Chrysler Canada: Dodge Ram Introduces "New Crew" of Ram Heavy-Duty Pickups

New 2010 Dodge 2500 and 3500: Ultimate Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks

• The New Crew: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is available for the first time in a crew-size cab model – providing Dodge Ram with a formidable entry in the highest volume part of the heavy-duty pickup segment (70 percent).
• Choice of legendary diesel- and gasoline-fueled powerplants: 

(6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 produces 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and up to 650 lb-ft. of torque at only 1,500 rpm (available on 2500, standard on 3500). The 6.7-liter meets the most stringent emission requirements and includes a segment-exclusive standard exhaust brake

(5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm and features variable-valve timing for greater efficiency and performance (standard on 2500)

• Ride greatly improved over previous generation with re-tuned suspension components
• New C-pillar with fluid-filled hydro mounts improves driving dynamics
• Handling of fully loaded vehicle greatly improved over previous generation with new suspension tuning
• Ram Heavy Duty 3500 with dual rear wheels, diesel engine, automatic transmission and 4.10 rear axle has an increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 11,113 kg (24,500 pounds) from 10,886 kg (24,000 pounds)
• Max Tow Package GCWR increases to 11,521 kg (25,400 pounds) (late availability)
• Ram Heavy Duty 3500 offers superior towing capability at 7,983 kg (17,600 pounds) and up to 8,291 kg (18,500 pounds) (late availability) and a maximum payload of 2,327 kg (5,130 pounds) (when properly equipped)
• Ram Heavy Duty 2500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) increases to 4,354 kg (9,600 pounds) from 4,082 kg (9,000 pounds), a 272 kg (600 lb.) increase on crew cab and Mega Cab 4x4 models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine
• Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 2,495 kg (5,500 pounds) on 4x4 models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine allows for more front-weight carrying capability, including greater snowplow weights
• Premium front seats with heat and ventilation; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; automatic temperature control; two-tone upholstery; memory seats, radio and mirrors; navigation; adjustable pedals and numerous infotainment options, including Uconnect Multimedia with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and an available first-in-segment 10-speaker surround-sound system
• Numerous storage options, including 2nd row in-floor storage bins (Crew Cab)
• Offered in three cab styles (regular cab, crew-size cab and Mega Cab®) and two cargo-box sizes 1.9 m (6 feet 4 inches) and 2.4 m (8 feet), single-and dual-rear-wheel configurations
• All-new integrated trailer brake controller, offered with trailer tow group, improves trailer braking and stability
• Available in six distinct trim levels – ST, SXT, SLT, Laramie, TRX / TRX4® Off-Road (2500) and Power Wagon® (2500)
• Exterior styling differentiates light-duty and heavy-duty models with unique grille, hood and bumpers
• Dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are new for 2010 and are integrated into the box stamping providing a sleek aerodynamic appearance
• More than 20 safety and security features available

The Dodge Ram brand continues to refine the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck on the planet with the introduction of the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty lineup, offering first-time innovations and features, along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability.

“This is the continuation of the reinvention of our Dodge Ram lineup,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Dodge Ram Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “During the past 5 years, Dodge has gained market share in the heavy-duty pickup segment, and to stay on that track, Dodge Ram keeps innovating. Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups will continue to build on our momentum.”

First and foremost, the new 2010 Dodge Ram is about capability. In fact, its many features—including powertrain, towing and payload capacities, driving dynamics, premium amenities and styling—truly make it the ultimate heavy-duty pickup truck.

“Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups continue to build on Dodge Ram’s leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our Ram Heavy Duty pickups reinforce Dodge Ram’s bold and powerful reputation and provide improved capability in critical areas of the segment.”

The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups incorporate some of the design cues from the Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup’s larger grille incorporates a taller hood that includes louvers on each side. Access to the front winch (on Power Wagon models) and tow hooks led to a unique front-bumper design. The new dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are now integrated into the box stamping and offer a smooth aerodynamic appearance.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty will be available in Canadian dealerships in Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab® versions in six trim levels — ST, SXT, SLT, Laramie, TRX / TRX4® Off-Road (2500) and Power Wagon® (2500) — in the first quarter of 2010.

