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.

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"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]