• 1500 - Several upgrades to trim levels and new colors
• 2500 HD / 3500 HD - Several upgrades to trim levels and newcolors
• 3500 Chassis Cab / 4500 Chassis Cab / 5500 Chassis Cab - Stylingrefresh, larger cab, and upgrades to equipment options
• Dakota - Mostly a carryover with minor changes to safety equipment

2011 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is a full-size, half-ton pickup truck. Firstintroduced in 1981, the Ram 1500 is built on a traditionalbody-on-frame platform and offered in three different cabconfigurations. It competes directly against the Ford F-150 andChevrolet Silverado 1500 lineups-both competitors offer similarly sizedvehicles with like configurations.

When it was launched, the first-generation Ram 1500 models were notall-new models. In fact, they were facelifted versions of the carryoverDodge D-Series pickups (the "new" Rams arrived with a new interior, newheadlights, new taillights, and a new dashboard and instrumentcluster). An all-new second-generation model arrived in 1994(introducing the model's familiar "big rig" styling), with the all-newthird-generation model following in 2002. The current,fourth-generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2009.

The standard powerplant on the Ram 1500 is a V-6, with two V-8engines on the option list. Rear-wheel drive (4x2) is standard, while4-wheel drive (4x4) is optional on all models. The Ram 1500 (Quad Cab4x2 Short Bed 5.7-liter) is able to tow up to 15,500 pounds, accordingto the automaker. Ram has made several changes to its truck for 2011.These include a new "Ram Outdoorsman" trim level (fitted with exclusiveinterior and exterior appointments designed to appeal to outdoorsmensuch as hunters, fishermen, campers, and boaters), additional standardequipment, new options, and several new exterior colors.

Highlights:

• Several upgrades for 2011
• Five Ram 1500 trim levels: ST, SLT, Outdoorsman, Sport, andLaramie
• Three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab
• Two bed choices: Short and Long
• Standard 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 215 horsepower
• Optional 4.7-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 310 horsepower
• Optional 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 390 horsepower
• Standard 4-speed automatic transmission (3.7-liter V-6)
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission (both V-8 engines)
• Standard rear-wheel drive (4x2)
• Optional 4-wheel drive (4x4)
• 6-passenger seating (depending on cab configuration)
• NEW Trim level: Ram Laramie Longhorn Edition withexclusive interior and exterior features appealing to hunters,fishermen, campers, and boaters
• NEW Exterior colors: Saddle Brown Pearl Coat, White GoldMetallic, Hunter Green Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat,and Sagebrush (Laramie Longhorn only)
• NEW Power-folding mirrors
• NEW Increased gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
• NEW Factory spray-in bedliner available on all models
• NEW Active on-demand transfer case now standard on BigHorn, Sport, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn 4X4 models
• NEW Garmin Navigation System

2011 Ram 2500/3500

The Ram 2500 "Heavy Duty" (HD) and Ram 3500 HD are full-size,three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) pickup trucks. The Ram 2500HD and Ram 3500 HD model introductions mostly mirror the generations ofthe half-ton Ram 1500 (introduced in 1981). However, the 2500/3500models feature a more sturdy, full-boxed frame when compared to theirlighter 1500 sibling. In addition, the largest engine on the 1500 model(5.7-liter V-8) is the smallest engine offering on the 2500/3500models.

The 2011 Ram 2500/3500 is offered in Regular Cab, Crew Cab and MegaCab configurations, with a choice of short or long bed. The Ram 2500(Regular Cab 4x4 Long Bed 6.7-liter) is able to tow up to 15,450 poundswhile the Ram 3500 (Regular Cab 4x2 Long Bed 6.7-liter) is rated to towup to 17,600 pounds, according to the automaker. Ram has made severalchanges to the 2500/3500 models for 2011. These include a new "RamOutdoorsman" trim level (fitted with exclusive interior and exteriorappointments designed to appeal to outdoorsmen such as hunters,fishermen, campers, and boaters), more standard equipment, new options,and several new exterior colors.

Highlights:

• Several upgrades for 2011
• Five trim levels: ST, SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, and Laramie
• Three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab
• Two bed choices: Short and Long
• Standard 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 383horsepower
• Optional 6.7-liter, 6-cylinder diesel engine rated at 350horsepower
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission (5.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission (6.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Optional 6-speed automatic transmission (6.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Standard rear-wheel drive (4x2)
• Optional 4-wheel drive (4x4)
• 6-passenger seating (depending on cab configuration)
• NEW Trim level: "Ram Outdoorsman" (adds features thatappeal to hunters, fishermen, campers, and boaters and packages theminto one model)
• NEW Standard electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)on all models
• NEW Standard electronic brake controller on SLT,Outdoorsman, Power Wagon and Laramie
• NEW New exterior colors: Hunter Green Pearl and DeepCherry Red Crystal Pearl
• NEW Additional wheel options
• NEW Interior color choices
• NEW Increases gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) to 22,000pounds
• NEW Upgraded navigation system
• NEW Tire-pressure-monitoring (TPM) system standard on Ram2500
• NEW Optional spray-in bed liner

2011 Ram Chassis Cab

The 3500 Chassis Cab/4500 Chassis Cab/5500 Chassis Cab are Ram'slargest full-size truck offerings, and are designed primarily forcommercial customers. There are three chassis weights: 3500(three-quarter ton), 4500 (one-ton/Class 4), and 5500 (Class 5). TheChassis Cab models differ from their lighter 2500 HD and 3500 HDsiblings in that the fully boxed frame is constructed withhigh-strength steel-it is a commercial frame.

