While there will be no mistaking a 2002 Ram for a 2001, the old truck and new one definitely bear a familial resemblance.

"We didnÕt just reproduce the same truck," said Chuck Rightler, Senior Manager of Truck Business Operations for DaimlerChrysler. "We kept the same basic formula but took risks in styling and proportions." Translated to the exterior of the truck, that means a big, strong front end, with elements of the outgoing truck, the Dakota and the Power Wagon concept blended together. Up front the new truck's front end has a taller grille and rectangular headlamp housings with scalloped bottoms, a la the latest BMW 7-Series. Sport models get painted grilles and bumpers with polished aluminum bars, while SLT level models receive chrome in lieu of the monochromatic theme of the Sport.

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As for models, a choice of either the shorter six-foot, t or an eight-foot box will be offered with both the two- and four-door models. There will be no extended-cab model. Only regular and Quad Cab models are available for the 2002 Ram 1500, the latter of which now features four forward hinged doors. The new rear doors are handily equipped with two detents, one that opens about 3/4 of the way for passengers and another that opens a full 85 degrees for easier cargo loading. Dodge will release details on new 2500 and 3500 models for the 2003 model year.

While fiddling with larger wheels, DaimlerChrysler also saw fit to add three inches to the cab of both Regular and Quad Cab models. The extra three inches came at the expense of three inches of supposedly unused bed length in short-box models. DaimlerChrysler engineers see it as an acceptable trade off.

Safety features have been upgraded: while four-wheel ABS remains optional, side curtain airbags will be available. New larger brakes are also standard. The aforementioned larger wheels enabled engineers to package four-wheel disc brakes with 13-inch rotors front and rear. Front brake calipers are of a dual-piston design while the rear calipers make do with a single piston. Shoulder belts are included for both the front and rear-center passengers on all models.

Open space in this roomy truck: With the Quad Cab, a full-width rear bench seat is standard and a 60/40-split bench is an option, to allow for a split in the rear of people and cargo. A storage compartment is revealed when the rear seat cushion is flipped forward. The instrument panel of the new truck is also vastly improved from the old model, which was most generously described as inexpensive-looking. Power adjustable pedals and dual-zone climate control are two other new features incorporated into the 2002 Ram. A unique storage area under the center front seat also adds to the increased user-friendliness of the truck.

More originality than any new truck: Some may criticize the new Ram as more evolutionary than revolutionary, the truck makes solid improvements on its predecessor and, more importantly, the competition. With significantly little new in sight from the competition at Ford and Chevrolet for the next few years, it is likely that the 2002 Ram will sell better than its predecessor. Production of the new truck is scheduled to begin in July . JH/AutoNetDirect.com

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