2007 Medium duty info!!!

[jelag]

Well..... I have a nice set up from my Dodge dealer... . 1000 back of invoice less rebates... I know the Sterling dealer here in town... he won't even come close to that deal... . but only time will tell when they have the ability to order the trucks... .



Jim

 

[BStoecker]

Why can't DCX figure out that there is a large market for a 4500/5500 that is similar in size to the current 3500, but with more load capacity, a motor to move it, and a transmission capable of passing a dealership without getting a rebuild? The market has proven repeatedly that if they make a bigger truck, people are willing to buy it. We don't want trucks that look like box trucks that have an 8' bed slapped on it instead. But, then again, this is the same company that can't figure out that there are people that still want to buy a Jeep to go play with beyond the subdivision and mega mall parking lot...

 

[RustyJC]

If they're not worried about the F-450 and F-550, I wonder if DC is aware of (let alone monitoring the sales of) the F-350 "Tow Boss"? Honest, guys, there IS a market out there for a decent looking crew cab truck that can pull one of today's large, heavy 5th wheel RVs!



Rusty

 

[KBertetto]

Here it is folks...note the part about the "Super Duty Ram"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In his first major press briefing, Chrysler Group's incoming CEO, Tom LaSorda, said the automaker will continue its momentum with the rollout of "at least" 10 completely new models in 2006.



LaSorda, who takes over January 1, 2006 when current CEO Dieter Zetsche returns to Germany to become chief executive of DaimlerChrysler AG, said next year's new-model launches will surpass the record set in 2004.



"That's at least 10 completely new models, not refreshed ones," he told Inside Line and other media representatives, though he wouldn't confirm which ones.



Among the new models Inside Line has learned will be coming are two car-based Jeeps — the Compass and Patriot. Jeep also sees the redesign of the Wrangler, with both two- and four-door versions, and the addition of the performance-oriented Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. Super-duty versions of the Ram are planned, as well.



Inside Line has learned a car-based sport-utility — or crossover — will go to Chrysler, reportedly to be called the Aspen, and one to Dodge, to be patterned after the hot Nitro concept.



The base for the new crossovers is the upcoming Dodge Caliber, a hatchback that replaces the Neon. Replacements for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus are also planned.



Beyond next year, LaSorda said Chrysler will introduce a Dodge Durango featuring a hybrid powertrain co-developed with General Motors, and more diesel models likely will follow the successful Jeep Liberty diesel.



What this means to you: Looks like Chrysler has answered the question, "Can it maintain the momentum?' The hits should keep on coming to a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep showroom near you.

 

[FATCAT]

That Sterling truck is exactly what I hope the Dodge DOESN'T look like. Since the 4500-5500 are more like light-medium duties, they should look exactly like the Ram. If Dodge wants these trucks to succeed, they should follow Ford in this department.

What do you mean you hope it doesn't look like that ... that Sterling is a nice looking rig ... especially with a good size mega crew cab and a 12' dumping flatbed. Would be nice to see the MB900 offered and a 7-speed manual.



PS: that bumper looks "mean" you could paint some teeth on it to scare the

Civics and Neons in front of you.

 

[jlasich]

Fatcat, yes that Sterling is a good looking truck, just, IMO, it's too medium-duty like for a 4500 or 5500 series truck. For a 6500-7500, it would be great, but in the smaller class 4-5, most people don't want to be reminded that they're driving a medium duty truck. Ford has done VERY well with their 450-550 trucks, I don't think GM has done as well with their more medium-duty like 4500-5500 trucks, and as much as I hate to say it, DC should just follow Ford's lead.



Sounds like 2006 will be another great year for DC. I have to remember to buy some stock soon.

 

[cwcox]

I don't want to say I told you so, but Mr. LaSorda's comments on the "Super Duty" Ram seem to indicate that all the info we've been digging up is fact. In talking with the my dealership GM, who has seen the actual pre-production units which were unveiled at a dealer conference, they definitely are all Dodge in appearance. Obviously heavier frames, 19. 5 wheels, and the front end sheet metal is modified to accept the new wheels/suspension, and any changes for the larger engine. Probably larger cooling systems and so on. I wonder if the whole reason the intro to these trucks is taking forever might be the lengthy process it takes to get a new engine certified? It seems alomost 100% that the Cummins 6. 7B is going to be under the hood, and if that is correct, that engine has been in industrial/agricultural use only. It probably has to start from scratch for emissions testing. Speaking of the 6. 7, doing some study on that engine I read that it is as quiet at full power as it's predecessor was at idle! Available torque ratings well over 700 lb-ft! Sometimes I get too excited for my own good!

