There is an optional turbo-diesel I6 engine also available which puts out 350 bhp at 3500rpm. The drive-train layout is a typical RWD or a 4WD. The ladder frame chassis is borrowed from its previously released versions and given additional strength, which means it, is bloody strong. The same coil/live leaf springs are used in the suspension system for the RWD and 4WD, while ventilated disc brakes were used in the braking department.

The outside skin shares a striking resemblance to all de previous Rams. the tail gate has been redesigned to reduce drag and a new tailgate assist feature allows lowering the tailgate with one hand. The Ram HD is available as a regular cab; crew cab and mega cab. So there will be no trouble to choose one to suit your requirements. The interiors haven’t changed much either, you still have all the features of the 2009 model like the revamped dash with a all new center console integrated with knobs and buttons, there also is a 30GB hard disk, a much bigger navigational screen; a Sirius Backseat TV having three channels and  a 10-speaker surround-sound package. The New Ram HD’s will also feature dual glove boxes, upper and lower center console as well as an arm rest; two in-floor storage coolers (available for Crew Cab models only).

Now, to the whole point of the HD Ram, it is capable of lugging around 6000-7000lb and could pull a good 9000-18,500 lb. so you can fill it up with boulders, logs or attach your house to it and drive around the whole country. Another feature included is the integrated trailer brake controller which is placed on the left side of the steering column. The controller can communicate all information to the driver through the gauge cluster information center right between the speedometer and tachometer. The others include a front and rear electronic lockers, push-button anti-roll bar disconnects, a monster front winch, 4.56:1 gears, and big wheels with BFG tires.

All in all , I have to say, there is not much differences from the previous Rams, it works as good they do and performs is decent. The only thing to be seen is, if dodge has managed to meet the fuel- emission norms, other than that, I can’t cook up a good reason as to why you shouldn’t get one. Pricing of the new ram has not yet been confirmed, but you can expect it to retail around $27,000-$50,000 .

Apart from the engine which we will dive into  in a minute, dodge will be the first in the pick-up truck line to use coil springs instead of the traditional leaf-springs. The all new live-axle design and more tune-able coil springs are supposed to give drivers a more city-like driving experience. Dodge seemed to have more focus on driver compatibility on a day-to- day basis  rather than on the max-payload or max-towing for that matter. There will be  certain models that’ll be more than capable of carrying loads up to 1800 lbs and towing a 9000 lbs trailer. The coil-spring suspension weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring setup of comparable size and allowed Dodge add some fresh new features.

The new Ram is available in three engine varieties: the 3.7-liter V-6, available only on the 4×2 regular cab and Quad Cab models; the 4.7-liter V-8, available across the board with a five-speed automatic transmission; and the 5.7-liter Hemi, also available with the five-speed automatic. Dodge have made numerous changes to the mechanical & software of the HEMI.

The brand new variable valve timing technology permitted Dodge tuners to use a higher compression rating and a more aggressive multi-displacement system program. They are also using a  spanking new cylinder head, an active intake manifold as well as a less limiting exhaust. This means that the 2009 Dodge Rams will get 10 percent boost in horsepower i.e.  a full 380 bhp from 345bhp, an additional eight percent torque of 404nm from the old 375nm and an estimated four-percent increment in fuel efficiency. Plus, the five-speed automatic transmission gives an optional floor-mounted automatic shifter. There’s no announcement  on a new SRT version, but Dodge is offering a Sport package and may try to make the 6.1 Hemi work.

The interior  were all cranked up too. Majority of the truck’s budget was focused on spending inside the cab; specially on the choice of materials and design layout. This is apparent when you see the new gauge clusters and the center stack. Gone are the angular borders and blocks from the older generation Rams. It is replaced with an organic look and furniture-esque materials. The gated, center-console-mounted sport shifter replaces the column unit except on the work-truck models, and even the front and rear seats are all improved. Some other cool features  include the Floormounted tranny shifter, in-floor storage for Crew Cab, RamBox, aviation-grip shifter.

All these new features have helped give dodge an edge to stay ahead  of the competition but you will be vastly disappointed if you expect it to behave like its predecessor. All in all, it still makes a very good pick-up. For the guys who need to haul huge loads, there is always the Ram HD. So Dodge seem to have thought things through.