Dodge Flexes Legendary HEMI(R) Muscle with the 2003.5 Dodge Ram 1500- 345 Horsepower HEMI(R) Puts Ram in Pole Position

LAS VEGAS, NV, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Dodge, the brand that defined the muscle car when it unleashed the legendary 426 Street HEMI(R), is bringing big HEMI muscle to light-duty trucks.

Dodge today announced the introduction of the Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum, the most powerful engine option offered in a mass produced light-duty pickup truck. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum delivers 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque accompanied by an unmistakable V-8 burble that can only be a HEMI.

"With the HEMI Magnum equipped Dodge Ram 1500 joining the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500, Dodge has the strongest line-up of full-size trucks in the industry," said Richard O. Schaum, Executive Vice President - Product Development & Quality, Chrysler Group. "The new HEMI distinguishes Dodge from the competition by offering a monstrous 345 horsepower across our full range of trucks, not just special editions and sport packages."

Modern technology meets tried and true combustion with the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum. The use of the classic HEMI (hemispherical) head design creates optimal air flow, while twin spark plugs, direct ignition and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) allow for smooth, efficient operation. Composite air-flow modules combine with cross-flow aluminum heads, splayed valves and investment cast rocker arms to deliver an awesome 100 horsepower increase and an additional 40 lb.-ft. of torque compared with the 5.9-liter Magnum.

Fuel efficiency is also improved by 10 percent over the 5.9-liter, while the new HEMI Magnum engine is approximately 27 kg (60 lbs.) lighter in weight. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum debuted in the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 as the standard engine offering, and replaces the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 in the entire Dodge Ram truck line-up.

"Sales of the new Dodge Ram 1500 are already up 70 percent so far this year in Canada, and now we have the HEMI available on all Dodge Ram pickups," said John MacDonald, Dodge Brand Manager for DaimlerChrysler Canada. "The HEMI Magnum, the most powerful engine available for the Dodge Ram 1500, builds on what makes Ram unique - bold style, big power and unmatched capability."

The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum is offered as an option and will be available with the 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission. Chrome HEMI Magnum badging on the front fenders designate the new engine on all Dodge Ram pickup trucks. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum engine increases the Ram 1500's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) by 500 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. versus the 5.9-liter Magnum equipped Ram 1500. The Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) increases by 550 lbs. to 9,200 lbs.

"When it's time to work, the Dodge Ram 1500 will work hard," said Frank Klegon, Vice President, Truck Product Team. "But with the 345 horsepower HEMI Magnum, the Dodge Ram is ready to play hard too. Punch this engine on the highway, and you know you have a HEMI under your hood."

In 1951, Chrysler introduced the HEMI V-8 engine to the public. The engine produced 180 horsepower, an impressive output in those days. The first cars to carry the new engine were the New Yorker and Saratoga lines. Between 1951-53, HEMI engines were offered on the Chrysler and Imperial, DeSoto and Dodge. Although the engines carried different names - "Firepower," "Firedome" and "Red Ram" - and were manufactured in separate facilities, they shared a similar design approach with each engine having its own size range.

The Dodge Ram 1500 is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan and at the St. Louis (MO) North Assembly Plant. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum is built in Saltillo, Mexico. The all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are built at the Saltillo, Mexico and St. Louis North Assembly Plants.