2002 Dodge Ram 15800

2002 Dodge RAM 1500 - First DriveBetter Than The Previous Groundbreaker?One look at Dodge's new-from-the-frame-up '02 Ram 1500 tells you it's changed. Yes, it retains the "I wanna be a Kenworth" look that bowed so successfully in '94, but does so with very different proportions. We've driven it and come away initially impressed with its roomier cab, smoother ride, and quieter powertrain. Structurally, the frame is an amazing 400 percent stiffer than before, and there's an all-new four-door body configuration offered as well.

The Ram can be equipped with one of three powerplants, two of which are new: a 3.7L/210-hp SOHC V-6 or a 4.7L/235-hp SOHC V-8. The third, and largest, is the holdover 5.9L/245-hp OHV V-8. Unfortunately, the all-new Hemi V-8 is at least two years away. The 3.7L and 4.7L engines can be had with either a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual, while the 5.9 is available only with an automatic.

Our drive revealed improved handling with excellent rack-and-pinion steering, more powerful and progressive stopping courtesy of new four-wheel discs, and a well-controlled body-on-frame ride via new short- and long-arm front suspension. There's a live axle in the rear with longitudinal leaf springs. Another update truck buyers will love is the increased towing and payload capacities, plus still-roomy cab. At first blush, we think the new truck is better than the old one; full road test to follow.-Jack Keebler

Hummer H1 Vortec 8100 - First TestCure For The Hummer Horsepower BluesWhile Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hummer H1 is undoubtedly loaded with cushy leather and a bazillion-watt Monsoon sound system, he still has to deal with the noise, smell, shake, and leisurely acceleration of the Hummer's 6.5L/190-hp, turbodiesel V-8.

General Motors' (owner of the Hummer's civilian marketing rights) Vortec 8.1L/340-hp V-8 gas engine fits well under the H1's considerable hood. It's a natural application, even though GM has no production plans-so far.

We ran a full test on an 8100-equipped prototype, and it's obvious that Arnold would trade his TD Hummer in for one should GM decide to build them. Besides shaving 3.7 sec from the turbodiesel's 0-60-mph time, the Vortec Hummer attacks hills and fords streams without the smell and noise of the stock engine. It's quick for a monster SUV, and it launches into traffic easily thanks to lots of low-end grunt. The quarter takes 18.4 sec at 72.3 mph versus 19.8/67.0 for the TD. These numbers may not sound fast, but considering that the vehicle weighs over 10,000 lb (think two Chevy trucks!), we find them quite impressive. Bring it on, GM!-Todd Lassa