Dodge Register.com

From chrysler press release:

With class-leading interior room and comfort for six adult passengers and their gear, the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is all about more – more space, more comfort and more practicality. As the largest pickup cab ever, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab sets the standard for “room with a view” in the pickup market.

“There’s no question that pickup trucks are known for their capacity for cargo, and we created the Ram Mega Cab to also lead the market with its capacity for passengers and their gear,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the first and only pickup truck that comfortably seats six adults and offers the most interior passenger space, cargo capacity and functionality of any pickup truck on the market.”

The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers an available 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine with class-dominating 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque (881 N•m) at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,013 rpm. The 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, making Dodge the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards – today.

Dodge Ram Mega Cab features many innovative seating and storage configurations, including the only reclining rear seats available in a pickup truck, with seat backs tilting from 22 to 37 degrees. The rear-passenger area of the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers best-in-class leg room of 44.2 inches, while rear seats also split 60/40, fold down and move forward, providing several configurations for maximum interior cargo capacity and flexibility. In total, the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers an astonishing 143.2 cubic feet of interior space.

Design

Instantly recognizable with its signature Ram crosshair grille and big-rig styling, the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is as stylish as it is roomy. The chromed crosshair grille surrounded by a chromed “collar” sit above Ram Mega Cab’s substantial bumper. Offered in SLT or Laramie trim, the Ram Mega Cab is available with premium design touches, including Laramie trim that features a chromed front fascia appliqué.

Another attractive styling element is the Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s headlamp system, which features a dual-lamp system. Designed with the premium appearance of quad headlamps, the jewel-like lamps extend deep into the fenders, giving the Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s front-end presence a distinctive look from both front and side views.

The interior design of Dodge Ram Mega Cab includes a wide center console that reinforces its roomy interior dimensions and adds to its functionality. The instrument panel features easily legible gauges and large, easy-to-handle buttons and knobs. In addition, generous storage bins and compartments and flexible-sized cup holders add to the convenience, while premium materials reinforce the upscale atmosphere.

Engineering

The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is available in three models: 1500, 2500 and 3500.

Power comes from a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that is optional on the 2500 model and standard on the 3500 model. With 650 lb.-ft. (881 N•m) of low-end torque at 1,500 rpm and 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,013 rpm, that prodigious strength results in superior towing capability of 16,400 lbs., a payload of 3,150 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ratings of 24,000 lbs. and 10,100 lbs., respectively.

As clean as it is powerful, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes several technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unburned hydrocarbons. In addition to the NOx adsorber and the DPF, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes:

• A cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system combines with a uniquely designed piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT™), matching boost pressure with the engine’s performance needs to reduce emissions and improve drivability

• Within the exhaust system, a self-cleaning DPF and an oxidation catalyst reduce particulate matter by a factor of 10. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles

• A new closed crankcase ventilation system eliminates crankcase fumes and oil carry-over, a common problem with past diesels

Nearly 40 percent of the new engine’s parts are carryover, with modifications geared to surpass emissions standards and increase horsepower and torque, while maintaining the durability associated with Dodge and Cummins.

The 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine is available with a choice of transmissions: a standard 68RFE six-speed automatic with best-in-class gear ratio spread and Electronic Range Select that enables customers to select gears that best match driving conditions; or an available six-speed manual gearbox.

A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is standard with 1500 and 2500 models. It produces 345 horsepower (257 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (508 N•m) at 4,200 rpm. The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI is equipped with a 545RFE five-speed automatic with an overdrive gear that helps reduce noise and fuel consumption.

The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is offered in two-wheel and four-wheel drive. An independent, double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers is standard on two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Mega Cab models. Four-wheel-drive versions are equipped with a rigid-beam front axle supported by a five-link, coil-spring suspension.

Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s rear suspension, common to both two- and four-wheel-drive models, is a Hotchkiss design with a heavy-duty solid axle and longitudinal leaf springs. The Dodge Ram Mega Cab 1500 and 2500 models feature two-stage springs, while the 3500 model is equipped with three-stage springs and offers an optional dual-rear-wheel configuration.

