Is this the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500?
By: Mike Levine Posted: 12-09-07 07:53 PT
© 2007 PickupTruck.com

Page: [1]

As first found via DodgeTalk by the sharp eyed tipsters at Autoblog and Jalopnik.

It looks like cracks continue to expand in the 2009 Dodge Ram's information dam. We recently reported on online speculation about what's going on under the truck. Here's a potential look at its exterior.

This photo has been quickly circulating around discussion forums since last night (it didn't come from us because we don't have access to the embargoed press photos). It could be photoshopped, then again, this looks like the real deal - probably a beauty shot for next month's introduction during the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Overall, it looks like next Dodge Ram has been influenced by the current Ford F-150's exterior design. The Ram in the photo still keeps its heritage 'big-rig' looks but it's chunkier than the 2008 Ram with F-150-ish proportions.

Other notable changes are highlighted in the picture below.

Some more reflecting on the shape of the 2009 Dodge Ram picture also makes clear how much design influence Toyota was able to pull from the Ram's (originally) revolutionary semi-tractor look for use in the current Tundra.

Whether or not this turns out to be the real deal, Dodge has little choice but to make the aerodynamic profile of the next Ram more slippery than the current truck, to help meet tougher CAFE regs. The same rules Toyota knew it had to meet when it was designing the Tundra.

It looks like Dodge is trying to reduce the Ram's frontal area by reducing the distance between the top of the hoodline and dropped shoulders of the headlights and fenders. There's still a clear distinction between those exterior components, but with smoother integration and softer boundaries.

The designers of the 1994 Dodge Ram should be applauded for creating a lasting front-end signature that continues to drive the appearance of other full size trucks today.

Page: [1]