The "Truck of Texas" award is given at the end of a juried voting process following an event lovingly referred to as the the Texas Truck Rodeo. Ford also took home awards for "Truck-Line of Texas," "Best SUV of Texas" with the Expedition King Ranch (which we didn't even know existed), and "CUV of Texas," (apparently a fairly new category) with the Ford Flex. But that's where things stop making sense.

Considering the F-150 is, you know, full-size and all, we're still confused with how Dodge towed away the full-size award. Then, just to pour gas on the conflagration of bragging rights confusion, the Dodge RamBox was awarded "Outstanding Truck Feature." So, we have a the F-150 as the "Truck of Texas" but apparently its not full-sized enough to be awarded the "Full-size Truck of Texas," nor does it have the best feature, both awards going to the Ram. Right. They sure do things strange down there in Texas, don't they? [Detroit Free Press]

Before 2009 the 6.2-liter V8 with 403 HP, 417 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed auto was only available in the Denali and the Escalade, but the Silverado and its GMC kissing cousin, the 2009 Sierra, both get to dine at the big boys' table this year. Mated to the fully-boxed frame, choice of three different cabins and three available bed sizes, the truck offers a lot of variability. Of course a smaller V6 and a pair of smaller V8s can be had, but why? The biggest V8 burbles beneath the Silverado's hood gloriously; under load it sounds like something between cherry bomb mufflers and a factory-installed Corsa exhaust. It's not just the sound though: the bite behind the bark is a force to be reckoned with. Coupled with the 3.42 rear axle and the standard six-speed automatic, the truck pulls like a Clydesdale. The new powertrain puts the Silverado right back on top of the game, running quick strip times and hauling our test trailer without even breaking a sweat.

Chevys have always been known as workhorse trucks happy to take abuse, but up until this latest redesign, they'd also been known for terrible interiors. While nobody will mistake the new Silverado interior for a Lexus, even two years in it still has a purposeful appeal we can appreciate. The seats are comfortable, all the controls fall easily to hand and the buttons feel solid. The cabin does what it's designed to do and nothing more. Plastics are high quality and fit and finish is solid, but again, this is definitely a truck designed for work, not for toting your golf bags to the country club. Absent are macho overtones beating you over the head with their rugged product design, which is refreshing in the modern truck market.

On a road course, the Chevy rides and handles like a truck — surprise! Bouncy but not uncomfortable, smooth over bumps and heaves thanks to the long wheelbase while a bit top-heavy around corners. Riding on big Bridgestone Dueler A/T's doesn't exactly help the track performance, but you get a surprising amount of grip from the blocky tread pattern, even if they're protesting the unfair treatment the whole time. Normal and trailer braking are strong but panic braking feels extra panicky thanks to the frenetic ABS modulation. The truck has a tendency towards oversteer, but a moderate steering ratio, relative light weight for a truck, and deft control via the traction control button makes things far more entertaining on the tarmac than you'd think.

The one area in which the Silverado is showing its age is in the race for crazy storage options. It's got a nice roomy bed with a standard bed mat, but the rail clamps don't move around without tools unless you spec up to the optional cargo management system ( a very cool option to super size up to), and there are no stash boxes under the floor or in the center console. The rear seats still win in the easy-to-fold-up category, as there isn't even a latch involved: just lift the seat bottom and you have a nice, flat load floor.

In short, the Silverado is probably the most honest interpretation of the term "truck" on the market right now. It's designed to move stuff, to give you everything you need and no fluff, something worth noting in a market stuffed with gimmicks and gadgets. We're not saying gadgets aren't fun, but to a certain segment of the truck-buying population, they're just extra stuff to break down on the road. For folks looking at a straight-up tough and simple pickup with massive towing power and a well-sorted six-speed auto, the Silverado will more than satisfy.

Dodge Unleashes Game-changer Into Truck Market

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Breaks From the Herd

 All-new, bold, powerful, "get-out-of-the-way" Dodge Ram design
 New, aggressive "grille-forward" design
 First-in-segment chrome-tipped dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper
 Best-in-class aerodynamics - an estimated .422 Cd
 Dodge Ram's first-ever crew cab, giving Dodge an entry into the largest and fastest-growing part of the market. Crew cab accounts for nearly 50 percent of market
 New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 provides more horsepower (380 hp) and torque (404 lb.-ft.), with increased fuel economy (an estimated 4 percent)
 Best-in-class performance: 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds
 New interiors with premium seating, soft-touch materials, redesigned controls, floor console with shifter, and even more storage options
 More than 35 new or improved features
 Industry-first RamBox cargo management system (crew cab) includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into bed rails (a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space); pickup bed divider/2-foot bed extender; and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats
 RamBox bins hold up to 10 cases of 12-ounce beverages, or other gear for work or leisure
 First-in-segment "store in the floor" storage bins with removable liners, big enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice
 First-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats
 Heated rear seats also available
 Heated steering wheel a first for any Dodge vehicle
 First-in-segment coil-spring, multilink rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle provides ride and handling capabilities unexpected in a pickup truck
 First-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™
 First-in-segment surround-sound audio system
 More than 30 safety features, including standard four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
 All-new 2009 Dodge Ram to arrive this fall
 Light-duty diesel to arrive after 2009; two-mode hybrid powertrain to be offered in 2010 model year

Dodge has been building trucks since1917. Throughout its storied history, Dodge introduced a number of innovative trucks - the original "Suburban," aerodynamic Airflow-model trucks and the ultra-capable Power Wagon. But it was in 1994 that Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram in the light-duty pickup market, with its "big rig" styling and iconic crosshair grille.