Compared to the HD models, Chassis Cab models are also offered withlarger fuel tanks, larger brake systems, integrated trailer-brakecontrollers, and power take-off (PTO) capabilities to run externalequipment. The 2011 3500 Chassis Cab/4500 Chassis Cab/5500 Chassis Cabis offered in Regular and Crew chassis configurations. The rear frameis industry-sized, to allow a variety of beds, boxes or other truckplatforms to be installed. When properly configured, Chassis Cab modelsare able to tow upwards of 18,000 pounds, according to the automaker.

Ram has made several changes to the 3500 Chassis Cab/4500 ChassisCab/5500 Chassis Cab models for 2011. Most noted is the new exteriordesign and styling. In addition, the Crew Cab is larger (for more legroom) and the fuel capacity has been increased. There are also numerousother changes, mostly designed for the Chassis Cab's various commercialapplications.

Highlights

• Several upgrades for 2011
• Five trim levels: ST, SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon, and Laramie
• Two cab configurations: Regular Cab and Crew Cab
• Standard 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 383horsepower
• Optional 6.7-liter, 6-cylinder diesel engine rated at 305horsepower
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission (5.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission (6.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Optional 6-speed automatic transmission (6.7-liter V-8 engine)
• Standard rear-wheel drive (4x2)
• Optional 4-wheel drive (4x4)
• 6-passenger seating (depending on cab configuration)
• NEW All-new crew cab increases rear leg room by 4 inches
• NEW All-new design and exterior styling
• NEW Larger standard fuel tank (52-gallon) offeringextended operating range
• NEW Larger front brake rotors and calipers (Ram 4500/5500models)
• NEW Standard diesel exhaust brake
• NEW Standard diesel, 24,000-pound, best-in-class grosscombined weight rating (GCWR) and optional 26,000-pound GCWR
• NEW All-new optional integrated trailer-brake controller
• NEW Four all-new up-fitter switches integrated into theinstrument panel
• NEW Ultra-clean-diesel emissions-compliant with new dieselexhaust fluid (DEF) injection based on urea injection SelectiveCatalyst Reduction (SCR) technology
• NEW Powertrain limited warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
• NEW Hemi V-8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT)improves fuel economy up to 4 percent (Ram 3500)
• NEW Six-speed automatic and class-exclusive manualtransmission with power take-off (PTO) capability
• NEW 180-amp diesel engine base alternator
• NEW Comprehensive commercial-grade service and supportwith Body Builder Guide and hotline support from engineering team
• NEW Standard N-Rated tires on 4500 and 5500 (emergencyvehicle applications-up to 87 mph)
• NEW B20 package available to fleet customers

2011 Ram Dakota

The Ram Dakota is a midsize pickup truck. It was first introducedin 1987 as a pickup that could combine the payload and capacity of thefull-size truck, yet offer the fuel efficiency of a small truck (itoriginally was offered with a 4- or 6-cylinder engine). Today, theDakota is in its third generation, last redesigned for the 2005 modelyear.

The 2011 Dakota features a ladder-type frame with "hydroformed"main rails (they are fully boxed to improve strength and rigidity). Allmodels feature an independent front suspension with coil-over shockabsorbers. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6, but Ram also offersa 4.7-liter V-8 for those seeking more power. When properly equipped,the Ram Dakota is able to tow up to 7,250 pounds, according to theautomaker. The 2011 Ram Dakota is mostly a carryover from 2010, but theautomaker has improved the standard safety equipment with the additionof side curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.

Highlights

• Minor changes for 2011
• Three trim levels: ST, Big Horn (Lone Star) and Laramie
• Two cab configurations: Extended Cab and Crew Cab
• Two bed choices: Short and Long
• Standard 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 210 horsepower
• Optional 4.7-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 302 horsepower
• Standard 4-speed automatic transmission (3.7-liter V-6)
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission (4.7-liter V-8)
• Standard rear-wheel drive (4x2)
• Optional 4-wheel drive (4x4)
• Seating for up to 6 passengers (depending on configuration)
• NEW Standard side curtain air bags
• NEW Exterior colors: Hunter Green Pearl and Deep CherryRed Crystal Pearl
• NEW Standard anti-lock brake system (ABS)