Spy Shots: 2010 Ram R/T Gets Bigger Rims, Removable Soft Tonneau

Chrysler hasn't yet announced any changes to the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, but this spy shot of an instrumented test truck appears to give away two revisions intended for the performance-oriented, two-wheel-drive Ram R/T model, says spy photographer Brenda Priddy.

The 22-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels with low-profile Goodyear Fortera P285/45R22 tires are new (the 2009 Ram R/T's rolling stock was 20-inch, five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HPs). The second update appears to be the addition of a removable soft tonneau cover. The R/T's 4.10 rear axle and "loose" torque converter, along with its 390 HP, 407 lb-ft torque 5.7-liter Hemi V8, helps the muscle truck do zero-to-60 in just under six seconds.

Using a tonneau cover to smooth out airflow over the cargo box could help the 2010 R/T gain back some of the fuel efficiency sacrificed for its strong off-the-line performance.

Spied! Is This the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T?

Photo by: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Company

Chrysler has yet to announce whether there are any changes to the Dodge Ram 1500 for 2010, but this spy shot of an instrumented test truck appears to give away two revisions intended for the performance-oriented, two-wheel-drive Ram R/T model.

First up: New 22-inch five-spoke painted aluminum wheels with low-profile Goodyear Fortera P285/45R22 tires. The 2009 Ram R/T's rolling stock (see picture below) was 20-inch five-spoke chrome wheels with P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HPs.

The second update to the R/T looks to be the addition of a removable soft tonneau cover. That's not surprising considering the R/T has a 4.10 rear axle and it uses a "loose" torque converter for strong off-the-line performance from its 390-horsepower, 407-pounds-feet-of-torque 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The R/T can do zero to 60 in just under 6 seconds. The trade-off for a short rear axle and loose torque converter is usually a hit to fuel economy. Using a tonneau cover to smooth out airflow over the cargo box could help the 2010 R/T marginally improve its gas mileage over the 2009 R/T.

One thing we think we can say with certainty if this is indeed the 2010 Dodge Ram R/T: It looks like we'd have no problem getting (another) ticket driving this aggressive-looking pickup.