Dodge unveiled two new vehicles at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. A redesigned-for-2009 Ram made its entrance and later, the ZEO concept, which combines aggressive Dodge styling with a plug-in electric powertrain. ZEO made its debut alongside two other Chrysler Group concepts showcasing combinations of diesel, fuel cell, and electric propulsion technology. Three vehicles that, according to Chrysler, illustrate the group's ideas about both design and environmentally-responsible transportation.
2009 Dodge Ram 1500
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With competition in the large pickup class heating up, Dodge's goal for the redesigned Ram is for it to stand out from the herd, literally. Paraded out via cattle drive through the streets of downtown Detroit, the new truck gets an exterior and interior styling update that's tough outside and plush inside, more power, and more storage and towing capability for 2009.
Engine choices stay the same (a 215-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.7-liter V8, and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8) but Ram's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gets a horsepower boost from 345 to 380 horsepower and an estimated 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds. Not only does Dodge claim the boosted 5.7-liter is faster, but also more fuel efficient with a projected 4 percent increase in fuel economy.
Feeling the pressure from recently redesigned and soon-to-be-updated competitors like GM's pickups and Ford's 2009 F-150, the 2009 Dodge Ram contains 35 new or improved features versus the previous-generation Ram. A reinforced high-strength steel frame and multi-link coil spring rear suspension mean Hemi versions of the redesigned Ram can tow up to 9100 pounds, up from 8750 pounds.
Inside, Ram's upgraded interior features more comfort and convenience items like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, MyGig media system with a 30 gig hard drive, rear DVD entertainment with Sirius Backseat TV, and a rear backup camera. Cargo storage is also improved with Ram's new cargo management system. Located in the truck's bed, it contains bins for items like tools and fishing gear. The bed also features a drain for cleaning out messy equipment. Two interior backseat, "store in the floor" cargo areas are also new.
Available in ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and Laramie trim, the 2009 Dodge Ram comes as a regular cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab with three different box lengths: 8-foot for the regular cab and Quad Cab, 6-foot-4-inches for the Quad Cab, and the extended-for-2009 5-foot-7-inch box on the Crew Cab.
The 2009 Dodge Ram goes on sale this fall. Up next for Ram is the addition of a diesel model later in 2009 as well as a 2-Mode Hybrid Ram for model-year 2010.
Dodge ZEO Concept
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Combining sporty muscle car looks and lean, mean electric might is Dodge's newest concept, the ZEO electric car. Designed as Dodge's performance vehicle of the future, ZEO stands for Zero Emissions Operations. With a lithium-ion battery pack powering ZEO's 250-kilowatt motor, Dodge claims it has the ability to travel almost 250 miles on a single charge.
ZEO was built for a customer base Dodge refers to as environmentally-conscious driving enthusiasts with a need for speed. The all-aluminum coupe rides on 23-inch wheels, has a distinctive LED-lit grille and LED-trimmed interior, and scissor-style doors. It makes 250 horsepower and Dodge projects a sub-six second 0-60 time.
The 2+2 sport coupe rides on a 109.9-inch wheelbase. It measures in at 172.8-inches long, 68.6-inches wide, and 50.8-inches high. Although Dodge has no plans for a production-model ZEO, it claimed the public will see shades of all three of Chrysler's concepts in the design of future products.