GM's calling out the competition pretty aggressively in a new commercial for the Chevy Silverado. In the 30-second spot, GM's Howie Long mocks the new F-150's tailgate step and an uncoordinated owner who's tied down a new birdhouse in the back of his new blue-oval pickup.

Long, after tossing bags of concrete into the back of his Silverado, tells the guy, "Hey buddy, you left your little, uh, 'man step' down."

Ford's response appeared to be one of thanks. Here's Ford truck marketing manager Doug Scott:

I hope they keep running the spot because they're doing a great job advertising that feature for us.Thirty-two percent of the 2009 F-150s we've sold have that tailgate step. We're doing really well with it, and we're really happy they're running that ad because it's proven to be a popular feature."

We bet Scott's got a man-step too.

But it wasn't just Ford that Chevy's got in their bowtie-wearing sights — Long also takes a swipe at the new 2009 Dodge Ram. Check out that ad over at PickupTrucks.com. [via PickupTrucks]

The Hyundai Genesis will have stiff competition for 2009 North American Car Of The Year from the Ford Flex and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, but is probably just happy to be nominated.

The Truck Of The Year is a standoff between the 2009 Ford F-150, 2009 Dodge Ram and the diesel Mercedes ML320 BlueTec. Both diesels are the first diesels in the award's 16-year history to make the final cut.

For those keeping score at home, the best vehicles in North America for 2009 according to the motoring press are either American trucks/crossovers, German diesels or a Korean luxury car. Noticeably absent from this list is a Japanese car or truck, especially given the Japanese have won TOTY four times and COTY three times.

Last year the Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda CX-9 were last years winners in the car and truck categories, respectively.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

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]

Product: 2009 Dodge Ram
TV Show / Movie: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Episode / Scene Name: Automatic for the People
Plot: Driving up to the nuclear power plant, the 2009 Dodge Ram is sure looking clean and shiny, isn't it? Wethinks perhaps a work truck should NEVER look this clean. Especially when it's being driven by the uncle of the future leader of the resistance.

Welcome to Adventures In Automotive Product Placement — our irregular series where we highlight the pay-for-play car stars of the silver and small screens. Spot a blatant automotive product placement on the airwaves? Send it to us at tips-at-jalopnik-dot-com.

For us, a truck has always been about work. If it can't do what it was designed to do, there's something deeply flawed. With that in mind, let's take a look at the six-foot bed on the Laramie we tested. Dropping the tailgate, even sitting on 20" wheels, it rests right about thigh height; perfect for getting things off the ground yet not so high it's a problem for lift-over. The cargo box comes from the factory naked, without a bed mat or spray-in liner. The new Ram's bed walls have lost the normal wheel well bumps in favor of vertical walls, giving them space for one of the Ram's newest features. It's called the Rambox, a lockable, weather-sealed set of little trunks on either side of the bed. It's a pretty great idea from the perspective of utility. You can toss power tools, backpacks full of gear, a couple bags of groceries, ice with tasty beverages (and then drain the water, there are rubber drain plugs) — really, whatever you want in there and not have it rolling around in the cab. Our only beef with it is caused by the Federal government. Since it's an enclosed, latching space, they had to build in a fluorescent t-bar pull handle to release the lid in case, you know, a kid somehow manages to wedge themselves in the Rambox. Somehow.

Inside, the Ram gets things done just as Rams have been doing since they revolutionized the truck market in the ‘90s — with smart design and good ergonomics. Our Lariat was equipped with a column shifter and an origami folding bench seat — the center arm rest opens for a decent-sized, flat storage area, but it also folds up to create a seat and then the center seat bottom also folds up and reveals a second storage area underneath. It's even got bins under the floor in the back underneath the carpets — not really designed to carry contraband, but useful nonetheless. The Ram has more cubbyholes and storage doodads than an IKEA megastore. The back seats are quite comfortable as well, with a DVD player in the back to keep your annoying friends, small children or our Editor-in-Chief quiet and a 60/40 split seat which folds up to allow a flatish load floor. The rear seat doesn't fold as easily as GM's twin GMT-900 pickups, but it's a commendable effort. The wood and chrome trim a decent synthetic wood and induces no complaints (other than it looks better on the doors than on the dash), fit and finish are quite good and all the gadgetry mechanisms feel like they'll stand up to years of abuse.

But that interior stuff is for the birds when your talkin' work, right? What about the powertrain? Our test truck was equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 good for 380 HP and 404 lb-ft of torque, no slouch to say the least, with a five-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the part-time four wheel drive system, complete with a 4.10 final drive. Turn off the traction control and it'll roast the tires with little complaint, but what about with a trailer?

