2009 Dodge Ram R/T

[buickgnx88]

http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/2009/dodge/ram/rt/introducing-the-dodge-ram-1500-rt.html

Chrysler debuted its all-new performance-oriented 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 R/T model recently, promising the short-box, two-wheel-drive hauler with a 390-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 would go from zero to 60 in just under 6 seconds.

Instead of a supercharger, the 5-speed AutoStick Ram R/T uses a "loose" torque converter for its strong off-the-line performance, delivering the Hemi's peak 407 pounds-feet of torque to the rear wheels faster than a standard torque converter.

No pricing was announced for the R/T model. We can't wait to get our hands on it for a drive later this year.

There's also a special dual exhaust system with a richer sound and freer flowing pipes. It would be interesting to see how it sells now that Ford and Chevy don't have their performance models anymore (save for the Saleen and supercharged Harley F-150's).

 

[YSSMAN]

The big question:

Does it come with a stick?

Still, its cool. Minus the GIANT R/T badge. Thats just annoying...

 

[Jim Prower]

No, I don't think it does. Aw, well, I hope the HD model will still offer a stick...

I'm hoping this Torque Converter will cause no further problems with the tranny than Dodge already has with 'em. Ask Nissan what happens to a transmission when you launch it harder than intended.

 

[gator of kana]

I saw that car on TV on the Detroit Motorshow, I have to say it looks different from other trucks. I don't really see anything wrong with a Ram so I think it's okay

 

[Philly]

"Loose" torque converter? I'll pass.

Still, its cool. Minus the GIANT R/T badge. Thats just annoying...

I'm surprised they don't have a huge one on the back for the most severe cases of short man syndrome. That said, this new RAM looks even less ready to be a sports car than most trucks.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

My question is... How much higher is the stall speed?

EDIT: Philly: A "loose" converter just means it allows more slip when not in lockup, which makes for a higher stall speed, and that in turn helps launch massively.

 

[Tornado]

I think its fun because the progenitor of over-the-top big rig styling is now the most tasteful one in the entire segment. Also loving the power that the Hemi and Powertech now put out.
I'd say the RAM is definitely the best one overall (at least as a transportation device. Not necessarily as a work truck), so if Chrysler can do the same turn around with their cars then they will be in business.

 

[Philly]

EDIT: Philly: A "loose" converter just means it allows more slip when not in lockup, which makes for a higher stall speed, and that in turn helps launch massively.

That's what I thought. I just personally prefer the feeling of lockup and having the engine directly connected to the wheels instead of having all that slip and revs not necessarily matching the vehicle speed.

 

[niky]

The big question is... have they uprated the transmission cooler to go with that racing converter? And does it have variable lock-up? Meaning, say, if you were in traffic, would it still free-wheel, or lock-up, minimizing heat build-up and sluggishness.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

They've probably got it set up to lock up as soon as possible under light load just to cut their losses.

Also I doubt it's any higher than about 2200rpm stall.

 

[Venom800tt]

That is hot...
Reminds me a LOT of my dad's truck though (a 2006 Ram 1500 "Night Runner")

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I like this Ram with the Mopar package:

-> I wonder how will it fare compared to the Tundra SR5 5.7?

-> Or, the Silverado with a newly featured 6.0L V8.

 

[JacoJa]

I swear that Ram R/T could pass as a 10-year-old design.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'll take a Colorado ZQ8 if we're talking "sport trucks." Its a damn-shame they decided to ditch the stick option.

 

[buickgnx88]

Well the ZQ8 is only with the V8, so naturally no stick option.

 

[Tornado]

But then...you have to get a Colorado (and I'd want a regular cab anyways)...
Besides, I *think* the Frontier with the big 4.0L might be faster.

How much is this Ram supposed to cost, anyways? I know the cheapest Tundra you can get with the 5.7 is pretty close to 30 grand, but that's just because the Toyota build sheet doesn't seem to let you get one without 4WD and a crew cab.

 

[buickgnx88]

Oh yeah, the Frontier Pro-4X doesn't come with a stick anymore either!

Anywho they didn't say a cost yet. Since it's a regular cab, it's most likely going to be based off the SLT. A regular cab 2WD SLT is about $25,500, and the 5.7 adds about $1300 bucks. If I were to guess, probably between 28 and 30 grand, depending what else is in the package.

 

[TheBook]

Chrysler needs the money, so they'd probably throw some huge markup in there somewhere. I'd say $40K-ish for it.

My reasoning: nobody on a fairly tight budget or needs to actually haul anything will be looking for a sport truck; anyone who wants to buy one of these will probably be willing to spend the money for it. (I may be way off on this, but... )

 

[YSSMAN]

But then...you have to get a Colorado (and I'd want a regular cab anyways)...
Besides, I *think* the Frontier with the big 4.0L might be faster.

Probably right. Which makes me wish that they'd get around to making an SS model with the LS3, but that won't happen.

Although, I have a terrible secret deep inside my soul...

I actually want a real, brand-new Toyota.

 

[buickgnx88]

IMO the Tacoma is the best mid-size pickup on the market. The stick is available on both the 4-cyl and V6, and there are plenty of bodystyles/trim levels. And of course the X-Runner is the only sport pickup available with a stick.

 

[Philly]

Ah yes, the Tacoma. The only modern Toyota I would consider buying, and one that I would quite like to own. It is a sweet truck in every form, from the lifted quad cabs to the one Brad posted.

 

[JCE]

I like the way the new Ram looks, and I like the power output. I still hate the interior...

 

[Tornado]

How come? Its been getting nothing but praise in everything I've read.

 

[Jay]

I'll take a Colorado ZQ8 if we're talking "sport trucks." Its a damn-shame they decided to ditch the stick option.

Speaking of Colarado, Holden renamed it's Holden Rodeo (Isuzu) to Holden Colorado with the new version (Still Isuzu), not sure why they changed names.

 

[Venom800tt]

I like the way the new Ram looks, and I like the power output. I still hate the interior...

I thought it looked quite nice (both interior and exterior) from what I saw at the car show late last year...
HUGE step up over my dad's 2006 Ram 1500...

 

[Tornado]

For reference:

Teh Suck.




Teh Win.

 

[Omnis]

Yeah but that's like comparing a burn victim and a leper.

 

[gator of kana]

The interior is so so to me on the new Ram, mostly because of that fake wood in the center. It would make me feel like I'm in an old fashion truck when it's actually new

 

[YSSMAN]

I wouldn't exactly use the Tundra as a benchmark...

Which reminds me:

WHERE THE HELL IS THAT FILING CABINET I WAS PROMISED, TOYOTA?

 

[Tornado]

I almost like the Ford interior more, though, simply because of how out of left field it is.