Dodge Ram’s Heavy-duty Résumé
Dodge Ram continues its strong heritage in the heavy-duty truck market by building
on its past. Since 2003, Dodge Ram has launched new models or made improvements to its heavy-duty pickup truck lineup:
• 2003 – Launched all-new version of Ram Heavy Duty
• 2004 – Introduced diesel engine improvements
• 2005 – Introduced Dodge Ram Power Wagon
• 2006 – Introduced Dodge Ram Mega Cab
• 2008 – Introduced (2007.5 M.Y.) new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine
• 2009 – Introduced new 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine and new brake system for added brake life and improved fuel economy and new 3.42 axle ratio on diesel automatic transmission

And all-new for 2010, the Crew Cab, with either 1.9 m (6 feet 4 inches) or 2.4 m (8 feet), replaces the Quad Cab® to meet Heavy-Duty truck customer needs and focus on overall vehicle refinement and ride comfort.

Ultimate Hauling and Towing Capability
The backbone of 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups is a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension setup is used in the front of the vehicle, while the multi-leaf spring design is maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.

Customers in the heavy-duty segment have a range of needs, and most of them involve high levels of capability. The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are designed to deliver a total package:

• Increased Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on 2500 4x4 crew cab diesel models to 4,354 kg (9,600 pounds) from 4,082 kg (9,000 pounds)
• Increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) on 3500 dually models with diesel, auto transmission and 4.10 rear axle to 11,113 kg (24,500 pounds) from 10,433 kg (23,000 pounds) and up to 11,521 kg (25,400 pounds) (late availability) (when properly equipped)
• Increased GCWR on 3500 SRW 4x2 models to 10,886 kg (24,000 pounds) from 10,433 kg (23,000 pounds)
• Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on several models:
o To 2,495 kg (5,500 pounds) from 2,359 kg (5,200 pounds) on diesel 4x4 pickups
o To 2,268 kg (5,000 pounds) from 2,132 kg (4,700 pounds) on diesel 4x2 pickups

Suspension upgrades and larger front-axle U-joints, combined with increased front GAWR, result in increased front-weight carrying capability—a must for larger snowplows.

Towing capability is a strong suit of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, with the only standard exhaust brake in the segment (diesel-equipped models). This feature reduces brake fade, prolongs brake life and helps provide confidence and safety when hauling heavy loads on downhill grades. Large front (360 mm) and rear (358 mm) brake dics with integrated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) increase brake life and braking stability.

An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control in towing situations. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), which is standard on diesel models and available on 2500 gas models.

In addition, new 2010 Dodge Ram transmissions feature Electronic Range Select, which enables the driver to manually limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed. A tow/haul mode switch enhances tow capability while towing. Tow/haul mode is available with both five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions.

Other tow-friendly features include improved trailer-tow mirrors with integrated turn signals, memory function and puddle lamps. The larger 7-inch x 11-inch trailer-tow mirrors offer improved visibility with larger convex glass surfaces. Mirrors flip up and out in a vertical configuration for improved visibility around wide trailers. Trailer-tow mirrors are now standard on Dodge Ram 3500 models.

Ultimate Powertrains
In terms of power, the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty tops the charts with the available, legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and up to 650 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1,500 rpm.

The most durable and reliable engine in its class, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 features standard oil-change intervals of 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

And it’s as clean as it is durable. The Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel I-6 engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an absorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to meet stringent 2010.5 diesel emissions requirements.

Backing up the available 6.7-liter diesel engine is a choice of either a standard G56 six-speed manual transmission or an available 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual has an ultra-low first-gear ratio, which makes it ideal for heavy hauling requirements, while the six-speed automatic offers ease of driveability and towing.

