Turbo Diesel Register

Detroit - Emerging from a herd of 120 long horn cattle driven by 10 cowboys on horseback down Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit today, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

"Since the dawn of the 'big rig' look, Dodge Ram has always been a gamechanger," said Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. " And this is our all-new game-changer -- the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, which is packed with full-size pickup firsts and best-in-class features."

In 1994, Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram in the light-duty pickup market, with its “big rig” styling and iconic crosshair grille.

“We put a truck on the market that tripled our market share,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck Design Studio, Chrysler LLC. “Our design was polarizing — people loved it or hated it. But the people who loved it, bought it. They still do, because Dodge Ram continues to stand out from the herd of ‘me-too’ trucks.”

For the redesign of its all-new, next-generation Ram, Dodge pulled out all the stops.

“Our mandate was to make a quantum leap and add even more voltage to Ram,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice President – Body-on-Frame Product Team. “Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is a game-changer in terms of capability, convenience, craftsmanship and safety.”

For the complete press release, a full portfolio of pictures, videos of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, and the video of the press intro (for members only) click here.

I was asked by the TDR to cover the SEMA show for the magazine and the website. This being my first time at the event, I have to say it was overwhelming. I've seen it on TV shows and in magazines, so I thought I was prepared. But the sheer magnitude of the event is beyond what you could possibly envision. It's simply enormous! . . . . . .

Click here for the full story including video and pictures

The weekend of June 2nd, diesel enthusiasts from all across the nation decended on Indianapolis for the 3rd Indiana Diesel Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park (formerly IRP). This event has been a yearly pilgrimage for enthusiasts since 2001 having been previously held in Muncie, IN until it outgrew the facilities there.

Under threatening skies a record 9,600 spectators came through the gates to watch over 300 competitors put their trucks through their paces, browse vendors wares, run on the dyno, and to check out the show and shine. The sled pull qualifications underwent a slight delay on saturday evening due to rain. On sunday rain passed to the north and south of the facility all day long but never stopped the event.

TDR members can click here to view a 38 minute long video showing highlights from the event.

Event results will be posted when we receive them.

You are invited to the Boise Area’s 11th Annual Diesel Day hosted by the Idaho Bombers and Meridian Motorsports. The events start at 9:00 a.m. at Meridian Motorsports.

The Idaho Bombers invite you to bring your truck out to see what kind of power it makes on a DynoJet dynamometer. This event is open to all diesel owners, not just TDR Members. Each session on the dynamometer runs $50 (3 runs).

The Idaho Bombers meet at 6:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month for dinner at the Golden Corral in Nampa, ID. The Idaho Bombers on the east side of the state meet on the 4th Thursday of each month for dinner at Applebee’s in Pocatello, ID. For more information, check out their website at www.idahobombers.com. This information is also available on the TDR Website at: www.turbodieselregister.com.

Meridian Motorsports
521 E. King Street, Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 887-2058

For more information, contact Lee "Muddy" Thomson:

Lee "Muddy" Thompson, Idaho Bombers
(208) 739-2520
idahobombers@yahoo.com

For TDR Writer, Steve St. Laurent's, initial impressions, photographs, exclusive interviews, video and other information you won't find any place else, click on the above link.

Late Friday afternoon (September 1, 2006), one of our astute TDR writers forwarded DaimlerChrysler information about the 2007 model year Ram Turbo Diesel Trucks for us to post to all TDR members. Just click the links below to download the full contents of the press releases (.pdf format). Enjoy reading, then discussing, these press releases' contents.

2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty: All-new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel Cranks Out 650 lb.-ft of Prodigious Torque.

2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 Feature Availability.

The TDR Editor and I attended the 2006 NTEA work truck show in Atlanta, Georgia to bring you information from the unveiling of the new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab. . . .

Click here for Steve St.Laurent's complete article as well as access to video footage from the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab introduction.

Having heard rumors that DaimlerChrysler may be bringing a number of diesel vehicles into the United States this year, I attended the press preview of the Chicago Auto Show hoping to find some truth to the rumors. My observation is that the rumors seem to be false, at least when it comes to Chrysler products . . . .

Click here for Steve's complete article as well as access to video footage from this year's Chicago Auto Show.