2009 Dodge Ram pickup: styling, features, conveniences, and safety
2009 Dodge Ram interiors
“Quite simply, our goal with the 2009 Dodge Ram was to make the competition sweat,” said Gilles. “We spent a lot of time rethinking the layout, functionality, feel and packaging of the interior. We also no longer have a ‘base’ interior, just higher levels of luxury throughout the series. The new interior was conceived to match the image of the exterior and drill home a new level of perceived and actual quality. Much higher grades of materials and finishes were selected throughout, culminating in the Laramie interior, which is the exclamation point on a new level of luxury for the segment. All surfaces have been carefully thought-out, as we wanted a robust feel to the interior that communicates to the owner that he is driving an extremely high quality piece of engineering.”
Each model will have different interior trim. An optional package will include chrome trim and upper door map pockets; standard soft door bolster and armrest, large door speaker grilles, built-in garment hangers and assist handles. The Laramie interior features a full-width contrasting stitch on its soft instrument panel, chrome trim throughout, unique color combinations and wood-grain inserts on each door and the center instrument-panel stack. All Rams (except Sport) feature an industry-first two-tone technology, creating an inspired interior at all trim levels; Sport has an all-dark-slate interior with gray contrasting stitching on the instrument panel and seats.
Seats include industry-first heated and ventilated seats covered in YES® Essentials stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric or improved leather. Seats have redesigned frames and trim, with improved seat bolsters, unique stitching, full power with memory, and dual map pockets. Also new for 2009 is the addition of rear heated seats, optional on the crew cab.
New upper and lower glove boxes combined provide best-in-class glove box storage (the base ST model has an open upper glove compartment). The gauge cluster face is new, and the dashboard is composed of Thermo-Plastic Olefin top panel and PC-ABS plastic retainers that are recyclable; soft upper panel with stitching (Laramie and Sport models); two large airflow registers in the center stack and two at the outboard ends of the panel deliver air flow for rapid interior cooling and heating.
An optional center console has a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter with Electronic Range Select, deep dual map pockets, abundant upper and lower storage space in the new soft, oversized clamshell center armrest, multiple storage compartments around the gearshift lever and multiple power outlets available for electronic devices
The center stack is designed for optimum “reach zones” – the placement of controls in the most intuitive and comfortable locations. The center stack includes strategic placement of a large radio yet still allows room for a navigation system screen, two large “Venetian-blind” style airflow outlets with chrome accents, upper and lower switch banks for control switches (based on vehicle options), climate controls, improved cup holders, 12-volt and 115-volt power outlets and a sunglass bin.
The RamBox and other storage systems
The RamBox, an option on Crew Cab 1500 models, is Avalanche done right: instead of small plastic containers stuck onto the pickup bed walls, Dodge has set up full-length storage bins, lighted, drainable, lockable, and weatherproof, as wide as the wheel well, with 7.6 cubic feet of space. They include configurable bed dividers, an adjustable bed extender that fits onto the lowered tailgate for another 2 feet of length (7 feet long total), and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats for tie-downs. The system can hold 240 twelve-ounce cans, or golf clubs, fishing rods, toolboxes, or other gear, while still leaving enough room in the bed for a flat sheet of plywood — in short, it has 7.6 cubic feet of storage, while still leaving 49 inches between the wheel wells.
Lids include swing hinges with intermediate and full-open positions that lift the lid 90 degrees perpendicular to each side. Side bins are large enough to hold items including a set of golf clubs, helmets, toolboxes, kayak paddles, fishing rods, chainsaws – or 12-ounce cans with ice. Bed dividers create individual compartments in the pickup bed to separate payload items such as tools or equipment.
“All of our research indicated that new customers are buying a truck for the first time not only because it’s cool and capable, but also because it gives them a place to put all their stuff,” said Kunselman. “The RamBox storage system is Dodge’s response to that need.”
In addition, in-floor storage allows customers to store items in floor compartments using removeable bins so different sets of equipment can be swapped or garaged. Two bins are each 8 inches x 13.25 inches x 5 inches; as they are under the rear passengers’ feet, they do not intrude on rear-seat leg room.
An upper glove box provides 391 cubic inches of storage capacity, and combined with the lower glove box volume of 426 cubic inches (!), provides best-in-class glove-box volume.
