Chicago Auto Show - Day 1 Highlights

Dodge Ram

Rich Schaum, DaimlerChrysler's Executive Vice President of Product Development, presented three versions of the all-new 2002 Dodge Ram during the truck's world debut at the Chicago Auto Show today. Just like its predecessor, the all-new 2002 Dodge Ram has a bold new look and a stunning package of attributes that sets it apart from the rest of the pack. An all-new Quad Cab model boasts four standard doors, while regular- and extended-cab models are considerably larger than their predecessors.

When the current-generation Ram was being designed in the early 1990s, it was facing a marketplace of well-established full-size pickups. Selling only about 70,000 units a year, Ram was a small, if not insignificant player. In order to make any noise in the market, Dodge needed to offer something different. From that need, the original 'Ram Package' was born. Combining bold styling, a wide range of powerful engines, best-in-class ride and handling, and unmatched interior roominess and convenience, this new package made Ram an instant hit.

"We knew we had something special with the 1994 Ram, but even we didn't expect the overwhelming customer acceptance to come so quickly," said Rich Schaum. "True to our design tradition, we broke new ground by designing a truck that was vastly different from our competitors from an exterior design perspective. But the '94 Ram wasn't just about bold, over-the-road exterior styling. It offered the most powerful lineup of engines, ride and handling to rival some sedans and interior features that had - up to that point - been reserved strictly for cars. It was no ordinary pickup."

In designing the 2002 Dodge Ram, no part of the truck was left untouched, from its signature exterior design to its best-in-class interior packaging or powertrain. The result is a new truck from top to bottom that is more fuel efficient, quieter, handles better and delivers even more comfort and convenience.

The new Ram's features include:

A bold, new exterior design that amplifies the signature brawny Ram look, while refining it for reduced wind noise and improved cooling and aerodynamics

Redesigned Regular and Quad Cab interiors that are even larger and more luxurious New body architecture featuring a hydroformed front structure

An ingenious rear storage and seating system in the Quad Cab that serves work and passenger carrying capability equally

Perhaps no other truck in the past 25 years became so easily and immediately recognizable as the 1994-2001 Dodge Ram. It became a design that was often followed but never matched. The essence of the truck was its massive horsecollar grille, reminiscent of over-the-road haulers.

In keeping with the amplification of every feature on the new truck, the grille is bolder and even bigger. Each of the models in the Ram lineup - ST, SLT, Sport and SLT+ - gets a unique interpretation of this design element which has become the 'signature' for the Dodge brand. From the chrome grille with gray honeycomb center on the Ram SLT to the body-colored grille with the new chrome billet-bar center on the Sport, there is a different statement to match the nature of each model, while keeping true to the overall Dodge theme of bold, powerful and capable.

From the grille rearward, the robust nature of the truck continues with the broad, sloping hood and fender combination that is so recognizably Ram. A more pronounced crown to the hood drops dramatically to the sculpted front fenders.

The windshield slopes much more than the previous model, enhancing the truck's strong stance, while aiding in aerodynamics and wind and water management. The compound curvature of the windshield flows easily into the door surface. The doors overlap the pillar, completely eliminating the cut line and smoothly transitioning from the front of the cab to the side.

While further establishing Ram as the boldest looking truck in the segment, virtually every change made to the exterior design for 2002 helped improve aerodynamics, functionality and/or cooling. An integrated air dam aids in engine cooling and air conditioning condenser airflow.

Extended edges on the door frames are tapered to aid in air flow and reduce wind noise while channeling water over the roof rather than around to the side windows. The dual-lamp headlights offer a more striking design while performing noticeably better than the previous lights.

Two Dodge Ram cab choices will be available for 2002: Regular Cab and Quad Cab. Both models feature larger cabs and offer improved head, shoulder, leg and hip room.

Like the current Ram Quad Cab, the all-new model strikes the balance between interior functionality and exterior capability. The all-new Quad Cab features four conventional doors and a larger, more comfortable cab. However, it remains essentially the same length as the previous model. This was done by taking three inches out of the bed length (from 6'6" to 6'3") and adding it to the rear of the cab. This creates a larger rear seating area with improved leg and hip room but doesn't reduce payload capacity.

The 2002 Ram 1500 will be available in two cab choices - Regular and Quad Cab - and both 2WD and 4WD. Production will begin on the 2002 Ram 1500 in the summer of 2001.