2009 Dodge Ram
Found this
image first over at
Chrysler Weblog and shortly thereafter over at
PickupTruck.com here, and it's now up on other sites as well. It originally made its way on to the Net via
DodgeTalk.com. Since nothing is known about the image, there has been some question as to whether it is real or Photoshopped.
My gut says it's real—in fact I'm willing to bet my first-born on it, as it pretty much agrees with everything that I've read to date about the new Ram...
If you look
reeeeaaaally close, you can even see the rear fender storage pocket just above the crease on the rear fender that the '09 models have, which was first mentioned in
Straightline (
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 losing rear leaf suspension) recently. Enlarging the image in Photoshop shows the storage compartment's cut lines and release lever more clearly.
Assuming this is the real deal, Dodge could have a real hit on their hands (if the truck market improves, that is), as this is the best looking Ram (and full-size truck, period!) to date. It's rumored that the new Ram will debut at either the Detroit or Chicago auto shows.
UPDATE: As I suspected,
Autoblog (
here) is now confirming that it's legit, as the image was also posted over on the
Mopar Accessories site (
here). Not surprisingly, it's no longer available to the public. Wanna bet some
Moparian got a nasty spanking over the weekend?
It definately looks better than the old one. They brought the front end to a less cartoonish size. The bulge in the center of the hood is subtle and flows well with the rest of the design. I'm not diggin' the two tone, but I am interested in those compartments.
Butt Ugly. Purely on looks:
Sierra > Tundra > F150 > Silverado > Ram
I don't see what the big deal is. Looks like a big Dakota. I mean, it's a handsome truck, but it doesn't look much different or "better" than the current version. Upgrading the performance and features and interior will be more significant than this slightly evolved outer styling.
I agree. I don't see why people are up in arms over what is a very mild design change.
It still has to look like a Dodge Ram. Just like the new Accord or latest Camry just look like updated old models, so does the Dodge.
I want to see the interior. I always liked the outside but the interior looked cheap. Hope they came up with something new there.
Hey firstwagon, on the pic it shows rear leaf suspension unlike http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/3853
According to that story the heavy-duty models will retain the leaf-spring suspension, so maybe the image is of a 2500 or 3500.
Not bad, but nothing special either. Thankfully they left the grille as big as it was before.
Uh, no- it really *doesn't* have to look like updated old models. The new Accord was an especially bad example, as it looks nothing like the older Accords. In fact, I still get reminded most strongly of two things with the new Accord. One is the failed Saturn midsize (L300?). The other is of some recent BMWs. Both are acceptable in their own right (though neither is exciting to my eye). But the blend of the two that Honda tried to pull off is just a monstrosity of ugliness.
Back to this picture- I think it's fairly sharp. And it *does* look a LOT like all the recent Ram trucks have. But let me echo the last question- where's the IRS? (if that shot's >= 2500 series, Dodge has done some downsizing)
Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. Love the storage boxes. Maybe even better than the ones on my 07 Avalanche. Probably easier to see / access, and eat into the bedspace a bit less.
I believe the other article only said Dodge was going use coil springs, not IRS. The article writer asked which manufactor would be the first to offer IRS.
Big improvement, but then again I really don't like the current one.
I like it better than the current design. The current headlights are WAY too big, and that's saying something considering how big the truck is itself.
I agree that the truck is due for a total styling change. The current design has been in production now for 14 years. I also understand why Chrysler didn't do it right now. Heck, they're having so much trouble at the moment they may be lucky to be around in another five years. This update simply had to do.
The all new Dodge Ram is much better in terms of accessories and invovation. The styling brings nothing new to the market and i dont believe that this new design will make people say, oh look at this new dodge!" Once again, chryslers goal isnt to work completely on the design but in terms of accessories and invovation. Will this new dodge ram attrack customers to dodge?. I personaly dont think so. Good job dodge for you effort but this new ram is not going to increase sales
Well I will not be buying a new Dodge Ram if it looks like that. If I ever out-grow my Dakota I will see if I could still find there current style. Yikes!
The fact they tried to make it more aerodynamic is a good idea, Dodge Trucks are currently not known for there fuel efficiency. But, if this what the actual styling will look like I am defiantly dissatisfied. It looks as if they were copying the new Tundra design (which don't get me wrong is a nice truck), but this just doesn't live up to Dodge's "aggressive" look.
Hopefully it's practicality and new interior makes up for the exterior styling.
louiswei
There is nothing cohesive about the Tundra's design, inside or out. The only reason to buy a Tundra is the drivetrain, of which more pieces have been recalled.
rpellerin87
Do you have a newer model Dakota? My dogs lose more style in little piles all over my yard than that thing ever had. The "baby Ram" models are a bit more attractive. The new Ram is a step up, but not a huge one IMHO.
The new GM models and F-150 leave the Tundra and Ram in the dust as far as style goes still though.
