2008 Dodge Ram 1500

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Offers Power, Technology, Looks and Utility in a Versatile Package

With its bold styling, HEMI® power, superior ride and handling, safety features and long list of creature comforts, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 is many things to many people. And headlining the list of its finer points is a pair of innovative V-8 powerplants: an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 that produces more horsepower and torque with better fuel economy and refinement than the engine it replaces; and the V-8 that offers the first-ever fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation technology offered on a pickup truck.

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's new 4.7-liter V-8 produces 310 horsepower (231 kW), a 31-percent increase, and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, a 10-percent increase, while at the same time using less fuel and providing smoother operation. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 produces 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. (508 N•m) of torque and is equipped with the Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) that provides up to 20-percent fuel savings – a first for any pickup in the market.

'Truck owners want a capable vehicle with a lot of different dimensions,' said Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. 'They want a powerful, durable, well-built, comfortable truck that rides well and can haul cargo and tow. The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 exceeds in each one of these categories.'

Making an indelible first impression with its bold, unmistakable styling, the 2008 Dodge Ram goes on to impress with its toughness, refinement, capability, safety, comfort and power. With scores of powertrain, chassis, interior and equipment choices, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 offers a configuration for anyone.

DesignThe 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's hallmark design feature, its fully chromed, 'crosshair' grille, bridges between a subtly creased hood and sculpted front bumper, and is flanked by the Ram's signature broad-shouldered front fenders.

Round halogen headlamps that provide optimal light intensity and beam spectrum are set within angular bezels, creating a contrast that is as eye-catching as it is functional. Whether in short-box, long-box, single-cab or Quad Cab® configuration, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's design communicates power and capability.

A new available interior finish, Dark Maple Burl wood grain, accents the instrument panel and doors. Interior surfaces on the instrument panel, console and door panels are sculpted for comfort and convenience, and are designed to include many handy storage compartments.

Engineering

Refinement improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new valve-lash adjuster system.

With the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, Dodge Ram 1500 features the first-ever fully functioning cylinder-deactivation system – MDS – on a pickup truck. The HEMI V-8 engine can transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds – quicker than the blink of an eye. Improved fuel economy is realized without any change in customer experience, as drivers receive the benefit of MDS without changing their driving habits. Customers will experience fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under certain driving conditions.

Depending on the Ram 1500 model, both the 4.7-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V-8s are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Standard engine for selected 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4x2 models is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6, producing 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500's frame is hydroformed and fully boxed, and carries durable and capable suspension setups front and rear. In the front, all 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks feature a double-wishbone configuration with coil-over monotube shock absorbers. The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension uses leaf springs that reduce wheel hop and deliver confident handling when fully loaded.

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 models are equipped with a front-axle-disconnect system, designed to disengage the front driveshaft when operating in two-wheel drive. This minimizes the front-drive system's wear and energy consumption and improves fuel economy.

The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 also features reduce-drag brake calipers, low-rolling resistance tires and a rear liftgate-mounted spoiler to improve vehicle aerodynamics.

Inside, Dodge Ram 1500 interiors are available in a variety of materials ranging from Yes Essentials® seat fabric – stain resistant, odor resistant and anti-static – to two-tone leather. Standard on some models are 40/20/40 split bench front seats, while on others, bucket seats come standard. Rear seating in Quad Cab models is available with split bench seating.

In addition, Dodge Ram 1500 also offers optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP), remote start, power-sliding rear window, full-screen navigation radio and a DVD entertainment system.

Product Highlights


Flexible, fuel-saving technologies
• New 4.7-liter V-8 engine is capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
• The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the HEMI V-8 engine features the first-ever cylinder-deactivation system – Multi-displacement System – on a pickup truck, providing up to 20-percent in fuel economy savings
• Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 models are equipped with a front-axle-disconnect system, designed to disengage the front-axle drive shaft when operating in two-wheel drive. This minimizes the front-drive system's energy consumption and improves fuel economy
• The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 also features reduce-drag brake calipers and a rear spoiler to improve vehicle aerodynamics

Superior ride and handling
• The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 uses a double-wishbone front suspension configuration with monotube shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are mounted inside the coil spring, enabling four-wheel-drive models to benefit from the coil spring's added tuning characteristics
• Dodge Ram 1500 features precisely tuned springs, jounce bumpers and suspension bushings – subtle details that perfect the vehicle's driving dynamics

Quiet cabin
• Body mounts on the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 serve to isolate the passenger compartment from vibrations that reach the frame
• Thick front-door glass, robust door seals and extensive use of Polymer Constraint Layer reduce road noise and resonance between the engine and cabin

Powerful engine lineup
• The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine provides best-in-class 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. (509 N•m) of torque
• With 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, the 4.7-liter V-8 engine offers more power, better fuel economy and increased refinement, while giving customers the choice of E85 fuel
• The fuel-efficient 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine is standard on two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500 regular cabs and two-wheel-drive Quad Cabs® with the standard bed configuration. The 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 delivers 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque

Bold Dodge Ram design
• Dodge Ram's distinguished and bold 'big rig' design features a chromed crosshair grille with surround collar and distinctive headlamps for a robust and chiseled front-end appearance

