Caught testing in weather hotter than Hades, not even Chrysler engineers with the temperament of Cerberus (sur-ber-uhs) could stop at least a few photos of 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 mules from escaping.
These pictures show current Dodge Ram half-ton pickups running through the desert with the next-gen Ram’s front clip and improved HEMI V8. Also along for the ride, a 2007 Toyota Tundra.

Even under the heavy camouflage it’s clear that Dodge is moving away from the Ram’s trademark big rig looks in favor of better aerodynamics to help boost fuel economy. The prominent crosshair grille remains – with stronger horizontal and vertical bars and slant forward styling shared with the Dodge Charger sedan.
When it goes on sale next summer, expect to see four all-new or revised engine choices. The base 215-hp/235lb-ft 3.7-liter V6 will be replaced with the 260-hp/265lb-ft 4.0-liter V6 used in the Dodge Nitro SUV. The Ram’s current 235-hp/300lb-ft 4.7-liter V8 gets the same makeover the 2008 Dodge Dakota received, boosting power to 300-hp/330lb-ft, and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will get a bump in displacement and power from current 345-hp/375lb-ft levels. A new Cummins V8 diesel motor will also be available. Both gas and diesel V8s will use 6-speed automatic transmissions.

 

cool, definately wont buy a V8 diesel in a Half ton though.

 

the power out puts arent as high as the I-6 if i remember correctly. 340hp/450trq is the last thing i heard on them basicaly a hemi with good torque numbers

 

yeah and can you imagine how packed in there they will be it would be a frickin nightmare to work on.

 

Actually I've seen them, not to terribly bad.

They already debuted the 09 Ram 1500, its already on Dodge's website too. The body did not move drastically away from the "Big Rig" Styling. I'd buy a V-8 Diesel in the 1500, can you imagine what one of those things with an Edge tuner or whoever you want on there? Its already got a 5 link setup in the rear, so you know there will be a ton of aftermarket suspensions for it. It'll make a great drag truck platform, and a pretty stellar Off-Road platform as well, all the while getting up to 20mpgs.

 

hell ya finally, good fuel economy and power in a half-ton

 

Damn those Dodge engineers are smart, in the first pick they are gettin ready to smash that Toyota sittin there they are just linin it up to get a good shot .... i have seen the new 1500 I'm not a huge fan of the new body style but I rekon they will grow on me..... I might have to get me one of them to drive around in and get good mpg.... Maybe we'll have to see what he mrs says.

 

I want one. You would not believe the difference in my 1500 compared to my 2500 and both are 05s. The 1500 4X2 is like driving a sports car. I can only imagine what it would do with the power and torque of a diesel engine. (Of course with some tuning )

 

The mrs said i could get one in a couple years so hell yea I'm going to. I think one of those with a progammer on it wil be just down right sporty. Cant wait.

 

Nice, could definately use the diesel in a 1/2 ton...would have bought one 2 yrs ago