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BUENA VIDA
Drivers Seat
Tricked Out Trucks
Despite the cost of gas, pickup trucks, SUVs and crossovers are still with us, and probably always will be. The 2009 Dodge Ram pickup and the 2009 Ford Flex crossover wagon are important vehicles for their makers—the Ram because of its huge contribution to Dodge’s bottom line, the Flex because it is a bold experiment to redefine the crossover.
By Russ Heaps
FORD FLEX
 The unique design of the Flex was inspired by A conversation between Ford head design honcho J Mays and fashion designer Ralph Lauren about the 1939 Ford Woody wagon and how an updated version might look. beyond exterior styling, it is loaded with enough gee-whizardry and passenger amenities to motivate a European luxury sedan owner to question his last $80,000 car purchase. Prices begin at $28,995, with the top-of-the-line version with all the bells and whistles topping out at around $43,250.
Camouflaged Fuel:
A new feature eventually earmarked for all Fords and Lincolns, capless fueling does away with the fuel cap inside the fuel filler door.
Picnic Ready:
An available five-quart refrigerated console operates independently of the engine and can freeze as well as cool contents.
Outer Beauty:
In addition to the 1939 Woody, torpedo-style canister vacuum cleaners of the ‘40s and ‘50s contributed exterior design cues.
Horsepower:
A 262-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 turns the rear (or all the wheels on AWD versions) via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Streaming Lines:
The horizontal grooves along the sides encourage the eye to travel from the grille to the vehicle’s rear, while also providing a modern take on the wood panels of the 1939 wagon.
Clean Ride:
The rocker panel is incorporated into the door to present a more cohesive look, and to nearly eliminate any possibility of getting dirty when entering and exiting.
The 2009 DODGE RAM
 Dodge sees its Ram as the sporty entry among full-size pickups. To that end, it has methodically improved, tweaked or enhanced every element of the 2009 redesign with more than 35 new or improved features. The reenergized Hemi V8 delivers additional horsepower, better torque and improved fuel economy. Dodge says it can pull the Ram from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. Pricing had not been announced at this writing, but product should reach showrooms in September.
Cargo Space:
Weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins in the bed rails are just one feature of the new RamBox system.
Crew Cab:
This is Ram’s first-ever crew cab containing all-new interiors and redesigned controls.
Hot Grille:
A more aggressive “grille-forward” design sets the Ram’s get-out-of-the-way tone.
Power:
The new 380-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is one of three engines available today, with a diesel on the way.
Axle Strength:
The excellent ride dynamics are due in part to the first-in-segment coil-spring, multi-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle.
Cool Comfort:
Heated and ventilated front seats keep you toasty in winter and cool in summer.
Audio Gear:
High-tech options include
surround-sound audio and
rear-seat Sirius real-time live TV.
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