2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 news, pictures, and information
2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Hailed as Cleanest Diesel-engine Pickup on the Market

For 2008, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups benefit twice from an available 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. One benefit is its power: 350 horsepower (261 kW) and 650 lb.-ft. (881 N•m) of low-end torque. Another benefit is its low emissions: 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel already meet federal emissions standards for 2010 – the only heavy duty pickups on the market to do so.

'Dodge Ram Heavy Duty owners need extraordinary power and capability,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'That is why more than 80 percent of our Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 sales are diesel-powered models. The 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine certainly fits the bill for incredible horsepower and torque, and, at the same time, astonishingly low emissions. But our customers want durability, too, and Dodge delivers that with the longest-lasting, most durable pickups on the market.'

The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, making Dodge the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards – today.

The standard powerplant on Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks is the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, delivering best-in-class 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (510 N•m) at 4,400 rpm. It provides best-in-class acceleration and towing capability compared with competitive vehicles with similar size gasoline engines.

There's more to the 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty than raw power – available are amenities including Infinity® sound system, navigation radio, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab® only), bucket seats and power-sliding rear window.

Design
The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's hallmark design feature, its fully chromed, 'crosshair' grille, dominates the front view of the truck, between a subtly creased hood and sculpted front bumper, and is flanked by the Ram's signature broad-shouldered front fenders.

Whether in the regular cab, Quad Cab or Power Wagon configuration, single rear wheel or Dually, 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are styled to follow through on the signature Dodge themes of bold, powerful and capable. Designed for work or play, the 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models are as striking as they are capable, with details including jewel-like round halogen headlamps set within angular bezels, providing optimal light intensity.

Inside, the 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty may be configured for any assignment, with interior appointments ranging from basic to sumptuous.

Engineering
The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins turbodiesel is the newest offering in the heavy-duty segment with 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque (881 N•m) at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,013 rpm generated from an all-new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine.

As clean as it is powerful, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes several technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unburned hydrocarbons. In addition to the NOx adsorber and the DPF, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes:

• A cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system combines with a uniquely designed piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT™), matching boost pressure with the engine's performance needs to reduce emissions and improve drivability

• Within the exhaust system, a self-cleaning DPF and an oxidation catalyst reduces particulate matter by a factor of 10. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles

• A new closed crankcase ventilation system eliminates crankcase fumes and oil carry-over, a common problem with past diesels

Nearly 40 percent of the new engine's parts are carryover, with modifications geared to surpass emissions standards and increase horsepower and torque, while maintaining the durability associated with Dodge and Cummins.

To accommodate the power and torque of the new 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine, a choice of transmissions is offered: a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an available 68RFE six-speed automatic with Electronic Range Select that enables customers to select gears that best match driving conditions.

The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI also offers a pair of transmission choices: a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available 545RFE five-speed automatic with an overdrive gear that helps reduce noise and fuel consumption.

Since a majority of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty buyers opt for four-wheel drive, two transfer cases are available on Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models. One features traditional manual shift, and the other offers electric shift-on-the-fly capability.

The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is built on one of the stiffest frames on a pickup truck, fully boxed and partially hydroformed for precision and strength. Combined with Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's rack-and-pinion steering system, Ram delivers precise feel and response, tuned to give the driver positive feedback and control.

Suspension setups are designed for capability and ride dynamics. An independent, double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers is standard on two-wheel-drive Dodge Heavy Duty models. Four-wheel-drive versions are equipped with a rigid-beam front axle supported by a five-link, coil-spring suspension. Rear suspension, common to both two- and four-wheel-drive models, is composed of a heavy-duty solid axle and longitudinal springs. The Hotchkiss-design rear suspension uses leaf springs that reduce wheel hop and deliver confident handling when fully loaded.

Owing to their power and strength, the 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks boast maximum towing capability of 16,850 lbs., a payload of 5,180 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 24,000 lbs. and 12,200 lbs., respectively.