Product Highlights

Best-in-class interior space and comfort
• Featuring superior capability and exceptional durability, Dodge Ram Mega Cab provides unsurpassed comfort and convenience – including the most spacious interior available in the full-size segment, with room for six adults

• Dodge Ram Mega Cab leads the full-size segment with numerous best-in-class features:
o Largest, longest cab – 143.2 cubic feet,111.1 inches long
o Largest interior cargo volume – 72.2 cubic feet
o Largest cargo volume behind rear seat – 7.7 cubic feet
o Largest flat floor load area – 16.8 square feet
o Largest second-row leg room – 44.2 inches
o Largest rear door opening – 34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high
o Largest rear door open angle – 85 degrees
o First-ever reclining rear seats – 22- to 37-degree seat-back angle

• Dodge Ram Mega Cab effectively expands the Dodge Truck product line, delivering a crew cab derivative model that complements the Dodge Ram Regular and Quad Cab® in the full-size pickup market

Bold Dodge styling
• Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers bold, definitive, in-your-face aggressive styling

Class-dominating power
• Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers the most powerful lineup of engines by offering customers the choice of standard 345-horspower 5.7-liter HEMI engine, or the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel that produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. best-in-class low-end torque while meeting federal emissions standards for 2010

Model Lineup

2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab SXT
Standard Features
• 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine (with 1500 and 2500 models)
• 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine (with 3500 model)
• Five-speed automatic transmission (with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine)
• Six-speed manual transmission (with 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine and 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine)
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers
• Overhead console with mini-trip computer and compass
• Speed control
• Power windows and door locks
• Fixed rear glass
• Black grille billets
• Remote keyless entry
• 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel ABS
• Part-time four-wheel drive electric shift transfer case (on 4x4 models)

Optional Equipment
• Four-speed automatic transmission (with 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine)
• Six-speed automatic transmission (with 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine)
• Dual rear wheels (3500 model only)
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Infinity® speaker system
• Full-screen navigation radio
• DVD entertainment system
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® Technology
• Bucket seats with leathery upholstery
• Six-way power driver seat
• 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab SLT
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Ram Mega Cab SXT, the Ram Mega Cab SLT adds/replaces the following:
• Chrome grille billets
• Sliding back glass

Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Ram Mega Cab SXT, the Ram Mega Cab SLT adds/replaces the following:
• Sirius Satellite Radio

2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Laramie
Standard Features (in addition to the Dodge Ram Mega Cab SLT)
• Bodyside chromed molding
• Dual-zone climate control
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Security alarm
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer

Optional Equipment
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Power sun roof
• Power adjustable pedals
• AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Infinity® speaker system
• Full-screen navigation radio
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• DVD entertainment system
• UConnect® Hands-free Wireless Communication System with Bluetooth® Technology
• Bucket seats with leathery upholstery
• Six-way power driver seat
• 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags

Safety AND Security
Please refer to the Safety Glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following features:
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• BeltAlert
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child Protection Rear Door Locks
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
• Crumple Zones
• Door Alert
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Head Restraints
• Height-adjustable Seat Belts
• HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Hydroformed, Fully-boxed Frame
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Power-adjustable Pedals
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
• Three-point Shoulder Belts
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System

Color Availability
• Atlantic Blue
• Brilliant Black
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Bright White
• Flame Red
• Inferno Red
• Light Khaki Metallic
• Mineral Gray Metallic
• Patriot Blue

Manufacturing Information
• 2008 model year production start: July 2007
• Production locations: Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
• 5.7-liter HEMI engine: Saltillo Engine Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
• 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine: Cummins Engine Plant, Columbus, Ind.
• Five-speed Automatic Transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant, Kokomo, Ind.
• Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant, Kokomo, Ind.
• Six-speed Manual Transmission: Sao Bernardo do Campo plant, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Market Position
The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab redefines the pickup truck by combining legendary Ram capability with the biggest cab on the planet, providing best-in-class interior room and comfort.

Demographics
• Gender: 86 percent male
• Age: 50 (median)
• Household Income: $81,000
• Household: 81 percent married

Market Advantages
The 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s 143.2 cu. ft. of interior space features the industry’s most innovative seating and storage configurations, including the only reclining rear seats available in a pickup truck. The rear-passenger area of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers best-in-class leg room of 44.2 inches, and the rear seats also split 60/40, fold down and move forward, providing numerous configurations for maximum interior cargo capacity and flexibility.
As the largest pickup cab ever, with class-leading interior room and comfort for six adult passengers and their gear, the 2008 Dodge Ram Mega Cab extends beyond the competition:
• Largest, longest cab – 143.2 cubic feet,111.1 inches long
• Largest interior cargo volume – 72.2 cubic feet
• Largest cargo volume behind rear seat – 7.7 cubic feet
• Largest flat floor load area – 16.8 square feet
• Largest second-row leg room – 44.2 inches
• Largest rear door opening – 34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high
• Largest rear door open angle – 85 degrees
• First-ever reclining rear seats – 22- to 37-degree seat-back angle
• Best-in-class 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque with all-new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2007 MODEL YEAR
New 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine delivers 350-hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque with six-speed automatic transmission (available January 2007, replacing 5.9-liter diesel engine)
New six-speed automatic transmission with 6.7-liter turbo diesel engine
Optional Remote Start