"We put a truck on the market that tripled our market share," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Jeep®/Truck Design Studio, Chrysler LLC. "Our design was polarizing - people loved it or hated it. But the people who loved it, bought it. They still do, because Dodge Ram continues to stand out from the herd of 'me-too' trucks."

For the redesign of its all-new, next-generation Ram, Dodge pulled out all the stops.

"Our mandate was to make a quantum leap and add even more voltage to Ram," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President - Body-on-Frame Product Team. "Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is a game-changer in terms of capability, convenience, craftsmanship and safety."

Capability

In addition to the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI which produces 380 hp (283 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N·m) of torque, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N·m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N·m) of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.

Equipped with the new HEMI, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts to best-in-class performance of 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab® and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.

An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).

Convenience

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to 4.3 cubic feet of whatever - such as five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages.

The RamBox system includes a bed divider/2-foot bed extender for oversize loads and a rail system with sliding, adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down capability. The 2009 Dodge Ram's tailgate features a standard assist feature that reduces the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.

Another new segment-first innovation for the 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 is a pair of "store in the floor" bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage - large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice.

There are many other convenient storage locations throughout the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram including a large upper glove box, map pockets in door panels and a configurable center console. All in all, there are nearly twice as many storage locations in the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram than were in the previous model.

Technically sophisticated, yet simple-to-navigate electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system available in the Quad Cab and crew cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and segment-first surround-sound audio.

Other premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, first-for-Dodge heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control - a first for Dodge Ram.

Craftsmanship

In addition to the exterior, the all-new interior of the 2009 Dodge Ram stands out with a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship expressed in premium interior appointments including six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery. An automatic-transmission floor shifter, incorporated into a configurable center console, is available for the first time in a Dodge Ram. All 2009 Dodge Ram interiors are significantly upgraded with "soft-touch" materials that feature industry-first two-tone technology and premium fit and finish. Full-width contrasting stitching is offered on soft-touch instrument panels for Sport and Laramie models.

On the exterior, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram features a redesigned aluminum hood with a large power bulge and a forward-canted grille, imparting a "head down, ready to charge" attitude, while front and rear bumpers wrap around each body side. The rear bumper on HEMI-equipped models is radiused over chromed dual exhaust tips - a first in light-duty pickups. Attractive 20-inch wheels are available in three styles. Sills are pulled down to cover frame rails for a premium appearance. Badges are three-dimensional, rather than decals, and are designed to stand out. The sculpted Ram's-head badge on the tailgate is 250 percent larger than the previous badge.

Safety

On the safety and security front, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers more than 30 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat-belt pre-tensioners, Anti-lock Brake System, BeltAlert® System, and Electronic Stability Control; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist and ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera.

Manufacturing

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram will be built in two locations: Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the Warren (Mich.) Assembly Plant, and regular cab and Ram Crew 1500 models will be built at the St. Louis North Assembly Plan in Fenton, Mo.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Last year, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut this year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. And later this year, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car, the all-new Dodge Challenger. For the 2010 model year, Dodge will offer the all-new Dodge Ram with an advanced two-mode hybrid system.

# # #

Yesterday we told that the engine from the Karmann Ghia Type III we're sorta helping to rebuild had to be yanked out because of a bad noise. Well, we just got the word from nous bon ami Scott and here is the why. If you remember way back to the beginning of this set of posts, you will recall that one of the pistons was bad. So, Scott replaced it. Turns out that the new-old stock part is – wait for it – 1/6000th of an inch taller than it should be. So, it was whacking against the head, forcing the exhaust valve to open. Which is why the noise sounded like an exhaust leak. Bad news: Scott needs four new pistons. Good news: pistons are cheap. Better news: new engines are pretty cheap, too, and lots of much more powerful mills will bolt right in. And yes, we are going to suggest an engine from a STI. – Jonny Lieberman

Diagnosis: rejected transplant! [vw+vw1500.com]

Related:
NOOOOOO!!! Karmann Ghia 1500 Back In Pieces [Internal]

Dang nab it. Last week we reported on our preliminary road test of crony Scott's Type III. In that report we, uh – reported – that the engine was making some funny noises. Scott figured these stemmed from an exhaust leak. Well guess what? Bad motivator on exhaust valve number two. And with only 15 miles between teardowns, too. Sigh... Scott, however, is claiming that she'll be ship shape and back on the road within a week or two. We'll let you know. And it looks like that motorcycle jack really is useful if you want to haul a long block around. – Jonny Lieberman

