NEW DIESEL ENGINE AND SPORT PACKAGE HIGHLIGHT HOT - SELLING DODGE RAM'S CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS

For 1998, Dodge literally showed the competition the door with its new Dodge Ram Quad Cab, the first extended cab full-size pickup with four doors. For the 1999 model year, Dodge Ram continues with a four-door option throughout its entire lineup. This advantage, in combination with the first full year of the all-new 24-valve Cummins Turbo Diesel engine and an even sportier looking Ram Sport, keeps Dodge Ram the most complete truck lineup in the full-size class.

"We're very pleased with the success of the Ram Quad Cab, but it didn't exactly come as a surprise to us," said Jim Julow, General Manager - Dodge Division. "Each year, as the full-size pickup becomes a more accepted part of the mainstream vehicle mix, the demands it must fulfill become greater. It must be as stylish, passenger-friendly and comfortable as it is capable. By adding the two doors - along with the major interior enhancements - we've been able to meet that challenge with Quad Cab."

The unique door design and interior changes on the Ram Quad Cab make the rear seat easy to get into and comfortable for long drives. The rear doors swing opposite the front doors, creating a large single opening with no door pillars in the way. Integrated seat belts in the front seats provide rear seat access without the obstruction of a ceiling or door-mounted belt. The rear door handles are integrated with the front interior face of the door, providing a dual locking system for all four doors when the front doors are locked.

In addition to the rear doors, a new ergonomically friendly instrument panel was added for 1998. In addition to a sleeker, more easily accessible panel, a passenger-side air bag was added as standard equipment, along with a new steering wheel. Heated power mirrors, illuminated power door locks and window switches and an optional security alarm were also added.

New Diesel Power

The next-generation 24-valve Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which began production midway through the 1998 model year, is more powerful and fuel efficient than the popular engine it replaced.

"The previous-generation Cummins diesel engine was very popular with our diesel customers," Julow said. "But the new one keeps all the workhorse characteristics of the old engine, only in a more efficient and powerful package."

The new engine retains all the characteristics that made the Cummins B Series diesel engine a proven winner - reliability, durability, simplicity of design, fuel economy and superior low-end torque. With 24 valves and a high-pressure, electronically controlled fuel injection system, the new Cummins diesel engine offers more pulling power and improved responsiveness throughout a broader operating range.

For Rams equipped with five-speed manual transmissions, horsepower is increased to 235 horsepower from 215 horsepower, while torque is increased to 460 lb.-ft. from 440 lb.-ft. For automatic transmissions, horsepower is increased to 215 horsepower from 180 horsepower, with 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy increases nearly five percent, while maintenance intervals are extended to 15,000 miles from 12,000 miles for fuel filter changes, and to 7,500 miles from 6,000 miles for oil filter changes.

The engine's 24-valve cylinder head features a four-valve-per cylinder configuration that increases air flow and enables vertical injector mounting over the center of the piston bowl for improved combustion, low-end torque and quicker response. A Bosch VP44 electronic fuel pump with higher injection pressures, electronic controlled timing and fueling allows for precise, instantaneous control and provides greater response over the entire power range (up to 3200 rpm).

The Cummins 24-Valve Turbo Diesel engine meets every 1998 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resource Board (CARB) emissions standard without a catalyst or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). Additional upgrades include an overhead valve rocker system designed for a minimum of 150,000 miles without adjustment, a redesigned piston for increased power and fuel efficiency, reduced noise and cleaner operation with reduced emissions.

The 1999 Ram Sport features an even bolder front end design with a new grille and lights. The new front bumper and fascia have a more athletic appearance and hold new clear quad head lamps and clear lens fog lamps. New graphics are also included. Ram Sport is now available in Solar Yellow.

Additional new options for the 1999 Ram include an express-down driver's-side window, steering wheel-mounted radio controls and two styles of overhead consoles. A new rotary headlamp switch replaces the "pull" style switch on all models.

The wide choice of Magnum gasoline power trains remains the same on the 1999 Ram. This includes the 3.9-liter V-6 (175 hp, 230 lb.-ft. torque), 5.2-liter V-8 (220 hp, 300 lb.-ft. torque), 5.9L V-8 (250 hp, 340 lb.-ft. torque) and the 8.0-liter V-10, with 300 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful gas engine in the full-size pickup class.