver.With the truck market in such a slump over fuel prices that Ford delayed the introduction of its best-selling F-Series pickup, Dodge sees an opportunity to get ahead of the pack with its fourth-generation Ram, boasting one of the most significant revisions of the vehicle since the 1994 design that introduced the bold, chrome crosshair grille.The changes include a more aerodynamic design to reduce fuel consumption, an entirely new interior that will serve as a template for all Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, innovations in managing cargo and the clever compartmentalization that Chrysler designers have become known for."I don't think there was anything that was untouched," Bialek said.The new generation introduces Ram's first crew cab with a full-size back seat area, making the Ram a viable family vehicle, as well as a versatile work truck. Crew cab accounts for nearly 50 percent of the truck market.Another major innovation is the optional wi-fi system that allows you to surf the Net on your laptop, making this truck an exceptionally serviceable mobile work station.Versatility comes from the new RamBox cargo management system available on the crew cab, which features weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into bed rails, a sturdy plastic device that serves as a pickup bed divider or 2-foot bed extender. The package also includes a cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats.The RamBox also includes lockable storage bins on the sides of the truck bed that can hold tools, groceries or up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages. And you can ice the beverages, because the rubber-lined bins come with a simple drain plug.Power remains the non-negotiable price of entry in the full-size pickup market, and Ram continues to offer a great series of choices, topped by the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces 390 horsepower and 407 foot-pounds of torque. This is a very fast truck, zooming from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Fuel economy is not too egregious at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway for an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,844.The 4.7-liter V8 cranks 310 horses and 330 foot-pounds of torque, while the 3.7-liter V6 generates 215 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. Only automatic transmissions are offered in four or five-speed, with rear-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts.The 2009 Ram is available in three cab configurations, five trim levels and a broad series of option packages, beginning at $22,170 for regular cab models, $26,225 for Quad Cab models and $32,530 for Ram Crew 1500 models. Prices include $900 for destination.I drove the Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab that was base priced at $40,020, with an option-laden bottom line of $42,420. While people who don't really need trucks may be staying away from dealerships, those who really do need one will be impressed by the new Ram's capabilities."It's a challenging time to introduce an all-new light-duty pickup, but Dodge never backs down from a challenge," said Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing and Communications. "With more standard features and a lower MSRP than 2008 models, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram gives consumers thousands of dollars more in value." WHAT'S NEW: Complete revision of model for fourth generation.PLUSES: Performance, versatility, comfort, standard features, styling.MINUSES: Fuel economy.BOTTOM LINE: Yes, it's a game changer.(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
2009 Dodge Ram springs into action
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