Driving by the dealer tonight and saw something odd, so I pull in. It is a 2011. They will be easy to spot (the 1500 anyhow) as the 1500 has made a re-appearance on the doors.... More to debadge!

It was dark so it was hard to see inside but it looked the same. This was a base SLT, no frills on it other than a Hemi. And that leads me to the second thing I saw that was different... Even though this SLT had a Hemi it also had the E85 Fuel badge on the gate.

 

There are a few noticeable changes in the 2011. We have a few at our dealer now. Yes there is that "1500" badge after the "RAM". Also, interior-wise, the rear seat outer headrests are fullsize like the fronts, and the center headrest is smaller than the 09-10. Available in 2011 for the laramie's are now a different colour two-tone. Instead of the light greystone, they have a darker goldish trim colour. Doesn't look too bad, not my preference though. And under the hood, they changed the TIPM box.

 

So 2012 will likely be the year for the bigger changes, likely powertrainwise, the exterior and interior are still the best in the biz. I've got an inside source for an engine parts sub-company who told me they will be transitioning to lower production for their parts for the 5.7, mostly for warranty, not production.

My guess is that with the HP wars really heating up, we'll see a 6.4L in the trucks with probably a 7spd auto (5 gears to 1:1 and 2 o'ds, like Mercedes has). In additionally, maybe the V8 cummins will finally make its debut, which if it is affordable, will be a huge hit and will be targeted at the new Ford ecoboost engine.

 

6.4L in the Ram.........boing!!!

 

The official word is that they aren't planning on putting the 6.4 in the trucks, it's not a "truck" motor. They had looked into, but did't think it will hold up to heavy truck use...it's a performance motor. I'd still like to see it in a hopped up R/T or SRT-8 sport truck.

 

The Viper engine was not a truck motor but it went in anyhow with no changes.

With that said I do not think you will see an expansion of SRT in the next couple years, this of course includes the Ram. Right now all their focus is getting the small market cars moving, which is what is killing this auto company right now. They were in the worst position of the big three when gas went up years ago and they are still the worst off. If they can get into that market (with re-worked Fiat's) they will be in a better position to "play" with things like a new SRT Ram. They do need to learn from the SRT-10 experience though.... MPG needs to be resonable (single digit city will not cut it) and they need to keep it under 50K. If they make it all-wheel drive I might even buy one as a DD!

 

Dodge was referring to the use of the 6.4 in their mass produced trucks, not a limited run sports truck. It will obviously fit and move the truck out, but it's not designed for "work" use.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...t-for-ram.html

 

Oh, well that I agree with

 

Very true about being the worst off of the big 3 domestics in regards to smaller cars. Chrysler doesn't have anything for the average family car buyer! The RWD cars are more of a niche thing, with the AWDs being quite expensive, and they are still big and heavy cars.

Finally, a hybrid sedan? Must be something in the pipeline?

 

My parents just purchased a PT cruiser because they where on a budget and the car was reasonably priced plus they wanted to buy American. After a week of owning the car the average mpg was 16.8 from a 2.4 liter. Slightly better than my truck. If Chrysler is going to be competitive they better step it up especially when Japenese cars in the same price range are getting 21 to 23 mpg with the same size engine.