Press Kit: 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, What's New for '06

2006 MODELS
Dodge Ram 1500 ST (4x2, 4x4, regular or Quad Cab™, six- or eight-foot bed)

Dodge Ram 1500 SLT (4x2, 4x4, regular or Quad Cab, six- or eight-foot bed)

Dodge Ram 1500 Sport (4x2, 4x4, regular or Quad Cab, offers SLT Options, six-foot bed only — new for 2006)

Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie (4x2, 4x4, regular or Quad Cab, six- or eight-foot bed)

POWERTRAIN
3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine with 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque (standard on two-wheel-drive regular and Quad Cabs with short box)

4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine with 235 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque (standard on Quad Cab long box models and four-wheel-drive regular cabs)

5.7-liter HEMI® Magnum V-8 engine with best-in-class 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (optional on all; standard on new Sport package)

Six-speed Getrag® manual transmission (standard with 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter engines)

45RFE four-speed automatic, multi-speed overdrive transmission (optional with all 3.7-liter engines)

5-45FRE five-speed automatic transmission (optional with 4.7-liter engines and standard with 5.7-liter engines)

Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7-liter engine is a fully functioning cylinder deactivation system on a pickup truck (first for segment) and enables fuel economy improvements of up to 20 percent (new for 2006)

Variable Line Pressure (VLP) feature on four-speed automatic transmission (mated with 3.7-liter V-6 engine), results in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts (new for 2006)

Front-axle disconnect system (standard on 4x4 models) minimizes energy consumption and improves fuel economy (new for 2006)

NV244 full-time electric transfer case standard on all 4x4 models delivers 45/55 front/rear torque split when four-wheel-drive is activated (new for 2006)

Optional all-wheel-drive electronic transfer case (new for 2006)

“Tow/Haul” feature provides crisper shifts and reduces gear searching when towing

CHASSIS
Re-engineered hydroformed, fully boxed frame with increased torsional rigidity and bending stiffness for enhanced ride and handling capability and reduced transfer of noise (new for 2006)

Largest four-wheel disc brakes in segment (standard), rear-wheel ABS standard, four-wheel ABS optional

Reduced drag brake calipers contributing to enhanced aerodynamics (new for 2006)

Coil-over shock, double wishbone front suspension on 4x4 models (new for 2006)

Hotchkiss-design rear suspension with leaf springs designed for reduced wheel hop and durability

Specifically tuned monotube shock absorbers (new for 2006)

Re-tuned springs, jounce bumpers and suspension bushings for enhanced driving dynamics (new for 2006)

Re-engineered body mount design results in quieter cabin experience and more comfortable ride (new for 2006)

Re-engineered engine and transmission mounts for enhanced ride and handling characteristics (new for 2006)

All-new wheel lineup includes:

• 17-inch aluminum with unique finish (SLT, TRX and TRX4 package)
• 20-inch aluminum (optional on SLT)
• 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum (Laramie)
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum (standard on new Sport package, optional on SLT and Laramie)

BODY/EXTERIOR
Thicker front door glass and re-engineered door seals for reduced wind noise contributes to interior cabin quietness (new for 2006)

Polymer constraint layer on front of dash panel for enhanced engine and road noise abatement (new for 2006)

Rear spoiler positioned on rear liftgate contributes to enhanced vehicle aerodynamics (new for 2006)

Redesigned headlamps, grille, front fascia and fender assemblies (new for 2006)

Enhanced headlamp performance (new for 2006)

Optional power sliding backlight (new for 2006)

Available in nine colors, including Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat (both new for 2006)

INTERIOR
Redesigned instrument panel (new for 2006 — includes wider center stack, reduced-glare panel cluster, new HVAC controls) with four trim levels (ST, monochrome; SLT, woodgrain; Laramie, wood/metal; Sport, metallic)

Optional full-screen navigation radio (new for 2006)

Optional DVD rear seat entertainment system on Quad Cabs (new for 2006)

Optional front bucket seats with full center console available on SLT, Sport package and Laramie (new for 2006)

Rear seat ladder-style headrests on Quad Cab (new for 2006)

Enhanced seat design features including optional bucket seats, enhanced leather offerings and French-stitched sew lines (new for 2006)

Upscale finishes, including Maple Pommele accents on instrument panel and doors and Satin Silver II accents on control knobs (new for 2006)

Interior color offerings: Khaki and Medium Slate Gray (new for 2006)

SAFETY
New hydroformed frame enables greater front crush zone for enhanced absorption and crash energy dissipation (new for 2006)

Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags and knee bolsters

Passenger air bag on/off switch (regular cab)

Weight-based Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlling front passenger air bag deployment (Quad Cabs — new for 2006)

Optional supplemental side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC)

Height-adjustable three-point seatbelts and constant force retractors with pretensioners (front seats)

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system

Power door locks

Remote keyless entry

Security alarm

Sentry Key® engine immobilizer