Model Lineup

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ST
Standard Features
• 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine (4x2 models)
• 4.7-liter V-8 engine (4x4 models)
• Six-speed manual transmission (with 3.7-liter V-6)
• Five-speed automatic transmission (with 4.7-liter V-8)
• Heavy-duty engine cooling (with 5.7-liter engine)
• Four-wheel disc brakes with rear-wheel ABS
• Four-wheel-drive electric-shift transfer case (on 4x4 models)
• 17-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare tire
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Heavy-duty vinyl floor covering
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Vinyl 40/20/40 split bench front seat
• Folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models)
• Tilt-steering column
• Manual windows
• Fixed rear window
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
Optional Equipment
• Engine block heater
• Power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only)
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Power, heated, folding mirrors
• Bedliner
• Black lower bodyside moldings
• Two-tone exterior paint
• Front hood protection shield
• 3.92 axle ratio
• Anti-spin rear differential
• 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels
• Tip Start
• SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
• Speed control
• Sliding rear window
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 SXT
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram ST, the Ram SXT adds/replaces the following:
• Four-wheel disc brakes with rear-wheel ABS
• Four-wheel-drive electric-shift transfer case (on 4x4 models)
• 17-inch steel wheels and a full-size spare tire
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Heavy-duty vinyl floor covering
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Cloth 40/20/40 split bench front seat
• Folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models)
• Active turn signals
• Tilt steering column
• Remote keyless entry
• Manual windows
• Fixed rear window
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Ram ST, the Ram SXT adds/replaces the following:
• Engine block heater
• Power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only)
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Power, heated, folding mirrors
• Bedliner
• Black lower bodyside moldings
• Two-tone exterior paint
• Front hood protection shield
• 3.92 axle ratio
• Anti-spin rear differential
• 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels
• Tip Start
• SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
• Speed control
• Sliding rear window
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram SXT, the Ram SLT adds/replaces the following:
Standard Features
• 4.7-liter FFV V-8 engine
• Cloth 40/20/40 split-bench seat
• Carpet floor covering
• Floor mats
• Overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass
• Speed control
• Power windows, door locks and heated mirrors
• Remote keyless entry
• 17-inch painted aluminum wheels (20-inch painted aluminum wheels on Lone Star and Big Horn Quad Cab short-bed models)
Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Ram SXT, the Ram SLT adds/replaces the following:
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• On-demand transfer case (4x4 models)
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Infinity® speaker system
• Navigation radio
• SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
• ÚConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® technology
• Low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery
• Six-way power driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic dimming rearview mirror
• Rear-window defroster
• 20-inch aluminum wheels

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram ST, the Ram SLT adds/replaces the following:
Standard Features
• Bodyside chromed trim
• Dual-zone climate control
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Four-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes
• Security alarm
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
Optional Equipment
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Infinity speaker system
• Navigation radio
• SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
• ÚConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth™ technology
• Bucket seats with leather upholstery
• Six-way power driver seat
• 20-inch aluminum wheels

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport
Standard Features
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Únique bucket seats
• Body-color fascia and grille
• Fog lamps
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
Optional Equipment
• Same optional equipment offered for the Dodge Ram SLT

Safety and Security
Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following features:
• Advanced Multi-stage Driver and Front-passenger Air Bags
• All-speed Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child-protection Rear Door Locks
• Crumple Zones
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Head Restraints
• Height-adjustable, Three-point Seat Belts and Constant-force Retractors with Pretensioners (Front Seats)
• Hill Start Assist
• HomeLink® Úniversal Home Security System Transceiver
• Hydroformed, Fully Boxed Frame
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Quad Cab)
• Passenger Air Bag On-off Switch (Regular Cab)
• Power Adjustable Pedals (Available with Manual and Automatic Transmissions)
• Power Door Locks with Rolling Lock Engagement
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System
• ÚConnect® Hands-free Communication System

Color Availability
• Bright White
• Detonator Yellow
• Sunburst Orange
• Atlantic Blue
• Black
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Flame Red
• Inferno Red
• Light Khaki Metallic
• Mineral Gray Metallic
• Patriot Blue

Manufacturing Information
• 2008 model year production start: July 2007
• Production locations: Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Mich., and St. Louis North Assembly Plant in Fenton, Mo.
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
• 4.7-liter V-8 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Plant 1 in Detroit
• 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine: Indianapolis Foundry in Indianapolis
• Five-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission I in Indianapolis
• Four-speed automatic transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.
• Six-speed manual transmission: Sao Bernardo do Campo plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Market Position
The 2008 Dodge Ram makes a powerful statement by combining big HEMI power with fuel-saving MDS technology, while providing superior ride and comfort.

Dodge Ram 1500 leads the way by offering all the performance, capability and reliability for truck buyers who live life on their own terms. Ram also supplies a level of innovation not found in any other pickup truck on the market.

Demographics
• Gender: 85 percent male
• Median Age: 49
• Median Annual Household Income: $65,000
• Education: College
• Household: 73 percent married

Market Advantages
• Dodge Ram 1500 delivers bold styling and the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – the only pickup truck on the market that features a fully functioning cylinder-deactivation system, called Multi-displacement System
• Equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Ram 1500's Gross Combined Weight Rating is an impressive 14,000 lbs., and its Gross Trailer Weight Rating is 9,200 lbs.
• New 4.7-liter V-8 offers 310 horsepower (31 percent increase) and 330 lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent increase), plus improved fuel economy and increased refinement, while retaining its ability to run on E85 fuel as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
• Both Dodge Ram Quad Cab and regular cab models feature innovative designs that take comfort and convenience to a new level in the full-size pickup segment. Both feature excellent head, shoulder, leg and hip room
• The Dodge Ram regular cab provides comfort and substantial behind-the-seat storage. The Dodge Ram Quad Cab models boast four standard doors and 60-40 folding rear seats that ensure passengers and gear fit in the back at the same time

Source - Dodge