Loaded down with a 6500 LB trailer, and set for "Tow/Haul" mode, which changes the shift points higher up the rev range; the truck pulls off on the drag strip without a whiff of burden. Heck, even up a massive 7.2% grade on a local automakers test facility, the Dodge pulls like a freight train. The going gets slow after about 55 mph on a grade like that, but unless you're drag racing with your boat up to the continental divide, you shouldn't have a problem.

To top off the testing we ventured into the realm of the ridiculous but ridiculously entertaining — autocrossing this full-sized pickup truck. Yes, we tossed it into a course containing a high-speed slalom, tight corners, staggered surface conditions, moose-avoidance test, and some devious chicanery. The Ram, with its coil springs in the rear, proved quite tossable. In the slalom, it managed acceptable speeds but would understeer mightily if pushed too far, with traction control turned off; the throttle could be used to manage the slalom a bit better. Panic braking was delivered confidently and the ABS feedback was smooth. Sweeping corners where met with a planted feel but the chassis could be upset with a bit of sawing on the wheel. We noticed some reluctance from the throttle when coming out of particularly nasty corners, but when the traction control was disabled, tail-out fun was only a pedal tap away. When not being tossed about violently, the Ram had a markedly smooth road character, lacking the bouncy feel trucks have been known for. The steering has a pretty average turning ratio and manages to be firm yet invisible. It's certainly not sporty but for a vehicle of this size, it'll get the heartbeat racing if you're silly enough to go racing in it.

Despite the recent downturn in full-sized truck sales it's hard to argue against the utility of the pickup, especially in crew cab configuration, it's a vehicle with unparalleled capabilities and flexibility. Try hauling the whole family, a week's worth of groceries, and a cubic yard of fill dirt in your Accord. Then do it uphill, while towing a trailer. Good luck. Especially with today's deals on pricing, the Ram offers a strong option for those looking for the latest and greatest with a HEMI badge on the side, but more than that it offers solid storage innovation and a comfortable, quiet cabin with plenty of room for four, even six in a pinch. It has the sort of the paired-down luxury plus high capability that truck buyers have come to expect, along with new features they'll be happy to adopt.

Photo Credit: Exterior - Alex C. Conley, Interior - Dodge

"After driving several Ram models in a variety of scenarios, we're still as enthusiastic about the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 as we were when it was first reveled at the Detroit auto show. Most half-ton truck buyers don't need three-quarter-ton towing and hauling capability in their pickups, and we think most people will find the improved ride comfort a more-than-fair tradeoff for trailering and payload ratings that equal what the Ram could do in 2008."

Sounds to us like Dodge is making a laser-light-like move directly at the half-ton market — maybe the remaining engineers over at Chrysler have the right idea after all. Head on over to PickupTrucks.com to read all about it — and take a run through the gallery below to see it.

[PickupTrucks.com]

Pricing for All-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 to Start at $22,170

* All-new 2009 Dodge Ram priced at $22,170 for regular cab, $26,225 for Quad Cab® and $32,530 for Ram Crew 1500 (all prices include $900 for destination)
* Segment-first features: solid axle, coil spring, multi-link rear suspension; versatile cargo management system including unique "RamBox" weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins; store-in-the-floor bins with removable liners; factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust; live Sirius Backseat TV™ and surround-sound audio system
* Dodge Ram's first crew-sized cab model
* New 5.7-liter HEMI provides best-in-class 390 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, with 20 mile per gallon highway (4x2 models)
* Best-in-class 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds
* Best-in-class aerodynamics of .419 Cd
* All-new, bold, powerful, instantly recognizable Ram design
* All-new interiors with significantly upgraded materials and nearly double the storage options (42)
* 35 safety and security features, including standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system and Electronic Stability Program
* More than 35 new or improved features that out-tough, out-smart the competition
* Almost 40,000 hours of durability/reliability testing, 200 hours of wind-tunnel evaluations and nearly 9 million customer-equivalent miles completed

Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 13, 2008 - Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, offering more content and a lower price than current models. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram features three cab configurations, five trim levels, all-new exterior and interior styling and many segment-first features and best-in-class capabilities.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is available for $22,170 for regular cab models, $26,225 for Quad Cab® models and $32,530 for Ram Crew 1500 models. Prices include $900 for destination. Customers may choose to purchase the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, or lease through independent sources. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram arrives in dealerships this fall.

"It's a challenging time to introduce an all-new light-duty pickup, but Dodge never backs down from a challenge," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing and Communications. "With more standard features and a lower MSRP than 2008 models, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram gives consumers thousands of dollars more in value. Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram has it all: head-turning design, class-leading interior amenities, capability for every need, customer convenience features inside and out, built-in craftsmanship and safety for every occupant - all at a great value. And with our new crew-size cab model, we're now competing in the fastest-growing and highest-volume part of the light-duty pickup segment."

