RollinsFarm, you beat me to the posting about the updated truck. I like the additional tech stuff and the Pentastar V6 with an 8 speed will be a great entry combo. I'm not a fan of the dashboard mounted dial for the gear selector but then again I hated when they all switched to a dial for the 4wd vs my floor shifter...
Diamondpilot said:
That 8 speed will set them apart. I still cant believe none of the manufactures other than Dodge have not went this route or a electronically controlled split rear diff.
Now if they would just do something with them ugly front head lights.
I am still not sold on the coil spring rear end in a pickup. Time will tell but I remember a old 60's or 70's GM tuck with coil spring rear end and it was not up to the task. There is a reason they ended up going back to leaf springs. Simple and strong. Who know, maybe Dodge did it right but I will take 10 years to know for sure.
The head lights I don't mind because they are projector bulbs which no other truck has. Also, they moved the trailer brake controller to the center console which you mentioned before.
As far as the coil sprung suspension, I'm sure you'll like it when Ford adds it...
If you look at testing, it was faster through a slalom course LOADED than most trucks empty and the testers noted it felt better planted with weight which the others did not.
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2011/09/30k-shootout-autocross-test.html
It's no secret coil springs can handle weight (just look at bigger trucks and trains) plus everyone knows an unsprung coil suspension will allow a much better ride than leaf springs.
Another big advancement is the air suspension. I've driven my mothers new Jeep GC with the same setup many times. Being able to raise/lower the suspension 4" is great and when the vehicle lowers automatically at highway speeds, you can feel the difference in stability. Only time until a HD setup makes it to the 3500. Another improvement is electric power steering which I love on our new Mazda3. Much better steering at low speeds and idle stops.
395hp/409lb.ft HEMI with an 8 speed ZF transmission will be a killer combo. I bet the Pentastar V6 (305hp/269lb.ft.) with the 8 speed will get better fuel mileage than any truck too! Still good simple engines with no turbos or hybrid batteries needed.
I was REALLY hoping for a light duty diesel...