Posts tagged Dodge

You’ve almost certainly seen the commercial with the wannabee Duke boys pulling up alongside the truck and shouting, “Hey!  That thing got a HEMI?”  And Dodge is very proud of the legendary HEMI engine’s return.  All through the week that I had the big Ram with its bold chrome “HEMI” badge, I got the same question, over and over again:

“What’s a HEMI?”

Perhaps that’s not the response Dodge was hoping for, but it’s a valid question; perhaps Dodge is being a big vague to those of us who don’t bleed gasoline.  So for the benefit of everyone else, I’ll explain.  The HEMI is an all-new 5.7 liter V8 engine for Dodge’s trucks.  It takes its name from its hemispherical combustion chambers, which improved gas flow and optimized the HEMI’s efficiency and power.  It was first produced in 1951, and has been popular with racers ever since then.  Chrysler wasn’t the only manufacturer to use hemispherical combustion chambers, but they were the first in the United States to make it available to the average buyer.  The new 5.7 liter HEMI has only its V8 configuration and those hemispherical combustion chambers in common with the classic muscle car motor.  The new HEMI is undeniably high-tech, with aluminum heads, twin-spark distributor-less ignition, and electronic throttle control.  It may have a classic name, but the HEMI is a thoroughly modern engine.

The power is still there, of course.  My test truck had no problem in the get-up-and-go department.  The HEMI-equipped Ram isn’t a sport-oriented pickup by any stretch, but the HEMI’s 345 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque will move it along with authority.  Even with the standard five-speed automatic transmission and heavy four-wheel drive, my test truck would happily slew the rear end around.  It’s not just an old motor with a new name, either.  The HEMI is lighter and more efficient than the 5.9 liter wedge-head V8 that it replaces.  It’s also the first Dodge truck engine to use the completely electronic, “drive by wire” throttle more commonly seen in German luxury sedans.  It’s noticeably less torquey than the Cummins diesel (which offers only 235 horsepower but 460 pound-feet of torque) so we’d recommend the diesel for serious towing duties.  But around town, the HEMI is cooler.

The HEMI is available in both heavy- and light-duty Dodge pickups for 2003.  Both of Dodge’s truck lines wear the new sheetmetal introduced last year.  They’re arguably the most physically imposing trucks out there, with bold crosshair grilles and high cabs.  My test truck’s hood stood taller than some of my friends.  The design isn’t entirely about looks, either; Dodge says that massive grille aids in cooling for hard-working trucks.  Quad-appearance headlight units and sturdy chrome wheels give the Ram the look of a truck that’s ready to work hard but will still look good at the end of the day.  Two cab styles are available; regular and the four-door Quad Cab.  I drove a regular cab, long-bed Ram 2500.

That “2500″ marks my test truck as a heavy-duty Ram.  A stiff-hydroformed frame supports that bold body as well as providing the base for a lengthened two-stage leaf-spring rear suspension that reduces spring stress. On four-wheel drive trucks like our tester, the front suspension is a five-link coil system supporting a beam axle.  Dodge sells a lot of four-wheel drive pickups, so the Ram is built with off-road clearance in mind.  As in most heavy-duty trucks, the ride is a reminder of what the word “truck” used to mean when it came to suspensions.  The Ram 2500 doesn’t so much roll over pavement irregularities as pummel them into submission.  When the roads are smooth, the Ram is well-behaved (so long as you don’t let the HEMI start trying to spin the rear tires).  A redesigned steering system takes the low-speed heaviness out, and the Ram is relatively nimble for such a large beast.  Four-wheel disc brakes and ABS are standard.

Inside, the Ram is tall and spacious.  It’s a long step to get in, but even tall drivers won’t have to worry about hitting their heads on the ceiling.  The front bench seat has a fold-down armrest which doubles as a desk, and the center section of the seat can be flipped forward to reveal a small cubby on the floor as well.  Dodge has extended the rear of regular cab trucks backward to open up a usable storage space behind the front seats.  A molded plastic storage bin back there is perfect for toolboxes or grocery bags, but it’s hard to load and unload even with the seat folded forward.

Basically, apart from the mysterious (to some) “HEMI” badge, the Ram 2500 is just another burbling, V8-powered full-size truck.  An unusually powerful one, to be sure–and unlike trucks like Ford’s 340-horse supercharged SVT Lightning, the HEMI is intended for work, not play.  Despite its heritage and Dodge’s proud boasting, the HEMI is just another engine in Dodge’s impressive powertrain lineup.  As such, you can have just about any Dodge truck with a HEMI.  Our test truck arrived with a base price of $27,480.  It was equipped with a towing package, keyless entry, automatic transmission, bed liner, upgraded stereo and power-adjustable pedals, and stickered for $32,375.  And yes, that thing had a HEMI.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Hemi 4×4, which we tested.

Length:         229.7 in.
Width:            79.9 in.
Height:            78.0 in.
Wheelbase:        140.5 in.
Base price:        $27,480
Price as tested:     $32,375
Engine:         5.7 liter OHV V8
Drivetrain:         five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         345 @ 5600
Torque:         375 @ 4400
Fuel capacity:        35 gal.