The 2002 Dodge Ram
is expected to be an evolutionary refinement of the current Ram, not the
revolutionary design that distinguished today's truck from the previous
generation.
Combining
styling cues from the present day Ram with some features first
seen in the Dodge MAXXcab
concept, sources at DaimlerChrysler inform us that we are very
accurate with this depiction of the next Dodge Ram pickup. The
strong Ram cross-hair grille remains, as ever, the most prominent
feature but will become slightly more angular. The headlights
will increase in size and prominence and the fenders continue
to blend back into the cab providing the 'big rig' look that the
Ram has become well known for. The truck is also expected to grow
in length and width.
Several new engines
will be offered in the '02 Ram including: the 'Next-Generation Magnum
4.7 liter V8'; the return of the Hemi lineup starting with a 5.7 liter
V8 - first featured in the Chrysler 300 Hemi C concept car where it produced
353hp and 353ft-lb of torque in a 353 cubic inch package; and a rumored
new V10.
There are
also some rumors that the next-gen Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck,
when it debuts, will be very similar in appearance to the Dodge
Power Wagon Concept to distinguish it from the lighter duty
truck shown above. The next Heavy Duty Dodge Ram may also use
the Allison transmission, used in the 2001
GM Heavy Duty trucks, when combined with a diesel engine.