 

[Spooled-up]

As sweet as that setup sounds cwcox, it's got me wondering what that truck will weigh. The current 3500's weigh somewhere north of 8000 lbs empty. Along with that extra weight will come lower mileage, but it's really about what you want to haul. Anyone care to take a guess? Fuel has already hit $3. 00 per gallon in some places. That's going to be one expensive rig to run for sure!

 

[cwcox]

I have no real data on the weight, but I'd be willing to bet that these units will be right in line with te Ford F450/550. These are the target units. Major engineering has been done by Sterling, and these folks know how to make it strong and light as well. I wouldn't let that be a concern. Mileage? Well that one could be a moot point in a sense. In my pickup (02 3500 4x4 6 spd), I count on and love my 23. 8 mpg avg. But in a truck used for daily work, especially at or near gvw, more realistic numbers should be expected. That being said- the current 5. 9 will outperform all others in fuel economy, so I'd be willing to think that the 6. 7 will be the same. My understanding is that it is a very serious engine design, much better than even our beloved 5. 9's! And if we do indeed see the MB900 in use, you can count on very efficient operation. Again, compared to a standard pickup, mileage will be lower, but apples to apples (PowerStroke/Cummins/Duramax) you can bet the Dodge/Sterling will show respectably.

 

[Subby]

I most likely wont be buying one and I'm still excited. To finally see this truck in production would be very exciting, although way late in the game but I think it will make up ground really fast. I remember back in 01 and 02 when the first hints of the 3rd gen were starting to show up. I went to AAM's site and looked at the front axles they offered. They had a picture of, I think, a 10. 5" model that I swear had the buckets for the coils and the mounts for the arms. Don't remember stats but, man, that would be one wicked *** front axle. I'm drooling.

 

[Wolffman]

I for one have been waiting for this for many years now. I need the extra weight capacity a 550 model would give me. Also, think how many people have upgraded to 19. 5" wheels and tires and now we could get them standard. I just hope all this hype is for real because I am holding off doing anything else to my truck because I would rather just spend the money putting twins and other goodies on a Ram 5500 and make it a fire breathing torque monster that could move a mountain. I don't care if I get 10-12mpg because if I can't afford the diesel then I don't need the truck anyway which will be close to the $50,000 mark anyway i am sure. O well its only money anyway you can always make more tomorrow :-laf

 

[DavidTD]

CW - Question.



I was told a few years ago by a DC Rep that the reason DC didn't have a true crew cab like GM and Ford was because DC built off two wheelbase chassis. Seeing how the MegaCab is based off the current 3500 Chassis and we know to have a true crew with 8ft bed will require a longer wheel base, is Dodge planning on another wheelbase configuration to add to the line-up?

 

[cwcox]

What you were told is very true. Dodge does not have the available manufacturing capacity to supply the extra frame variations required to do true cab and chassis trucks. This is what has been the major hold up all along. Cost for adding extra capacity far exceeded return. That's where the alliance with Freightliner/Sterling comes in. The new 4500/5500 truck will be on an all new chassis, with little if any shared componentry with the current 2500/3500 trucks. Chassis will be more truck like, with dimensions suitable, and designed for aftermarket body upfit. Frame will probably be standard C channel, but that is not confirmed on my end. As I mentioned before, sheetmetal should be at least 90% Dodge, but Sterling has done the major portion of the engineering on the chassis, and will probably handle the manufacturing. I can't wait to get The Sterling version onto our lot, and of course I am WAY EXCITED to see the Dodge version. Which one to buy?!?!?!?!?

 

[DavidTD]

CW, what about the 2500/3500. Do you think DC will add another chassis and finally give us a true crew? I had heard rumors that DC was moving towards increasing the number of lines for the trucks. Any truth.



And what did they do with the full size van lines. Seems to me they could have used those for the additional chassis'.



Thanks,

 

[cwcox]

We have the Mega Cab now, which is the best crew cab I've ever seen. I haven't heard anything regarding a dually/8 ft bed version, but it would absolutely amaze me if Dodge didn't bring that out. I'm sure they are anticipating a huge demand for this unit with the short bed, and they are ramping up that production first. this would only be logical- get your higher volume units out first, then add additional units later. I'd bet we'll see a Mega Cab Dually/8ft bed for '07.

As for the vans, I believe Dodge is going to stay with the Sprinter for a very long time to come. New version out for '07, very versatile platform, plus new engines (More Power!). Other than some minor issues, these Sprinter's are absolutely fabulous trucks.

 

[DavidTD]

CW - when I said the old van line, I was talking about the production line in the plant. For Dodge to make a crew with 8ft bed, they need a new longer wheelbase. Any talk about doing it?

 

[DHayden]

TTT... . I want to keep updated on this topic

 

[drandre]

I just found a great article everyone will enjoy on the 2006 Model updates. This updates all manufacturers making medium duty trucks.



http://www.ttnews.com/lmt/Sept05/medgrowth.asp