2006 MODEL YEAR
The Dodge Ram Mega Cab made its debut in the 2006 model year. Based on the Dodge Ram heavy-duty structure, the Mega Cab cabin is stretched an additional 20 inches (when compared with the cabin of a Quad Cab), resulting in a truck that is second to none when it comes to interior space and overall functionality.

MODELS
Dodge Ram Mega Cab SLT (1500, 2500, 3500; 4x2, 4x4)
Dodge Ram Mega Cab Laramie (1500, 2500, 3500; 4x2, 4x4)
All models based on Dodge Ram heavy-duty structure

POWERTRAIN
5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission (base engine/transmission on 1500, 2500 models)
5.9-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 with G56 six-speed manual overdrive transmission (optional on 2500 models, standard on 3500 models)
5.9-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 with 48RE four-speed automatic transmission (optional on 2500; standard on 3500 models)
Electronic transfer case (standard on 4x4)
3.73 (standard) or 4.10 (optional) rear axle ratio (4.10 not available with diesel/manual powertrain)
1500 = maximum payload of 2,5500 lbs., maximum trailer weight of 8,900 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,000 lbs.
2500 = maximum payload of 2,750 lbs., maximum trailer weight of 12,850 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 20,000 lbs.
3500 = maximum payload of 3,150 lbs., maximum trailer weight of 15,850 lbs. and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 23,000 lbs.

CHASSIS
13.9-inch brake rotors with Anti-lock Brake System (standard)
Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning (EVBP) for consistent, balanced front-to-rear braking during light loads (standard)
Independent front suspension (standard on two-wheel-drive models)
Rigid beam front axle with five-link coil-spring suspension (standard on four-wheel-drive models)
Rear suspension: heavy-duty solid axle and longitudinal leaf springs
Specifically tuned monotube front and rear shocks
Rack-and-pinion steering system (standard on two-wheel-drive models)
Recirculating ball steering system (standard on four-wheel-drive models) provides quickest steering ratio in industry (13.4:1)

EXTERIOR
First full-size, full-four-door truck in Dodge Ram portfolio—10-inch longer doors when compared with Quad Cab® offerings
Nine available exterior colors: Black Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Flame Red Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat, Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat and Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
Distinguished by Ram-signature chrome crosshair grille surround with billet horizontal cross bars, contemporary headlamp design (dual lamp system)
Large front and rear (chromed) bumpers
Body-color-matched front fascia with integrated fog lamps and available chromed front fascia appliqué (optional)
Optional power-sliding rear backlight
Bodyside molding on SLT, chromed bodyside molding on Laramie
Chromed badges and/or signifying script on front fender, doors, tailgate and C-pillar
Optional power sun roof

INTERIOR
Largest interior cargo volume (72.2 cu. ft.)
Largest cargo volume behind rear seat (7.7 cu. ft.)
Largest flat floor load area (24.9 sq. ft.)
Largest second-row leg room (44.2 inches)
Largest rear door opening (34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high)
Largest rear door open angle (85 degrees)
Six-person passenger capacity
Fold-flat 60/40 split full-size rear bench seating
Reclining rear seats (industry-first application in a pickup truck)
Rear storage bins deliver 1.8 cu. ft. of covered storage
Interior color offerings: Khaki and Medium Slate Gray
Optional full-screen navigation radio
Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Optional heated front seats and optional bucket seats w/center console
Premium cloth and leather seating optional (includes carpeted floor and floor mats)
Optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio(a)
Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System

SAFETY and security
Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags and knee bolsters
Industry’s largest side-curtain air bag (exclusive offering in crew-cab class)
Height-adjustable three-point seat belts (front and rear outboard) and constant-force retractors with pretensioners (front seats)
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Power adjustable pedals
Power door locks
Remote keyless entry
Security alarm
Sentry Key® engine immobilizer

(a) “SIRIUS” is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.