Award-winning Dodge Ram gets test-drive today

Chrysler LLC unveiled the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie Heavy Duty Crew Cab 4x4 Dually at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Crew Cab currently accounts for 50% of the Heavy-Duty market. This is Dodge's first entry into this segment. (Provided by Chrysler Group LLC)

The 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty took top honors this week at the Texas Auto Writers Association’s annual Truck Rodeo outside San Antonio — and Chrysler Group LLC is working hard to keep the positive buzz going on its newest product offering.

Today, the Auburn Hills automaker is hosting a program where journalists -- including Free Press reporter Greg Gardner -- will test-drive the new Ram truck.

Production of the truck began last week in Saltillo, Mexico, and it should begin arriving in dealerships soon. Today’s drive program is the fourth of five media drives, said Chrysler spokesman David Elshoff. Two were held in Texas; the remaining three are being held in Michigan.

Journalists will drive the truck from Ypsilanti to Chelsea to examine the trucks new features.

Chrysler says the new Ram offers increased capability and new features. Aside from all-new styling, that included an all-new crew-size cab. The truck also offers a pair of legendary engines: the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel with 350 horsepower, producing 650 lb-ft. of torque and what Chrysler is calling “the most powerful standard engine in the segment:” the 383-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with 400 lb.-ft. of torque.