For 2009, the all-new Dodge Ram will be offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and crew-size cab configurations, 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 ( Ram Crew 1500). All fit in a standard-sized garage. Five trim levels are offered: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a number of segment-first and best-in-class innovations.

The all-new 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 five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages. Total capacity is 7.4 cubic feet - slightly more than the capacity of a 55-gallon drum.

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

Powertrain choices include the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI that produces best-in-class 390 hp (291 kW) and 407 lb.-ft. (552 N·m) of torque. Also available is 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; 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 from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds - best-in-class performance.

An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, solid axle, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that provides outstanding ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to 1,850 pounds) and towing capability (up to 9,100 pounds).

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.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers more electronic choices than the average family room. Electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system, along with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that is available in the Quad Cab and crew-size cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TV™ and segment-first surround-sound audio.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram also offers 35 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, adjustable rear head restraints, remote keyless entry, seat-belt pre-tensioners, Anti-lock Brake System, BeltAlert® System, Center High-mounted Stop Lamp, power door locks, energy-absorbing steering column, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, Rollover Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist and ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera.

Engineers have conducted approximately 40,000 hours of full-scale vehicle and system testing for durability and reliability of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram. Testing and validation in various climates included road trips to a variety of locations including Death Valley, Nev., Bemidji, Minn., Tampa and Denver. In addition, the 2009 Dodge Ram has gone through more than 200 hours of wind noise and aerodynamic evaluations in Chrysler LLC's state-of-the-art aerodynamic and acoustic test facility in Auburn Hills, Mich.

By the time the 2009 Dodge Ram goes on sale this fall, nearly 9 million customer-equivalent miles will be logged by Dodge Truck engineers.

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST regular cab and Quad Cab
Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine producing 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque backed by a four-speed automatic transmission (4x2 models) or a 4.7-liter V-8 producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque with a five-speed automatic transmission, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST's standard features include17-inch styled steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric-shift transfer case (4x4 models), power rack-and-pinion steering, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, tilt-steering column, AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers, variable intermittent windshield wipers, manual windows (two door only), fixed rear window, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and air conditioning.

Optional features include 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, two-tone exterior paint, speed control, anti-spin rear differential, engine block heater, trailer-tow mirrors, bedliner, black lower bodyside moldings, front hood protection shield, 3.92 axle ratio, sliding rear window, power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only, standard on Crew), uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Mopar WiFi.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST. All prices include $900 for destination.

* Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4x2 6-foot-4-inch box $22,170
* Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4x2 8-foot box $22,470
* Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4x4 6-foot-4-inch box $26,625
* Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4x4 8-foot box $26,925
* Dodge Ram ST Quad Cab 4x2 $26,225
* Dodge Ram ST Quad Cab 4x4 $30,635

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT regular cab, Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500
In addition to standard features offered on the ST, the all-new Dodge Ram SLT adds carpet floor covering with floor mats, 40/20/40 split-bench seat, overhead console, speed control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.

In addition to the optional features on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT offers the 5.7-liter HEMI engine, RamBox Storage System, on-demand transfer case (4x4 models), power sun roof, power-adjustable pedals, amplified 10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, uconnect gps with navigation system and hands-free communication system with Bluetooth technology, uconnect studios SIRIUS Backseat TV™, uconnect phone, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio, low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery, six-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT. All prices include $900 for destination.

* Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4x2 6-foot-4-inch box $26,365
* Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4x2 8-foot box $26,665
* Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4x4 6-foot-4-inch box $29,935
* Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4x4 8-foot box $30,235
* Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4x2 $30,375
* Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4x4 $33,595
* Dodge Ram SLT Ram Crew 1500 4x2 $32,530
* Dodge Ram SLT Ram Crew 1500 4x4 $35,750

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500
In addition to the standard features offered on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX, electric-shift transfer case (4x4 models), unique shocks and ride height, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models), active turn signals, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint

In addition to the optional features on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX offers an engine block heater, power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only, standard on Crew), heated power folding mirrors, bedliner, 3.92 axle ratio, anti-spin rear differential, Tip Start, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio and speed control.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX. All prices include $900 for destination.

* Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab 4x2 $30,920
* Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab 4x4 $34,740
* Dodge Ram TRX Ram Crew 1500 4x2 $33,075
* Dodge Ram TRX Ram Crew 1500 4x4 $36,895

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport regular cab, Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500
In addition to the standard features offered on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport adds the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, five-speed automatic transmission, unique bucket seats, body-color fascia, fog lamps and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Optional equipment is the same offered on the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT model.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport. All prices include $900 for destination.

