Vital to the fortunes of the newly-purchased-by-Cerebrus Chrysler Corporation is the stunningly different looking (at least in this design sketch) 2009 Dodge Ram. It will be going toe to toe from the starting gates with the also redesigned for 2009 F-150. Shockingly for a full size pickup, rumor has it that Dodge will be offering a dual mode hybrid with the 5.7 liter Hemi motor. This will work in tandem with the Hemi's Multi-Displacement System that turns off half the cylinders under light load situations. In addition to a new six speed automatic transmission, there will also be an optional Cummins Diesel Motor option on half ton Rams, a first for the company and the industry. (Even though it is rumored Ford also has similar plans for its 2009 entry.)

So does this new truck look like a saving grace home-run for the beleaguered automaker? It sure can't hurt matters, as the Ram has become somewhat of an also ran against the newest Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado. What Dodge definitely needs is a model that plays on the typical "unique" design strengths inherent to the best Chrysler products. Playing it "safe" will do them no favors. And please, please, fire the company that supplies the plastics for the Dodge Nitro interior. If the inside of the new Ram looks anything like the inside of that disaster, Dodge may find its days numbered.

Photo is courtesy of pickuptruck.com