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MARACOONDA AUTOMOTIVE MAY BLOGI thought I would open my Blog this month with a quote I feel is very appropriate for the road we are all currently navigating…. I’ll continue with our Dodge Ram story….From1981-1993 which was the first generation of the Dodge Ram pickup trucks. Dodge had technically been producing trucks since 1917, but their 1981 pickups were the first ones to sport the Ram name. In order to signify this, Dodge slapped a Ram’s head hood ornament on the trucks after Lee Iacocca, Chrysler’s President and CEO at the time, who decided it was a good mascot.Under the hood, the first generation Dodge Rams were quite well-equipped. In fact this engine series had served Dodge well for years, and so the brand decided to bring them on board to outfit the first generation of Dodge Ram pickups. There was a 3.7L 95hp, a 5.2L 140hp V8, and a 5.9L V8 that produced 170hp. These three engines ranged between the half-ton, three-quarter ton, and one-ton pickup trucks, and provided more than enough horsepower for these vehicle ___________________________________________________________________________ ooOOooNow that we have seen where they began, it’s time to look at where they went – and the significant changes …..Nothing significant developed for these trucks until 1988 and 1989, with the introduction of electronic fuel injection and new engines which made a debut.The electronic fuel injection was offered for the 5.2L V8 in 1988, and then to other engines in 1989. It gave the engines better overall performance compared to the carburated versions that were previously used. Now the delivery of the fuel was more precise and efficient than before, which resulted in a smoother working engine.In 1989, Dodge introduced some new engines. A 3.9L V6, sporting electronic fuel injection and generating 125 hp which replaced the 3.7L. The 5.9L V8 stuck around and also received electronic fuel injection, which bumped up the horsepower to 190.1989 also saw the introduction of the would-be-famous Cummins Turbodiesel engine. This engine started off as a 5.9L inline six cylinder that put out 160hp and a massive 400lb-ft of torque. That torque is a monumental amount even in today’s standards, and gave the Dodge Ram trucks legendary performance capabilities. 1994: New Models, Trim Level Revisions, and Changes in Model DesignationsIn 1994, new models of the Dodge Ram trucks were introduced, and were an even bigger hit than the first ones. They took the rugged good looks of a truck and mashed them together with a car-like interior. Combined with the fact the engines had just received upgrades again in 1993, Dodge had created the perfect recipe for success.The model designations were also changed over, and the trucks were now labelled 1500, 2500, 3500. Also in 1994 marked the year that Dodge was able to brag about their Ram trucks being the largest full-sized truck on the market, which also meant they had the most space inside the cab.New trim levels were also introduced the LT, ST, Laramie SLT. The Laramie was the pinnacle of luxury and packed with comfort and convenience features – much like it is today.___________________________________________________________________________ ooOOoo2009: The Dodge/Ram BreakupIn October 2009, Dodge and Ram announced that they would be parting ways. Not only did this make long-time enthusiasts sad, but some were also concerned. They worried that the two companies splitting up would harm both the trucks and cars that were made by their collaborative efforts. Thankfully, they were wrong.Since the split, Dodge has been able to focus exclusively on the car, and Ram was able to focus exclusively on trucks. The result? Dodge and Ram are two of the best-selling companies of the 2015-2016 market, and have had numerous back-to-back successes. Dodge produced a redesigned Challenger in 2015, and it’s the fastest and strongest muscle car ever produced with a supercharged engine that puts out 707 hp. Ram was able to release a 2016 Ram 3500 truck, that’s currently leading the segment with a towing capacity of 31,200 pounds. Without the split back in 2009, do you think these companies would be doing as well as they are today? Probably not. After all, the whole reason Ram branched off was so they could focus on the trucks and Dodge could focus on cars. And we’re reaping the benefits from both….Now in 2020, Ram is still producing a superb pickup in all models with even more luxurious interiors…..RAM Models:Power Wagon, Bighorn, Tradesman, Laramie, Longhorn and LimitedHope you enjoyed the RAM and Dodge story….Until next time… Stay well. Stay safe. We appreciate you. ................
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