The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty regular cab offers surprising flexibility for its two-door configuration. The unique cab size not only allows for improved seat travel and ease in reclining for driver and passengers, but also provides extra storage behind rear seats.

The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Quad Cab features rear doors that open 85 degrees for convenient access, with windows that roll all the way down. An optional 60/40 split bench rear seat makes it easier to accommodate passengers and cargo. Seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling.

Product Highlights



New levels of strength and durability
• The 2008 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty features a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine producing 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 N•m) at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 Kw) at 3,013 rpm
• First diesel engine in the U.S. truck market to meet 2010 federal emissions standards
• 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine features standard duty oil change intervals of 7,500 miles
• Six-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select available with 6.7-liter turbodiesel
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers best-in-class 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (510 N•m) at 4,400 rpm
• Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature best-in-class durability

Heavy-duty capability
• Two 4x4 transfer cases are available: traditional manual shift and electric shift-on-the-fly
• Hydroformed, fully-boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and bending stiffness
• Superior towing capability at 16,850 lbs. and a payload of 5,180 lbs.

Superior interior comfort and convenience
• New SXT model provides upgraded features at an attractive price
• Optional bucket seats with available leather trim, best-in-class rear-seat legroom, full-screen navigation radio, rear-seat DVD (Quad Cab only), Infinity® sound system, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System and power sliding rear window

Bold exterior design
• Fully chromed, ingot-like grille over a massive front bumper, creates a bold and protective statement
• Substantial grille remains a mainstay of the Dodge Ram design signature, with the large crosshair as the focal point, flanked by large angular headlamps

MODEL LINEUP

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 ST
Standard Features
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS
• Part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case (on 4x4 models)
• 17-inch wheels and full-size spare tire
Optional Equipment
• 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission (with 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine)
• Five-speed automatic transmission (with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine)
• Bedliner
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Speed control
• 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 SXT
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram ST, the Ram 2500 and 3500 SXT adds/replaces the following:
• Chrome front and rear bumpers
• Cloth seats and carpet
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• Speed control
• Remote keyless entry

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 SLT
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram SXT, the Ram 2500 and 3500 SLT adds/replaces the following:
• Overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass (with 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine only)
• Speed control
• Power windows and door locks
• Keyless entry
• 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels
Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Ram SXT, the Ram 2500 and 3500 SLT adds/replaces the following:
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• Remote start (gas engine only)
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer
• Infinity® speaker system
• Full-screen navigation radio
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® technology
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
• Bucket seats with leather upholstery
• Six-way power driver seat
• 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• YES Essentials® stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Laramie
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram SLT, the Ram 2500 and 3500 Laramie adds/replaces the following:
• Bodyside chrome molding
• Dual-zone climate control
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Security alarm
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer

2008 Dodge Ram Power Wagon
Standard Features
• 345-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI engine
• Electric-locking front and rear differentials
• Class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar
• 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires
• Custom-built Warn® 12,000-lb. winch
Optional Equipment
• Trailer-tow mirrors
• Sun roof
• Power-adjustable pedals
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 TRX4 Off-Road
Standard Features
• 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Unique off-road tires
• Limited-slip differential
• Transfer case skid plates
• Skid plates for the front and rear axles
• Unique red-painted shocks
• Tow hooks
• Fog lamps
• 'TRX4 Off-Road' badging

Safety AND Security
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
• BeltAlert
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child Protection Rear Door Locks
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
• Crumple Zones
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Head Restraints
• Height-adjustable Seat Belts
• HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Interior Head Impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Low-risk Deployment Front Passenger Air Bags
• Power-adjustable Pedals
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
• Three-point Shoulder Belts
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System

Color Availability
• Bright White
• Brilliant Black
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Flame Red
• Inferno Red
• Light Khaki
• Mineral Gray Metallic
• Patriot Blue

Source - Dodge