Probably a legit photo. Those are the actual '09 DR headlamps.
Chrystler needs to smarten up about fuel costs. Yes they have the Durango Hybrid now but they keep putting fuel saving technologies where, they arent needed or into vehicles that are so expensive the person who buys it has so much money they dont worry about fuel.
For example, they gave the new Grand Caravan MDS. 3.7L V6. That engine already gets 20mpg. But that same engine in my Nitro suv doesnt even offer MDS and I suffer with 16MPG. They put MDS in the HEMI. But not the other V8's where it is needed!! If they got all of the Rams to get 21-22 MPG highway.... their sales would be THROUGH THE ROOF!!
Zmass, the issue with the MDS is that in a car with poor aerodynamics... the effectiveness is pretty slim on a percentage basis. If the vehicle it's in has the aerodynamics of a big brick then the system will hardly ever kick on. You see the most benefit if it is in a car that glides through the air and can actually shut down cylinders. IMO the best way to make a SUV/Truck useful and fuel effecient is with a small diesel (a la Mercedes) The new hybrid system for the tahoe and durango's look promising too. Also you might want to check your specs. The Caravan is running a 3.8 v6 and I'm pretty sure that ancient motor is not running MDS.
I Like this new ram... sure the styling is evolutionary but I liked the current styling. I've just always thought it looked more cartoonish and unbalanced. The above picture seems to be an all around balanced look and improves on the current look a bunch!!! and remember the Ram were the first to bring that big rig front end to the pick-up soon to be copied by everyone else (especially ford) so I wouldn't expect them to drop it anytime soon!
The Toyota tundra,s front end styling borrows heavily from the dodge ram you could almost stick a ram grill on it. If you don't believe me check out the sterling silver bullet here.
www.sterlingtrucks.com/SterlingBullet/
Yes the 4.0L engine has the MDS, my mistake.
Still if they can put it in one Ram 1500 why not the others??
zmass,
Your information is incorrect. The 4.0L is directly based on the 3.5 that's found in the Charger/300/Pacifica and it does not have MDS, nor does the 3.7L that's found in the Nitro, Dakota, and Liberty (The 3.7 is based on the 4.7L V-8 so it does not share anything with the 5.7). The only engine that's found in the Chrysler lineup that has MDS is the 5.7, but only in the the sedans, SUV's and 1500 Rams, not HD applications.
Not a huge styling change.
WHY, WHY, WHY can't I buy a 1/2 ton 4 door truck with a 6.5 foot bed?????
How do you open the storage boxes if you have a camper shell?
you can get the restyled titan 4 door with a 7' bed! Can't you get the 4 door f-150 also with a 5' 6.5' or 8' bed? maybe that's the ext cab i'm thinking about!
I can say that it will be better than the Toyota Tundra. I have a Toyota Tundra, and yes, My driveshaft has broken, and yes, my crank is cracked, and NO, I will not ever buy another crappy Toyota.
I'm not a Dodge fan but I think they have done a wonderful job in the powertrain dept. in recent years. The 2009 should be no exception. Hopefully the new front end is more aerodynamic to help with MPG. What I liked about the Dodge Ram from 1994 on was the unique styling. The 2009 doesn't have this. You guys are right about it looking a bit like a Tundra up front. Maybe its just me but in the side profile I see some F-150-like styling cues. At least Dodge seems to be promissing more versatility.
If this is the new look for the 2009 Ram's. Sorry to say, it's not. I have a 2006, and the look of the 2005 Ram is similar to this draft combine with a Daytona. Which makes it look like a Tundra/Ford.
I have not purchase a new truck, because I was waiting on the new 2009 Rams, and again if this is it. Sorry, I will be purchasing the Titan. I'm sure if I decide to keep my '06, I will continue to receive the compliments I receive now.
'06, Better designed and if you all combined the '06 design w/a broader design. Lift the hood towards a more forceful look w/vents on the side, and the head lights need to be a little more chic. If you change this look, you will have the best selling truck on the market, year 2009/2010.
I like it. Way better than pitiful Nissan and unreliable Toyota. On par with Ford and GM
Ram has been due for a re-vamp for a good long time. They really did something special this time around. A litte something for the people on this blog that say the redesign won't help sales....In the few days since the unvailing, I, as a dealer of Dodge, have become booked virtually solid with appointments for when this truck comes into the showroom. 2009 is an exciting year for the car industry in general.
I can't wait to see who comes out with an IRS first. I'd guess that Nissan or Toyota since the Armada and Sequoia both have indy rears and towing capacities in the 10,000lb range...
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Are we looking at the same truck here?! That truck looks angry and actually looks like a man should be driving it! Unlike the new F150 which I can't figure out what is even remotely appealing there. Seems I remember reading the "Rams styling" is taken from the Charger face ...not the Titan.
I love this new RAMs design, it is the right blend of awesome with a touch of kick ass.