RAM RODDING

2010 Dodge RAM Crew Cab HEMI SLT 4X2 By HARVEY SCHWARTZ It’s too bad that Dodge doesn’t have the hundreds of millions of dollars in its advertising budget, because the 2010 Dodge Ram is one hell of a pickup truck. Ever since it was redesigned and reintroduced in 1994, the Ram has been an innovator, bringing forth the third and fourth door to its lineup, along with the Hemi engine, unique storage options and a sedan-like interior.

With a plethora of new innovations this year’s model continues to impress, including sporting an increased towing capacity, a tire pressure monitoring system, and impressive handling capabilities, making it a very impressive car. Both the two-wheel-drive regular cab and the Quad Cab come standard with a 3.7 liter Magnum V6 engine producing 215 horse powers and 235 pound feet of torque.

The Ram 1500 shoves the envelope in truck design with its distinguishable and bold ‘big-rig” front fascia with an aluminum hood and large power bulge that imparts a ‘head-down, ready-to-charge’ attitude, a press release said. Needless to say, I agree with that assessment. The vehicle also features chromed front and rear bumpers and an innovative rear suspension setup with a solid axle located with multiple links and fitted with coil springs, a press release said. The Ram handles and rides like a large sedan with quick turn-in and smooth riding over bumpy roads. The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system is boosted just right for all types of driving whether on or off the road and has excellent on-center feel.

Standard safety features include front and side airbags, along with a rear-parking assist system. Options include a power sunroof, Uconnect multimedia and Uconnect navigation with real time traffic information, hands free communication, a rear seat entertainment system, heated and ventilated leather front seats with leather trimmed interior, and a 506-watt surround-sound audio system, a press release said. The interior and optional equipment makes this Ram more like a full-size premium sedan than a pickup but you can use your new Ram anyway you want because of its versatility and functionality.

The Ram starts at around $31,000, while the high-end model runs for about $6,000 more. © Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz For more information about RAM products, go to ramtrucks.com To see more of Harvey Schwartz's photography, go to autofotos.com

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2010 Dodge RAM Crew Cab HEMI SLT 4X2 Price: $31,020 as tested—$36,315 EPA mileage: 14mpg/city, 20mpg/highway Engine: 5.7 liter Hemi V8 Horsepower: 390 at 5,600 rpm Torque: 407 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm Drive configuration: Front engine/rear wheel drive Transmission: Five-speed automatic with AutoStick sequential shifting Front suspension: Independent-upper & lower ‘A’ arms, coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shocks, stabilizer bar. Rear suspension: 5-links with track bar, coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shocks, stabilizer bar, solid axle. Wheels and tires: 20X8.5in. aluminum alloy wheels, Goodyear 275/60R20in. Wrangler tires Brakes: Front- 13.2in. vented discs with dual-piston fixed calipers Rear- 13.8in. solid discs with single sliding calipers ABS Dimensions Total length: 229 inches Total width: 79.4 inches Total height: 75.1 inches Curb weight: 6,860 pounds