I stopped by my Dodge Dealer to check prices on some leather seats and talked to the aftermarket parts sales guy. Well, I can get color matching leather seats (my interior looks black to me, but I think its a really dark grey) including the center arm rest with 'Hemi' on the seat and a Ram head on the head rest (in Yellow) with solar yellow leather center part of the seat for $1,300.00. I don't know if that price is high. They had one of the new trucks with it installed and it looks really nice. They also have the Bed cover (Hard Cover) in Solor Yellow for the same price installed. So now I have to decide which option I want first. Any input on whether the price is really high or about right would be nice.

While talking to him, I asked about the future Hemi's. He told me that the 2006 models would have a 6.1 liter Hemi with 400+ hp. Sounds like Dodge is following GM. GM has the 5.7 LS1 and has upgraded it to the LS2 which is a 6.1 Liter at 400+HP. I think I will have to test drive one of those when they come out.

If Dodge continues with the Bee line in 2006 with a 6.1 400+ hp Hemi, I might have to trade my 2004 Bee in. If they discontinue the Bee's after 2005 and let them become a collectors edition (reguardless of production numbers) I will have to see what it would cost to get a dodge 6.1 Hemi Crate motor swaped into my Bee.

Just thought I would share what I heard

 

Gotta love rumors though. I'm not holding my breath either.

 

The way the dealer was talking, the 6.1 Hemi is a sure thing for 2006. Not sure what vehicle it will be in. He was positive it would be over 400hp, just not sure by how much. he mentioned 425hp. We will see.

 

I thought they were reserving it for the 2500 series trucks and the SRT-8 cars. I suppose we'll just have to see what comes of all this.

 

Check on E-bay for the leather seat covers. There's two sets on there right now for the Rumblebee's and another set for regular trucks. Much cheaper than $1300 too. Just type in Dodge Ram Leather and scroll though.

 

From what I've heard around the dealership I work for, and ol redrider, the 6.1L will only be seen in the 2500/3500 series Rams, and like the SRT-8 Charger/300C. However, then I heard that the 2006 SRT-8 Dakota Will get the 6.1L HEMI. We'll just have to wait and see what DCX really decides to do.

The production of the Rumble Bee is over, according to my boss.

 

That's good to know about the end of the Rumblebee line. Looks like I will keep mine then. Still might want to swap for the 6.1 in 2 years. Only have 1,900 miles on mine now so I might as well break it in before swapping

 

Looks like i'll be changing my truck in 2006