* Dodge Ram R/T (Sport) regular cab 4x2 6-foot-4-inch box $30,265
* Dodge Ram Sport Quad Cab 4x2 $33,900
* Dodge Ram Sport Quad Cab 4x4 $37,515
* Dodge Ram Sport Ram Crew 1500 4x2 $35,955
* Dodge Ram Sport Ram Crew 1500 4x4 $39,570

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500
In addition to the standard features offered on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie adds chromed door handles and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and security alarm.

In addition to the optional features on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie optional feature includes 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie. All prices include $900 for destination.

* Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab 4x2 $38,770
* Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab 4x4 $41,990
* Dodge Ram Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4x2 $40,920
* Dodge Ram Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4x4 $44,140

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is built at the Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant and the St. Louis North Assembly Plant in Fenton, Mo.

[Source: Chrysler]

Nissan Full-Size Truck

We know that that this upcoming truck will be a replacement for the Nissan Titan that is based on the 2009 Dodge Ram. No decisions have been made regarding the powertrain options, though Nissan VP of Corporate Communications Frederique Le Greves made it clear that Dodge-sourced engines weren't off the table. The hybrid drive system jointly developed by GM/Chrysler/Daimler/BMW is also still on the table, though no decisions have been made on the use of that engine.

The reasons for the change? The company looked at a market for full-sized trucks that dropped from 2.5 million units in 2004 to 2.1 million units this last year. Since it is a rather large market they want to compete but by partnering with Chrysler they save themselves development costs.

There's also no word on whether they're going to keep the truck's current name of Titan, or try something else. However, Le Greves did say that the truck is being called the "next generation Titan" internally.

Chrysler Small Car

There are maddeningly few details regarding Chrysler's new small car other than it'll be built in the Nissan Oppama Plant, which builds most of Nissan's small cars (March, Cube, Cube Cubic, Tilda, Tilda Latio, Note and Bluebird Slyphy). Which platform will they use? On one hand, Nissan is bringing the Cube to the United States and it could make sense to base it on a platform that's going to be utilized here. On the other hand, Dodge is already planning on using a version of the Versa/Tilda platform in South America for sale there next year. In a conference call with Chrysler's Tom LaSorda, he indicated that the car was already designed, which makes us wonder if Chrysler knows what platform it is going to use. At this point there are too many uncertainties to say for sure.

[Thanks to Mike Levine from PickupTruck.com for setting it up.]

Best Reveal
While we don't want to hate anymore on Toby Keith and his Ford Truck Man-liness, we have to give Dodge and their team for putting together such a steer humping good time. Hundreds of Longhorn cattle will trump jingoistic country music any day.

ADVANTAGE DODGE RAM

Most Unnecessary Press Shot
We think we heard from Ford PR people at least 1,000 times that you could load a flatscreen television in the back of the F-150 with it's folding seats and roomier cabin. And while that might be a good selling point we get the fucking picture. But just in case we didn't they actually sneaked a press shot of the F-150 with a flatscreen television box inside of it. If that comes with the review vehicle we're keeping it.

ADVANTAGE FORD F-150

Best Feature
There's nothing more we hate than having to go back into a cooler to get our beverage or sub sandwich. That's why we're glad Dodge put a storage area with a drain hole (for ice) on the floor of the rear passenger space. Anyone want a beer? You're out of luck, all we have is the fancy herb lemonade from Smart.

ADVANTAGE DODGE RAM

Best Gigantic Grille
You have to give it to the F-150, though the Ram's grille continues to grow in size, there's nothing that quite matches up to the F-150 in sheer shiny chromeness. And not only can you have the chrome, you can have the chicken-wire grille, full on mesh and the new Platinum Edition's weird electric shaver to mach 3 look.

ADVANTAGE FORD F-150

Best Power

Ford won't release power numbers, towing numbers or MPG numbers. To hell with that.

ADVANTAGE DODGE RAM

WINNER

So far, inconclusive. Look for a real head-to-head comparison when the cars are actually drivable.

veritas: "I hope that's horribly inaccurate."

georgejetson: "I think it looks good. Way better than the hideousness that is the current truck."

[via SRT Forums]

The horned brand from the automaker traded more times than a 40-year-old linebacker is apparently seeking approval from the City of Detroit to run a herd of cattle down Jefferson Avenue as part of the 2009 Dodge Ram introduction. One person familiar with the plan said it could look like John Wayne's "Red River." Sure it might look cool, but it will probably smell pretty uncool too — either way, we'll be on hand to witness the mayhem PRgasm. [Freep via Winding Road]