With the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Ram 1500 is the most powerful light-duty pickup truck in the market. Without compromising its venerable power, the new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500’s HEMI V-8 engine features the first-ever fully functioning cylinder deactivation system —MDS — on a pickup truck. Customers receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI V-8 engine with the fuel economy that they — until now — could only expect from a smaller, less powerful engine.

The HEMI V-8 engine can transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds) – quicker than the blink of an eye.  Improved fuel economy is realized without any change in customer experience as drivers receive the benefit of MDS without changing their driving habits. Customers will experience fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under certain driving conditions.

A new Variable Line Pressure (VLP) transmission for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 3.7-liter V-6 engine improves fuel economy and provides smoother shifts between gears.

Adding to the fuel-efficiency formula, the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 model is equipped with a front-axle-disconnect system, designed to disengage the front-axle driveshaft when operating in two-wheel drive. This minimizes the front-drive system’s energy consumption and improves fuel economy.

The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 also features new reduce-drag brake calipers, low-rolling resistance tires and a rear spoiler to improve vehicle aerodynamics. The spoiler is positioned on the rear liftgate.

VERSATILE CABS
The new 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 is available in regular cab and Quad Cab body styles, in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and with six-foot or eight-foot beds.  Available trim levels are ST, Sport, SLT and Laramie.  A Mega Cab body style will also be available this fall.

The Dodge Ram Quad Cab features four standard doors, available 60/40 folding rear seats and a folding load floor that ensures both passengers and gear fit in the back simultaneously and comfortably.  By allowing seats to fold up, tools and other items may be securely locked away.  The Dodge Ram regular cab offers just as much flexibility, with storage behind rear seats and enough seat travel for ease in reclining of driver and passenger seats.