Though big, heavy trucks may not offer the road-going safety their image projects, they do offer utility that no other vehicle can approach.
That's especially true of the larger, commercially-sized trucks like the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, unveiled today at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
Key among the new features to the Ram Heavy Duty (HD) line, include a first-ever optional crew cab. Available powerplants include a 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel rated at 350hp (261kW) and 650lb-ft (881Nm) of torque. The big diesel is also 50-state emissions compliant, and is fitted with a standard exhaust brake. A 5.7L HEMI V8 is also available, rated at 383hp (286kW) and 400lb-ft (542Nm) of torque.
Towing and hauling capacity is what these trucks are all about, and they offer substantial capabilities in that regard: the 3500 HD offers 18,500lbs towing and 5,110lbs payload.
A range of trims are available, with three cab styles (regular cab, crew-size cab and Mega Cab) and two cargo-box sizes (6-foot-4-inches and 8 feet), plus single and dual-rear-wheel configurations. ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon trims offer a range of interior equipment and exterior appearance tweaks, but all models bear the substantial and somewhat blocky new face of the 2010 Ram.