The other choice for 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty customers is the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 gasoline engine (standard on 2500 only), which delivers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 was redesigned for 2009, with several new and improved technologies, including:

• Variable-valve Timing (VVT)
• Increased compression ratio
• Active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power
• Improved cylinder-head port-flow efficiency
• Reduced-restriction exhaust and induction systems

The 5.7-liter HEMI comes standard with the heavy-duty 545RFE five-speed automatic. It offers Electronic Range Select and tow-haul capability, which provide a unique shift schedule that minimizes gear hunting while towing heavy loads. It also provides automatic downshift capability while decelerating.

Two 4x4 transfer cases are available: the NV 271, a manual unit standard on ST and 2500 Power Wagon® models; and the NV273, an electric shift-on-the-fly transfer case, standard on SLT and Laramie models as well as 2500 TRX® Off-Road model.

A choice of four axle ratios are available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups, depending on equipment level: 3.42, 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56.

Ultimate Off-Road Capability
The Dodge Ram Power Wagon® returns for the 2010 model year. It is equipped with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid plate protection, a 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing and a custom-built Warn® 5,443 kg (12,000-lb). winch that is accessible through the front bumper. The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon features new exterior graphics and a lower body two-tone paint scheme.

Improved Ride Comfort
Improved suspension tuning and new fluid-filled hydromounts were added to the
C-pillar mounts on the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty to improve damping through the frame-bending mode frequency in order to better manage shake and after-shake response. The result is reduced shake and improved ride compared with the previous generation Ram Heavy Duty.

Twenty-five safety and security features
Dodge Ram employs a two-fold approach to safety: passive safety features, including pre-tensioning and load-limiting seat-belt retractors and active safety features, including responsive steering, handling and braking.

Upgraded Interiors: Ultimate Comfort, Convenience and Appearance
Inside, the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty offers abundant amenities, comfort and convenience. Many of the comfort and convenience features were first pioneered with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500.

Interior appointments include soft-feel door bolsters and armrests and one-piece molded door panels for premium comfort. Seats are redesigned with improved power lumbar and lateral support, which creates a comfortable cabin on even the longest work days. Six-ring instrumentation keeps track of vehicle functions, while many controls are arrayed in the center stack for easy access to buttons and knobs.

Other available features include two-tone upholstery with full-width contrasting stitching on the instrument panel; premium seating with heat and ventilation; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; automatic temperature control; memory seats, radio and mirrors; navigation; adjustable pedals and numerous infotainment options, including SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with one year of service provided by SIRIUS, Uconnect Multimedia with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and an available first-in-segment 10-speaker surround-sound system.

Storage is top-of-mind with many work- and leisure-oriented customers, and Dodge Ram provides many more storage locations in its new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickups.

A new-for-2010 available center console features an upper bin that is large enough to hold a laptop computer (with an accessible power outlet) and a lower bin that accommodates hanging files. In addition, the console offers several other storage compartments—room enough to store business tools and personal items.

Additional storage locations are built into the instrument panel, front and rear door panels, seat backs and even the floor. In the crew-size cab, two in-floor bins located in the rear footwells offer storage enough for 10 355ml cans. Bins have removable liners for easy cleanout. Upper and lower glove boxes provide a total of just under 13L (800 cubic inches) of storage.

Saltillo Assembly Plant
The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will be built at Chrysler Group LLC’s Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. One of the company’s most flexible plants, the Saltillo plant produces the Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab, the Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty and the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs.

The manufacturing processes in use at the Saltillo facility provide the ability to balance production with demand and enable the plant to efficiently build low-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niches. As needed, the plant can quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants. This not only allows the company to produce a high-quality product, but also to do so faster and at lower cost.

Production of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups also will be enabled by the Saltillo plant’s recent expansion, which allows the facility to manage the added complexity of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups’ chassis and suspensions, including two chassis lengths, regular, crew-size cab and Mega Cab versions, 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel models.

The Saltillo Assembly Plant has more than 1,700 employees on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group LLC manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

Dodge Ram Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, Ram offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game-changer in terms of its ability to “outsmart” and “out-tough” the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities.  The 2009 Ram 1500 was selected “Best New Pickup Truck” by AJAC.

Ram will add to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of its all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks. The new Heavy-Duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram’s leadership in the Heavy-Duty pickup segment.

Ram will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a “new crew” of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Dodge Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.