2005 Dodge Ram Review

Specifications

Expanding the Super-Truck Brand

Fords Lighting? Chevys Silverado SS? How about the SSR? Not a chance. Nothing comes close to the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 when it comes down to performance. Its the fastest production-built light-duty truck in the world.

Says who? The Guinness Book of World Records, if you need proof. One look at the vehicles spec sheet should make the point quite clear but just to prove the point unequivocally the domestic conducted a speed test at its Chelsea Proving Grounds in February. The red Ram SRT-10 registered a blistering 155 mph top speed with Guinness looking on for third party verification.

Likewise, theres no alternative pickup truck on the market that can move five occupants as quickly, at least until the upcoming Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab arrives in dealerships across the nation this fall. The domestic brand is now offering variety in a growing class that didnt even exist a few years ago, spurred on by the NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series.

Prospective SRT-10 pickup truck buyers have reportedly requested that Dodge offer a version of the truck for performance enthusiast parents, with the focus said to have been on interior roominess and towing capability.

“We knew when we came out with the worlds fastest production pickup that there would be customers who would want that same ultimate performance, but in a pickup that offered four-passenger seating and towing capability,” commented Dan Knott, Director — Street and Racing Technology (SRT). “So, the question was, Can we create a more usable truck for the person who wants to haul more stuff, but is not willing to give up performance? Our answer is the Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab: a truck that is just as bad and bold in terms of performance, but a little more capable and versatile in terms of hauling.”

The same “Viper-powered” script that boasts supercar output levels on the bulging hood of the two-seat Ram SRT-10, also taunts lesser rivals on the four-door version. Actually, pretty well everything is identical less the 6-speed manual shifter, replaced by a heavily massaged 48RE 4-speed automatic, ideal for towing applications. Actually the robust transmission is adapted from the brands Cummins diesel engine application, a perfect match for the trucks overwhelming 525 lb-ft of torque - the Cummins produces 600 lb-ft of torque.

The Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab boasts the same 500 horsepower 8.3-liter V10 powerplant that makes the Viper SRT-10 one of the worlds most potent sports cars. Making sure all that power is kept in check is a completely reworked performance suspension, supercar-class brakes, aerodynamically designed styling upgrades and Viper inspired interior.

While the massive 22-inch diameter polished aluminum “Viper-style” 10-spoke rims, incidentally the largest OEM wheels on the market, make the Ram SRT-10 look punishing to occupants, the opposite is true. The Quad Cabs longer wheelbase should make the ride even more compliant, which will be appreciated by those not hanging onto the steering wheel.

The SRT-10s comfortable ride comes via its rigid structure, the result of a fully hydroformed frame. This allowed SRT engineers to tune the new trucks suspension in favor of ride quality as well as performance. The undercarriage upgrades include fully-tuned front and rear strut and spring assemblies, with a modified steering rack and independent front suspension. In the rear, axle snubbers, performance-tuned springs and Bilstein monotube shocks glue the tires to the pavement.

The upgraded brakes feature heavy-duty Ram components plus exclusive four-pot opposed-piston calipers, new for 2005. The calipers are now painted red, gripping down on 15 inch front and 14 inch rear rotors, optimized by a 3-channel ABS system. Air ducts integrated into the front fascia cool the front binders.

That front fascia sports design elements derived from the domestic nameplates NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry, particularly the sculpted sides and wind splitter. The ridged hood features a functional air intake for additional cooling. Covering the box, a body-color aluminum tonneau also aids in aerodynamics, finished off with a racy, removable spoiler.

A red dash-mounted starter button needs to be pressed to ignite the engine, while driver and passengers are held in place by ultimately bolstered leather sport seats featuring alcantara inserts for added grip. The leather-wrapped, carbon fiber-patterned steering wheel is thick and purposeful, while brushed metal trim gives the cabin an upscale appearance.

Prices have yet to be announced for the new 2005 Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab, but the 2-seat model is competitive at under $45,000. Thats $10,000 less than Chevys SSR, a retro-style “sport” truck that, from a performance perspective is outclassed by Chryslers PT Cruiser GT at half the price, let alone the SRT-10.

Ive spent time on the test track in the two-seat Ram SRT-10, and while floored at its zero to hero acceleration capabilities was just as amazed at how agile it is through tight corners. Its no Viper for sure, but considering its work truck roots the new model puts many supposed sports sedans to shame. As important to me, the SRT-10s interior is great for this class. Its Viper-style seats are first rate, supporting back, buttocks and kidneys with the largest side-bolsters in the industry. Its 6-speed manual transmission is car-like in comparison to any other manually actuated truck transmission, which makes pulling the full potential out of the engine and suspension much easier.

Ford will no doubt counter Dodges worlds fastest claim with its upcoming Lightning replacement, shown in concept form at last years Detroit auto show. The blue oval automaker has stated its truck may not offer the same horsepower as the Dodge, but it will definitely be quicker due to optimized weight savings. Well have to wait and see how they do. But lets get real for a second. How much effort with Dodges SRT gang have to muster in order to squeeze more juice out of an 8.3-liter V10? My guess is Auburn Hills will have no problem staying ahead of Dearborn in sport truck supremacy, but the race will definitely be worth watching and both companies should continue to produce some very worthy contenders along the way.

For now, Dodge has anted up with two and four-door versions of the worlds fastest light-duty pickup truck. No doubt the domestic brand will be rewarded for its efforts, in Ram SRT-10 sales of course, as well as sales of its other Ram and Dakota pickup trucks, due to the glow of the super-trucks halo affecting the entire brand image. In the end customers come out ahead, and Dodge reaffirms its position as the truck brand to beat.