Wish they would can the damned 3.7 V6
There is a saying,"if it aint broke...dont fix it"
This refers to the mighty Magnum 3.9 V6!!
>From: Stlaurent Mr Steven <STLAURENTS@mctssa.usmc.mil>
>Reply-To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
>To: "'dakota-truck@buffnet.net'" <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
>Subject: DML: Update to Future Models from DC
>Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2001 16:03:32 -0800
>
>Note: I've been receiving tons of mail from readers wondering
> how Mr. Zetsche's turnaround plan will affect various
>future
> products. He stated that there will be no reduction of
> investment in future product development. However, both
>the
> timing and direction of Chrysler's future product plans
>are
> being tweaked. In the next few columns I'll be updating
>you
> on those plans.
>
> Last year Buzz Watch broke the story that Dodge is
> developing a medium duty truck codenamed DC. Before I
> fill you in on the latest Buzz regarding this new truck
>let
>me
> get you up to date on what's coming down the pike for the
> all new Dodge Ram (DR).
>
> One thing that does not come across in the studio shots
>of
> the new Ram is just how big and brawny this truck is. The
> picture above, from the Canadian International Auto Show,
> gives a better idea of the scale of this big truck
>(that's
>DC
> Canada's CEO Ed Brust standing next to).
>
> As previously reported, when the 2002 Ram debuts late
>this
> summer it will only be offered as a half ton (1500). The
>new
> truck will only be available as a quad cab or regular cab
>for
> 2002. In 2003 Dodge will launch the three quarter and one
> ton versions of the truck (2500/3500), club cabs will
>also
> become available throughout the line-up. While 4x4 Ram
> 1500's will have an independent front suspension, 4x4 Ram
> 2500 and 3500 trucks will have solid axles.
>
> Diesel equipped Rams will also be added to the mix for
> model year 2003 (in 2500/3500 models only). One of my Ace
> Buzz Patrollers reports that Cummins indeed be providing
> their next generation ISB for the truck. The Buzz is that
>the
> new Mercedes Benz turbo diesel will be available as an
> option in 2004.
>
> While an updated version of the NV5600 manual
> transmission will be used, I've been getting conflicting
> reports on which automatic will be used. There's been
>Buzz
> that Cummins will supply an automatic as a package with
> the ISB. I've also heard that Dodge is working on a new
> transmission, called the 48RE, which will be built at
> Kokomo. It's possible that the Cummins trans. will be
>used
> with the ISB and the 48RE will be for use with the V10
>and
> possibly with the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 as well.
>
> Speaking of HEMI's the 6.1 liter engine that was planned
>for
> the truck line has been dropped from the line-up. Know
> internally as the 440 HEMI (though 6.1 does not equal
> 440cid), this engine was identical to the 5.7 (besides
>the
> displacement). Apparently, the brass felt that the engine
>was
> unnecessary and went against the companies engine
> reduction plans.
>
> 5.7 liter HEMI availability will be fairly tight for
>2003.
>One
> of my Ace Buzz patrollers reports that only 10,000 of
>these
> engines will be available for 2003. He adds that the
>ancient
> 5.9 (360cid) liter V8 will continue to be used throughout
> 2003.
>
> In 2004 Dodge will launch the "DC" chassis cab truck. The
> medium truck will be offered as a 3500/4500/5500. The big
> truck (which has been developed in cooperation with
> Freightliner) will be offered as both a standard cab and
>as
>a
> quad cab. It styling will be almost identical to the DR
>(just
> bigger).
>
> While Cummins has a contract for the life of the DR, they
> where not awarded the contract for the DC. Last year Buzz
> Watch broke the story that Mercedes Benz is developing an
> all new compact turbo diesel for use in light and medium
> truck applications. This will be the only diesel offered
>when
> the DC debuts for model year 2004.
>
> More future product Buzz tomorrow
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------
>Steven St.Laurent
>Test Engineer
>Test Branch, GSD, MCTSSA
>MARCORSYSCOM, USMC
>(Work) 760-725-2506 (DSN: 365)
>(Work) mailto:stlaurents@mctssa.usmc.mil
>(Home) mailto:saint1958@home.com
>"In fact, my work has already proven
>itself to be correct. People such
>as you just haven't gotten it yet.
>(unknown author)
>
David Digney
00'QC,SLT+,3.9 Magnum V6,42RE,3.55,K&N "Home-Brew" Intake
Dynomax Super Turbo,Mobil 1 10w30.
Truck known as "Green Thunder"
President-Wisconsin Chapter of the DML
List Moderator: "DodgeDakotaQuadCab@egroups.com"
"My Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Kicks Ass...MAGNUM POWER!!"
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