Dodge announced a number of commercial-vehicle enhancements this morning at the 2008 National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Atlanta.
Armed with the Class 4-5's largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs now boast best-in-class fuel economy and deliver up to 14 percent better fuel performance than the Ford F-550 Chassis Cab, and up to 23 percent better than the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick. Independent testing and validation was performed by TRC (Transportation Research Center), a leading research firm in East Liberty, Ohio.
In addition, with the legendary Cummins 6.7-liter diesel, a new optional 3.42 axle ratio is available on the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab to improve fuel economy.
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter delivers 25 percent better fuel economy (diesel models) than Ford E-series vans -- the best fuel performance in the full-size van segment. Dodge Sprinter gas models boast up to a 14 percent advantage over Ford -- best-in-class.
For diesel models, an average of 20.2 mpg was confirmed through independent testing and validation performed by AMCI (Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc.) of Oceanside, California. Gas models averaged a best-in- class 15.2 mpg. In addition, the 3.92 axle ratio is now standard for diesel models, ensuring superior fuel economy.
Loaded with premium power and performance, all 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs have been verified with considerably increased Power Take-Off (PTO) pump rating -- a 55 percent increase in gallons per minute -- in order to provide more power, muscle and capability for pumps, lifts and hydraulic use.
Showcasing even more commercial capability and power, 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are now certified for up to a 1,172 lbs. payload advantage over comparably equipped Ford F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs. The payload advantage on a Ram 4500 Chassis Cab with a 120-inch CA 4x4 regular cab is up to 669 lbs. For a Ram 5500 Chassis Cab (108-inch CA 4x4 regular cab), the payload advantage is up to 1,772 lbs.
Bringing even more "big rig" feel, commercial capability and enhanced safety, the brake system on the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is upgraded with larger rotors and calipers and thicker brake pads. Enhanced capability and performance is assured as the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab's standard Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) has been increased to a class-leading 24,000 lbs.
Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab's all-new brakes are up-sized to provide more stopping power, increased brake-pad life and improved fuel economy. To improve stopping power, front and rear rotor sizes are increased 2 percent to 360 mm (front) and 358 mm (rear) . In addition, front calipers are up-sized 7 percent to include large twin 60 mm pistons for maximum stopping power.
New brake pads are 14 percent thicker (12.5 mm) with a 36 percent larger surface area (99 square cm). The new brakes reduce brake drag which results in a fuel economy improvement of .5 mpg. In addition, the rotor thickness increased 10 percent on the front (39 mm vs. 35.5 mm) and 12 percent on the rear (34 mm vs. 30 mm).
Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cabs also feature a new 5.7-liter next-generation HEMI V-8 with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) that will appeal to fleets requiring a gas engine. The new engine provides more power and torque with better fuel economy. The new engine incorporates a 9 percent higher compression ratio (10.5:1), Variable Valve Timing and an active intake manifold. These technologies, combined with engine and powertrain integration improvements, result in a 4 percent improvement in fuel economy. Preliminary results also show peak torque increases 8 percent to 404 lb.-ft. and peak power increases 15 percent to 380 hp. At 2,000 RPM, torque improves 6 percent to 350 lb.-ft.