Download Print Press Kit: 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, What's New for '06 2006 Dodge RAM 1500 - Product Chronology Auburn Hills, Mich. June 15, 2005 - 2005 MODEL YEAR EXTERIOR New sun roof available on Quad Cab Short Box New tailgate badging—Ram’s Head replaces “DODGE” nameplate INTERIOR UConnect™ hands-free communication with BlueTooth™ technology; optional on SLT and Laramie SIRIUS Satellite Radio optional on Quad Cab Short Box SLT and Laramie(a) CHASSIS New transmission mounts for manual transmissions improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) POWERTRAIN 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine upgrade provides improved idle quality and fuel economy refinements. Engine upgrade includes a new camshaft profile, lash adjusters, low-tension piston rings and a 9.7:1 compression ratio 4.7-liter V-8 engine adds knock sensors and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for improved efficiency Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission replaces the NV3500 five-speed manual on 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter Magnum engines Low Lockup Speed and turbine damper added to 545RFE with 4.7-liter engine. The turbine damper improves NVH performance allowing for torque converter lockup clutch application at lower speeds 2004 MODEL YEAR POWERTRAIN Full-time electric shift optional on Laramie and SLT Tow/haul mode offered on light-duty models with automatic transmission Flexible fuel version of 4.7-liter engine available to fleet customers Optional larger 34-gallon fuel tank on 1500 Quad Cab with standard bed The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 receives exhaust gas recirculation for improved efficiency EXTERIOR New exterior color: Deep Molten Red replaces Garnet Red New adjustable rear seat outboard head restraints standard on Quad Cab Chrome bodyside moldings standard for Laramie Chrome surround grille with chrome billet inserts for Laramie standard Body-color side moldings now standard with Sport appearance group Chrome-clad wheels now standard on Laramie INTERIOR New available navigation radio with 4.9-inch full-color display, AM/FM stereo, CD player, 11 speakers, 240-watt amplifier and DVD-based navigation system Satin Silver door and instrument panel bezels for Laramie Laramie model features new seat appearance, with unique leather seat design with high-contrast color seat inserts Laramie J Package (includes ash receiver, cup holder, vanity mirror lamps for driver and passenger, glove box lighting, switchable dome lamp and electrochromic rearview mirror) 2003 MODEL YEAR All-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 replaces 5.9-liter 5-45RFE multi-speed automatic transmission available with 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter engines Optional rear window defogger (mid-year introduction) (a) “SIRIUS” is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. SLT Plus is rebadged as Laramie on regular and Quad Cab models with an extensive list of standard features New tow hooks standard on Laramie four-wheel drive, optional in Protection Group for four-wheel drive ST and SLT and optional with two-wheel drive ST, SLT and Laramie Adjustable pedals with manual transmission—Optional AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD—Optional Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are packaged with AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CD player or an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and six-disc in-dash CD changer—SLT; both equipped with 11-speaker Infinity® system Electronic throttle control on 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 engine Automatic locking retractor added to front passenger seat belt Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system added to regular and Quad Cab models 2002 MODEL YEAR Two- and four-wheel drive models with regular and Quad Cab bodies Three equipment levels—ST, SLT and SLT Plus Sport Appearance Group and Sport Appearance Group with 20-inch wheels and tires—Optional SLT and SLT Plus Next-generation 3.7-liter Magnum SOHC, SMPI V-6 engine with balance shaft Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum SOHC, SMPI V-8 engine 45RFE multi-speed automatic transmission Available electric-shift four-wheel-drive transfer case Refined manual four-wheel-drive transfer case All-new frames with fully boxed side rails Independent front suspension on four-wheel drive models Refined two-wheel-drive suspension systems Rack and pinion steering P245/70R17 standard tires P275/55R20 on two-wheel-drive models and P275/60R20 on four-wheel-drive models Standard four-wheel disc brakes—Largest in the industry Truck-industry first dual-rate power brake booster All-new, roomier, stiffer body structure Bed length of short-box models reduced to provide increased cab interior roominess Industry-exclusive wide-opening forward-hinged rear door with outside door handles and full roll-down windows Trailer Tow outside mirrors with rotating heads for improved rearward visibility Structural rear bumper—Class III trailer towing capability without added equipment Class IV trailer hitch platform—Integrated with rear bumper structure Extended regular and Quad Cab interiors—Roomiest in the industry Power adjustable pedals with automatic transmission—Optional SLT, in SLT Plus All-new, customer-oriented interior with added storage All-new seats for increased passenger comfort 60/40 split/folding rear seat—Available on SLT and SLT Plus Quad Cab models Improved storage compartments under rear seats on Quad Cab models Steel fold-flat load floor—Available on SLT and SLT Plus Quad Cab models Larger, more versatile cab-back storage systems on regular cab models Pickup truck-first Dual-Zone Climate Control—SLT Plus Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with customer-programmable features—SLT Plus Best-in-class optional Infinity premium speaker system—11 premium speakers in seven locations and a 240-watt digital amplifier Truck-industry first side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for front and rear seat outboard occupants—Optional Adjustable front seat head restraints—Standard Outboard front seat belt pretensioners—Standard Enhanced interior head impact protection—Standard Extension of Quad Cab body allows use of rearward facing child seats in back seat 2001 MODEL YEAR July 2000 Production Club Cab body style discontinued User-ready child seat upper anchors on cab back panels January 2000 Production High Output Cummins turbo diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission only (245 horsepower and 505 lb.-ft. torque) 2000 MODEL YEAR Eight-foot box with 1500 Club Cab body discontinued New front suspension and steering systems on all models All-new brake system with dual-piston front disc brake calipers and quick-response vacuum booster 1999 MODEL YEAR Upgraded Sport Appearance Group—Front bumper and fascia, grille, quad headlamps 1998 MODEL YEAR Quad Cab body style introduced Next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags (running change)(a) Passenger air bag cutoff switch (regular cab and Quad Cab only) (running change)(b) Removable storage module under rear seats of Quad Cab (mid-year introduction) 1995 MODEL YEAR Club Cab model added 1994 MODEL YEAR All-new regular cab models introduced Model designations changed to 1500, 2500 and 3500 (a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children. (b) Important—Always remove key and replace cover. Rearward-facing child seats may be used in the front seat only with the passenger air bag turned off.