UPDATED: Since
we put this story about the next Ram on PickupTruck.com we have
had a new source come forward. The latest information is incorporated
below.
We're
only about 100 days away from the expected January debut of the
next generation Dodge Ram at the 2001 NAIAS and more details are
beginning to emerge - enough to create this computer enhanced image
of the 2002 Ram (we
had originally heard the truck was going to be a 2003 model.) Car-Truck.com
is also reporting from their sources that the Ram will debut as
a 2002 model in the fall of 2001.
The
latest information reveals the third generation Ram will receive
a fully chromed crosshair grille up front. However, we expect the
new front end to have more MAXXcab influenced features in the headlights
and front bumper than rendered above (See link and illustration,
above right).
A
new Quad Cab Ram with four full-size doors is reportedly going to
replace the exsiting Club Cab. Club Cab models will be made for
one more year and then discontinued entirely. Standard cab models
are expected to be larger with more room behind the driver seat.
Bed
choices for the light duty Quad Cab will include both 6.5 and 8-foot
lengths, an option unique in this segment. The Ford
SuperCrew has only a 5.5-foot bed and the 2001
GM light duty trucks offer only a 6.5-foot bed. 8-foot beds
can still be found on the heavy duty crew cab pickups offered by
the competition.
As
reported in earlier articles a brand new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 will
available and PUTC has also been informed that a 6.1-liter Hemi
will also join the engine lineup.
The
2002 Dodge Ram will be assembled in two plants located in St. Louis
and Dodge City in Warren, Michigan.
