Dodging Camera's

These are the first spy shots of the 2009 Dodge Ram. Caught during some hot weather testing in the Southwest of the US, these Ram truck prototypes reveal a few of the changes in store for the next-generation truck that will go on sale late next year. Even with all the camouflage over the new front clip, it's easy to make out the more aerodynamic look of this Ram's design. The big crosshair grille remains, but the "shoulders" of the current truck are gone in favor of a broad, flat hood which extends all the way across. In back, the Ram will get new taillights similar to the revamped Dakota shown earlier this year.

Under the hood, expect to see the Ram incorporate Chrysler's latest V6 and V8 engines. The 4.0-liter V6 first introduced in the Grand Caravan is the likely choice for the base Ram engine as it provides more torque than the current 3.7-liter V6. An upgrade to the twin-plug 4.7-liter V8 may occur as early as this year as production of the revised engine it's already scheduled for the 2008 Dakota. An upgrade for the top-of-the-line 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is likely too, although it's already one of the more powerful engines in its class. Expect to see the debut of this new Ram next spring with sales beginning in the fall.