(TCC Staff) Chrysler is adding two brawny high-powered trucks to its Dodge Ram lineup, trying to assert its image for tough high-performance trucks in a category intensified by competitors' redesigned models.
The Dodge Ram Power Wagon and SRT-10 Quad Cab will join the brand's lineup this fall for the 2005 model year. The two Ram derivatives, unveiled Tuesday, are part of an aggressive product rollout that began this year and will continue into 2007.
It's the first time in 25 years Dodge has sold a "Power Wagon," meant to appeal to hardcore truck buyers who tow and use their trucks for work and play.
Based on the Dodge Ram 2500, it is designed more for rugged working conditions than for mainstream driving. Its 33-inch tires are the tallest standard tires offered on a production pickup. The Power Wagon will come equipped with one engine, the 345-horsepower Hemi V-8. A 10,000-pound winch is standard equipment. Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche says the Power Wagon is the most capable off-road truck on the market.
At the same time, Chrysler also unveiled the Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab, a four-door version of the regular-cab performance truck Chrysler launched earlier this year. The truck is powered by the same 500-horsepower V-10 engine that's in the Dodge Viper.
"This is classic lifecycle management...we will keep offering new variants and special versions, which we need to because of the stiff competition," said Zetsche, referring to the redesigned Ford F-Series and Nissan Titan pickup. "But now we offer the fastest production truck and the most off-road capable." The SRT-10 Rams represent about two percent of Ram sales. The Power Wagon is expected to do the same. But both trucks, says Zetsche, are important for casting the right image over the whole Ram lineup. -Jim Burt
If I were in the market for a quad cab truck...it sure as hell would not be that...not because of looks...which are fine, but because the only quad cab IMO that people should buy are the Powerstroke or Cummins diesels...the V-10 is not even in the same leauge. The new diesels have more usable power...last 300,000 miles...FAR better gas mileage.
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i may be wrong, but im pretty sure this is the first ever production sport truck with more than 2 seats. lightning, silverado ss, syclone, any more?
Dodge was the first evAR to invent the crew cab (61), club cub (70ish) and now the first quad sport truck.
Cantonracer...First, the Quad cab sport truck will beat any of the lame Chevy or Ford wanna-be diesel stock for stock. Next, the rolling chassis was design to take corners or the twisties than any other diesel mentioned.
Third, there is another bump coming for power for this V-10. Those who like to mod for power know how easy it is with modded bolt ons.
Fourth, offline, I doubt you will beat this truck with any stock diesel hauler with a tow first gear.
In terms of walking papers....... From a 40mph roll, the diesel will walk the Hemi hard. And the V-10? Let's just say the V-10 walks the diesel.
The V-10 is only 50ft-lbs short of the Diesel, but yet over 200hp more. I wouldn't call that week. With the onset of the Quad SRT-10, they had to develop a new auto trans to handle the torque AND rpm of the V-10. Because it's a 1500 chassis, naturally it's not designed to be the hauler the 2500/3500 is, but still, it'll out haul any current 1500.
Where the powerband and gearing is, the stock diesel will be hard to press. It is not a racer but mean't tow at low RPM range with torque in mind. However, the Hemi has a broadband torque curve and will outgun the diesel.
If you don't believe me, then try it at a local traffic light.
Looking at the V-10, 90-percent of the torque is around 1700 RPM range. Now you know.
Since I have a Hemi with 5-speed manual mean't for towing, I know what first gear is all about. Just not going to happen. I would trade up for the Viper T-56 Tremec anyday.
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Dodge adds two brawny Rams for 2005 (SRT-10 Quad)
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