Ever had the feeling you've been someplace before? [vw+vw1500]

Related:
It Lives! Preliminary Road Test Of The Rebuilt Karmann Ghia Type III; Karmann Ghia 1500 Restoration [Internal]

Oh happy day! Nearly 11 months since we first became involved in the rebuild, our pal Scott's 1962 Volkswagen 1500 left the garage. Actually, it was motoring about the day before we showed up to snap picks and drive it. Only we were out of town. Still, and you will agree if have rebuilt a car, that first drive is wedding night bliss after a long, difficult and oftentimes sweaty courtship. And I only did about 0.02% of the work. Still, I knew going in that even if the brakes failed on the way down the hill and we T-boned a Volvo, it would be awesome. And we didn't hit any Volvos.

Besides the total lack of seat restraints, what struck me most, first was how close the windshield is to my face. I've driven a few older 911s and bugs and the sensation is similar. That relatively huge piece of curved glass is just right there. Also similar is how fast that sensation fades and the realization that the upright glass affords you great visibility. Almost as different, but also ultimately easy to adjust to, is the fact that the gas pedal is seven inches closer to the floorboard than the brake pedal. Forget heel & toe. Seriously, just put it out of mind. And the steering wheel is essentially in your crotch.

That said, I had forgotten what a hoot it is to drive a rear-engined car sans power steering. Despite swing axles and wonky tires there is a directness to every movement that just brings a smile to your face. The feeling is so much more fluid than the nose-heavy plodding I'm used to. It's akin to gliding. Scott and I each took a fairly spirited lap around the Silver Lake Resevoir at speeds fast enough to require top gear. We hit some good curves, too. And while picking out your line is a bit on the challenging side, once you're into the apex, the Type III is simply slick. I even managed to ditch a tailgating LR3 in the bends. What a blast, man.

Now, we're saying "preliminary" road test because the Karmann Ghia isn't finished yet. The engine is a bit out of tune, there might be an exhaust leak and the brakes need some TLC. Plus the interior and exterior are going to get a thorough once (or thrice) over. Still, I can't hardly conceive of a better way to spend Memorial Day than mid-speed hooning in a 45-year old ride. And talk about loving a car just for the curve of a hood. Just look at that beaut! – Jonny Lieberman

VW+VW1500 [External]

Related:
Engine On: Karmann Ghia 1500 Rebuild Update [Internal]

"...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/390lb-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."

Spied: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 [PickupTruck.com]

Related:
Spy Photos : 2008 Dodge Dakota; Spy Photos: Dodge Super Mega Ultra Ram Pickup; Of Course He's Being Promoted, He Designed The 300C [internal]

After doing the post about the greatest motorcycle movie ever made and screaming mea culpa about following Davey over to Coop's place for some seriously sloppy seconds, we actually went ahead and peaked at Buddy Scott's VW+VW1500 restoration blog where we discovered this gem. Forerunner to the Pirelli Calendar? Absolutely. 1965 1500S Karmann-Ghia? Oh my, yes. – Jonny Lieberman

No, it's not the new Pirelli calendar... [vw+vw1500.com]

Related:
Mon Dieu! Chevaux! Vintage Citroen Ads [Internal]

Buddy Scott has been blogging up a storm over on what was supposed to be a restoration chronicle of his Type III but instead has turned into (probably) the most complete site on teh interwebs for all things VW 1500. So be it. We find this particular entry fascinating cause we dig old car ads so much. Essentially, and paraphrasing Scott, VeeDub needed to emphasize that unlike how the BMW 700 completely replaced the bubbly 600/Isetta, the new 1500 was in fact a sibling to the Bug. To hit people over the head with this duality, the car of the people came up with the Swiss Modern style "Volkswagen + VW 1500" advertisements. Which, as happenstance would have it, is where Scott got the name for his blog. Click the link for some interesting reading and really cool old-timey photos. – Jonny Lieberman

Volkswagen + VW 1500 ad campaign, 1961 [vw+vw1500.com]

Related:
What in the Gasgacinch? 1962 VW 1500 Karmann-Ghia Restoration Blog in Full Effect [Internal]

Buddy Scott is making slow but steady progress on the rebuild of his totally rare Type III. So much progress in fact he had to start a blog. And while the vehicle in question may be lacking the ALUMINUM UND SHTEEL! found in modern Deutsche-coupes, Scott's blog is indeed highly precise. How highly precise?

You really know you've got a 1500 when you set the valves at .008".

Totally frigging Bruce, meine Jungen. The engine goes back in over the holidays. Stay tuned to this channel for the test drive... – Jonny Lieberman

[VW+VW1500]

Related:
How Works a Volkswagen? Karmann Ghia Type III Rebuild, Part 1 [Internal]
Hazet Going? Super-Rare VW Toolkit [Internal]