ATLANTA – Dodge continues its commercial vehicle market offensive with a barrage of product enhancements, including the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cabs; the 2008 Dodge Sprinter; and the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van. Enhancements were announced at the recent 2008 National Truck Equipment (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Atlanta.  

Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs deliver improved fuel economy while continuing to offer low cost of ownership with the segment’s largest and longest-lasting brakes. Armed with the Class 4-5’s largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs now boast best-in-class fuel economy. In addition, with the Cummins 6.7L diesel, a new optional 3.42 axle ratio is available on the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab to improve fuel economy.

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter delivers better fuel economy. For diesel models, an average of 20.2 mpg was confirmed through independent testing and validation performed by AMCI (Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc.). Gas models averaged a best-in-class 15.2 mpg. In addition, the 3.92 axle ratio is now standard for diesel models. Delivering even more convenience, an electric sliding door will be available on 2009 model Sprinters.

All 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs have been verified with considerably increased Power Take-Off (PTO) pump rating — a 55 percent increase in gallons per minute — in order to provide more power, muscle and capability for pumps, lifts, and hydraulic use.

The brake system on the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is upgraded with larger rotors and calipers and thicker brake pads. Enhanced capability and performance is assured as the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab’s standard Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) has been increased to a class-leading 24,000 lbs. Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab’s all-new brakes are up-sized to provide more stopping power, increased brake-pad life, and improved fuel economy. To improve stopping power, front and rear rotor sizes are increased two percent to 360 mm (front) and 358 mm (rear). In addition, front calipers are up-sized seven percent to include large twin 60 mm pistons for maximum stopping power.

Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cabs also feature a new 5.7L next-generation HEMI V-8 with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) that will appeal to fleets requiring a gas engine. The new engine provides more power and torque with better fuel economy. The new engine incorporates a nine percent higher compression ratio (10.5:1), Variable Valve Timing and an active intake manifold. These technologies, combined with engine and powertrain integration improvements, result in a four percent improvement in fuel economy.

Preliminary results also show peak torque increases eight percent to 404 lb.-ft., and peak power increases 15 percent to 380 hp. At 2,000 RPM, torque improves 6 percent to 350 lb.-ft. The Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle — the all-new 2007 Dodge Journey — is available in the first quarter of 2008 and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Arriving in the spring will be the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1L HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features, and craftsmanship will arrive in the fall. Also arriving this year will be the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Recently, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n Go seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining Dodge Caliber, which launched in those markets in 2006.