Auto Channel

No cooling mule here, this is the real thing!

These are not the mules previously caught with the new front clip attached to the current truck – these are actual pre-production prototypes! And we caught both the MegaCab and QuadCab versions! But since then some new powertrain information has also come to light.

At a recent industry conference in Traverse City, Michigan, Frank Klegon, Chrysler's executive vice president of product development, reiterated earlier statements that Chrysler is focused on producing advanced engines for all its vehicles, including the Ram.

Mr. Klegon highlighted, "A significantly upgraded version of the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with gains in fuel efficiency, refinement, horsepower and torque, will debut in the 2009 model year."

It's rumored part of the HEMI power boost will come from the addition of variable valve timing and a bump in displacement.

Chrysler will also offer a new, more fuel-efficient version of the E85 flex-fuel 4.7-liter base V8 engine, shared with the Dodge Dakota midsize pickup and featuring a 30 percent increase in horsepower and a 10 percent increase in torque over the old 4.7-liter V8.

Other gas engine possibilities include an all-new 'Phoenix' V6, with MDS cylinder shut-off to save fuel, by 2010.

We're still expecting a new Cummins V8 light duty diesel soon after launch, but there are also whispers of a V6 oil burner too. It’s obvious when looking under the hood that we caught 2 different engines being tested, but we weren’t close enough to tell you exactly which ones. (Yet!)