2006 Ram 1500 HEMI Gets Cylinder-Deactivation to Reduce Fuel Consumption

The Dodge Ram is the macho man of the full-size pickup truck segment. Its looks are unmistakable, its performance class-leading,

The Dodge Ram is a top ten seller in Canada, and is DaimlerChrysler's best selling product overall. Mike Donoughe - Vice President - Body on frame Product Team, Chrysler Group, shown with the 2006 Ram 1500. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

and its on- and off-road capabilities are certainly nothing to scoff at.

The full-size Dodge is a key player in Canada and in the United States. It's a top ten seller in Canada, and is DaimlerChrysler's best selling product overall. On the list for 2006 will be more power, more comfort, and shock... better fuel economy!

Ram, the truck we've grown to know as both 24/7 workhorse and highly capable 4x4, is about to get a midlife update that brings new and unexpected characteristics to its segment. Inarguably, one of the vehicle's strongest selling points for consumers (not just fleet buyers) is its visual statement. Mimicking the big-rig intimidation factor, with its massive chrome grille, wide, surefooted stance and massive

On the list for 2006 will be more power, more comfort, and shock... better fuel economy! (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

20-inch alloy wheels, it delivers an 'in your face' look which neither Chevy/GMC nor Ford can match.

The trend continues, albeit in a slightly different manner for 2006. The Ram's tough appearances have adopted new, brighter headlamps with chiseled, crystal-clear lenses, and a reshaped chrome crosshair grille, with a 'collared' treatment. Both features are similar to the ones introduced with the 2005 Dakota midsize pickup, which help to tie the latest generation Ram into the new Dodge family tree. To improve high(er)-speed aerodynamics, the Ram also receives new fascias and bumpers as well as a small lip spoiler atop its tailgate.

The freshening also extends to the Ram's interior, which now features a new, cleaner instrument panel, and a wide-format

Dodge now offers the Ram with some of the same goodies you'd expect from a top of the line Chrysler 300C. (Photo: DiamlerChrysler Canada)

centre console which houses several flip-open cubbyholes and storage spots. Tighter more sound resistant seals, new body mounts, and laminated front windows also help to make the Ram a peaceful place to be, some 20 percent quieter than the 2005 model.

For those who use their trucks as both daily drivers and workhorses, Dodge now offers the Ram with some of the same goodies you'd expect from a top of the line Chrysler 300C. On the list are leather trimmed, power-operated leather seats with heated cushions, UConnect handsfree phone capability with integrated Bluetooth technology, a power-operated sunroof, a rear sliding window, and a GPS navigation system that comes with a premium sound system upgrade. Like the exterior, all Rams, including the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500, off-road expert Power

All 2006 Rams, including the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500, off-road expert Power Wagon, SRT-10 super-truck and all-new Mega Cab models, feature the new interior modifications. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Wagon, SRT-10 super-truck and all-new Mega Cab models, feature these interior changes.

When introduced, the Ram 1500 was one of the best handling full-size trucks on the market, endowed with the most car-like ride and handling capabilities. Since then, the market has progressed and the title has shifted hands to Ford's new and improved F-150 and a few of the other American-built, Japanese branded full-sizers, such as the Nissan Titan and the steadily improved Toyota Tundra. To regain some of its edge, Dodge's engineers have adopted a fully boxed frame for the Ram's body-on-frame chassis. Commonplace in today's heavy-duty pickup segment, the fully boxed frame, complete with (new) ultra-rigid hydroformed components, help to increase the Ram 1500's already stiff torsional rigidity, generous carrying ability (GVWR) and impressive towing capabilities.

Dodge also claims to have improved ride and handling in the '06 Ram, an attribute in which most pickups are found to be

The big story with the new Ram 1500 is the introduction of the MDS-equipped 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine. Mike Donoughe - Vice President - Body on frame Product Team, Chrysler Group, left, and Darryl Jackson - Vice-President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group, pose with the new truck. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

sorely lacking. Without compromising durability, the company's engineers have selected a new double wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers, and a Hotchkiss-design rear suspension with leaf springs. This new layout, in addition to retuned springs and dampers, will help Dodge create more consistent ride and handling characteristics, whether the truck is empty, or at its 3,084 kg (6,800 lb) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Tweaked bushings, 'jounce' bumpers are said to help reduce axle hop and bouncy ride when the truck is unloaded. New gears on the Ram's power rack and pinion steering system deliver a firmer, more progressive feel for improved response and greater predictability.

The big story with the new Ram 1500, however, is the introduction of the MDS-equipped 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine. MDS technology, currently used in Chrysler's 300C, Dodge's Charger and Magnum RT, plus the new HEMI-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee, works away behind the scenes delivering the same smooth, quiet, and powerful

MDS technology is currently used in Chrysler's 300C, Dodge's Charger and Magnum RT, plus the new HEMI-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

indulgence Ram owners have come to appreciate since the engine was first offered in 2003 heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 Rams. The engine, in 2006 trim, produces 345-horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to reestablish it as the class leader in terms of power, and the world's first pickup truck to feature cylinder-deactivation technology. MDS, short for Multi Displacement System, seamlessly deactivates four of the engine's eight cylinders when under light loads in just 40 milliseconds, in order to reduce fuel consumption. Dodge claims that, without changing one's driving style, MDS can add 20 percent fuel economy gains which means savings in your pocket, and looking at it globally, an expected fuel savings of 227 million litres (60 million gallons) by the end of 2007.

While the HEMI may be the stuff of dreams, reality doesn't always dictate it as the most practical (or affordable) option.

Darryl Jackson - Vice-President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group, addresses the media scrum during the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 launch. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Because of this Dodge also offers the Ram 1500 'light duty' with two other gasoline engines, a 235-horsepower Magnum 4.7-litre V8 with 300 lb-ft of torque, as well as an entry level 215-horsepower Magnum 3.7-litre V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and can be optioned with a five-speed automatic transmission, which has been upgraded for 2006 to receive a Dual-Mode towing option.

On trucks featuring 4WD, Dodge has revised the electronically controlled transfer case to adopt a disconnecting front axle, which decouples to improve fuel economy when 2WD mode is selected. Previously, this feature was only available on the 4x4 optimized Power Wagon.

With a 45 percent take rate and fame that's only outdone by a few Hollywood superstars, the HEMI V8 option for the Ram 1500 truly speaks for itself. The sheer number of cab variations, bed lengths, drivetrain options, and now luxury features makes Dodge's full-size entry the perfect truck for the discerning buyer who truly wants it all. The new Ram 1500, and other revised Ram models are expected in showrooms by autumn, just after pricing and additional specifications are to be announced.