Radios and video entertainment
Four new radios are available. The single-disc CD system plays MP3 and WMA files, and has a dot-matrix display including icons; the radio station can be displayed with the time. CDs can be played randomly and satellite capability is available; as with all Ram stereos, a stereo input line is provided for easy connection of iPods and other devices. The next higher radio includes a six-disc CD/DVD changer, and can play DVD audio or video discs, in addition to the single-disc capabilities.
Doors have been designed to handle large (6-inch x 9-inch) door speakers for low range sound reproduction. The instrument panel has two speakers for crystal clear midrange and crisp highs. Select models with the premium sound package feature a new center-imaging speaker strategically located to use the windshield as a sound reflection surface for exceptional surround sound, and segment-first surround-sound technology.
Then comes a system with a DVD changer and 30-gigabyte hard disc drive, including a 6.5-inch thin film transfer display with a touch-screen panel. The motorized screen flips down to accept a disc for playing or downloading music or data onto the hard disc drive. The hard drive can record from discs, telephone, AM or FM, satellite radio, a microphone, or an included USB port. The music jukebox feature is similar to a virtual disc changer, which allows up to 9 gigabytes of music (about 10 CDs) and pictures to be stored on the hard drive. Voice memos may be recorded using the microphone integrated into rearview mirror.
The final stereo incorporates all the features of the hard drive system, except with a 20-gigabyte hard disc and a navigation system built in.
The Dodge Ram’s optional rear-seat video entertainment system (VES) allows Dodge Ram’s rear-seat passengers to watch movies and use external devices including video games and MP3 players. The system consists of a overhead-mounted DVD player with an 8-inch LCD screen, a battery-powered remote control and two wireless, multi-channel headsets; it will play DVDs, WMAs, MP3s and audio and video CDs. Additional auxiliary input jacks are available so rear-seat passengers can play games from a video-game console or listen to music directly from a portable MP3 player. When the Ram’s VES system is not playing a video, the video screen displays information in a split screen format, with two channels. The VES remote control is designed to control either channel by the use of a selector switch on the control. Headphones are designed to pick up either channel by use of the selection switch located on the right ear cup. Using the included wireless headphones allows rear passengers to listen to two different sources simultaneously. The audio from the VES may be heard through the vehicle’s speaker system, through the wireless headphones, or both.
UConnect continues, providing voice dialing, an audio address book, voice commands for emergencies, call transfers, three languages, and recognizing up to seven phones.
Styling
Research for developing the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram was centered on direct feedback from truck owners and potential buyers. “We listened to anecdotes from truck owners, not just our own, but owners of competitive makes as well,” said Mark Allen, Chief Designer – Jeep/Truck Studios. “We built a range of concept trucks that we took to clinics, including one that was intentionally not ‘Ram-like.’ We heard loud and clear that people wanted the look we own with Dodge Ram – bold, powerful and capable. We knew we had to build on that theme.”
Designers started with 11 proposals for the 2009 Dodge Ram and culled it to three finalists. Design proposals were taken to several leading pickup markets throughout the country and shown to consumers in order to get their input.
Dodge Ram team members heard about real-world considerations that could impact the 2009 Dodge Ram design. For example, at one clinic, a participant noted that a Ram design concept featured a front bumper that seemed too close to the bodywork. “He said that ranchers sometimes use their trucks to nudge open gates, rather than climb out and do it by hand,” recalled Allen. “If the bumper is too shallow, nudging the gate can bash up the bodywork.”
Truck designers also hit the road on ride-and-drive trips, driving pickups outfitted for typical users: ranchers, tradesmen, firefighters and suburbanites. Driving outfitted trucks gave designers better insight into real-world considerations for pickup owners. “We worked to create the most well-rounded pickup truck ever,” said Gilles. “And who better to tell us than the people who will be our customers?”
The grille is canted forward, creating an aggressive, head-down appearance. “We heard at a clinic that it looks like a drill sergeant – bold, authoritative, in-charge,” said Allen. The grille is now body mounted and separate from the new hood, which contributes to better panel-gap clearances and much-improved aerodynamics.
A new aluminum hood with a more pronounced power bulge that better shields the wipers opens with the assistance of dual gas props. Headlamps have integrated lenses and their shapes are echoed in the bumper fascia. Below the headlamps, a fully integrated air dam contributes to engine cooling and air-conditioning condenser air flow.
Front doors are a new construction style. The roll-frame design now relocates the door cut to the side of the vehicle, similar to the Chrysler 300C and other recent products. This dramatically improves wind noise and reduces weight. The Ram door handles are a pull type and are large enough to be operated with gloved hands. Handles are finished in black and now feature upgrades such as body color or chrome depending on trim level.
A crew cab model is new for the 2009 Dodge Ram, which gives Dodge an entry into the fastest-growing and highest-volume (nearly 50 percent) piece of the pickup truck market. The new package offers an additional six inches of leg room and in-floor storage. The new crew cab features full-access rear doors that open 90 degrees for easy entry and exit. Dodge expects the Crew Cab (the largest cab) to hit 45% of sales, with the short 5’7” box; while the Quad Cab, with a 6’4” box should take another 40%. The standard cabs, with both 6’4” and 8’ boxes, will take the rest. Both Crew Cab and Quad Cab will have four doors with exterior handles (no need to open the front door to open the back door.) Likewise, Dodge expects most of the sales to be the mid-range SLT model.
Rearview mirrors were designed for minimum drag and maximum image stability. They have been moved further outboard and lower for improved visibility and reduction in wind noise. Available flip-up tow mirrors also have been redesigned with similar features. Both designs contribute to the Ram’s best-in-class aerodynamics.
The overall glass-to-body ratio on the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram imparts a modern aesthetic, featuring blacked-out center pillars creating a sleek look. On the inside, the Ram benefits from improved pillar sections all the way around, improving outward visibility. In addition, side sills are pulled down to cover frame rails, giving the 2009 Dodge Ram a refined, contemporary look while improving aerodynamics.
The pickup bed height on all three body styles (54 inches on two-wheel drive models, 56 inches on four-wheel drive models) allows easy over-the-side loading. Three bed lengths are available: 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). Dimensions of the 8-foot and 6-foot-3-inch boxes are unchanged from the 2008 model year. All beds now feature integrated bed-rail caps on all three sides.
The tailgate on the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is as inspired as the new front end appearance. It features a dramatic, integrated, stamped-steel spoiler that aids aerodynamics and also allows for an ergonomic location for the tailgate release handle. A lift assist, new for 2009, decreases the effort needed to raise and close the tailgate.
The 2009 Dodge Ram’s overall coefficient of drag (Cd) is an estimated .422 for a crew cab 4x4 model – compared with a Cd of .463 for a 2008 Ram Quad Cab® 4x4 and .42 on the original “big-rig” style Ram of over a decade ago.
Dual exhaust (with the 5.7-liter HEMI) is now available for the first time from the factory on a pickup truck. The bumper features a flared radius around each of the new slash-cut 4-inch rolled chrome exhaust tips. The rear bumper is also the largest wrap-around bumper in its class, and depending on the model, it is available in mineral grey, body color or chrome. It offers three standard tow ball holes and a standard, integrated 7-pin connector. The new Ram also will be available with a ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera as options on select models.
Nearly all badges on the 2009 Dodge Ram are three-dimensional, rather than decals. Large, sculpted Ram badges adorn the center of the grille and tailgate – the Ram’s-head badge on the tailgate is 250 percent larger than the previous badge. Other nameplates and badges are located on driver and front-passenger doors, box and tailgate.
Safety and security
In addition to offering a standard four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Dodge Ram safety and security features include advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System.
Chrysler employs a two-fold safety approach: passive safety features including pretentioning and load-limiting seat belt retractors and supplemental side air bags, combined with active accident-avoidance safety features including responsive steering and handling and braking.
Following are some safety and security features:
- Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for small out-of-position occupants
- Auto-reverse Sun Roof: Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof to the open position
- Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected
- Brake/Park Interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
- Child-protection Rear Door Locks: Disables the rear doors’ inside-release handles via a small lever on the door-shut face
- Digressive Load-limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant’s upper torso during an impact
- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
- Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder-belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head-impact force
- ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of visible (interior lights seen with rearview mirror) and audible warnings for the driver. Optional.
- ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before backing up. Also aids in lining up a trailer to the vehicle’s trailer hitch, when so equipped. The image automatically displays on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse. Optional.
- Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact
