Ram's new motor delivers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque and features fuel-saving cylinder deactivation; to limit the effects of excessive heat, it also has a large oil cooler and stainless-steel gaskets. The beefier Hemi is available on all Ram 2500 and 3500 models for an extra $1,495.

Of course, the 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged, six-cylinder diesel remains the engine of choice for buyers who need enough grunt to pull Earth off its axis. When joined with a six-speed manual transmission, output measures 350 horses and 660 lb-ft of torque; opt for an Aisin six-speed automatic, and those figures jump to 385 ponies and a class-leading 850 lb-ft of torque. Dual 220-amp alternators are available.

The PowerWagon and Chassis Cab variants, including a new single-rear-wheel 3500, feature the 6.4-liter Hemi as standard equipment. The latter also offers a rearview camera, right- or left-side PTO placement, and a front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of up to 7,250 lb.

Suspension Changes

Ram carved out its own path when it replaced traditional leaf springs with coil springs on the 1500, a change that now has been made to the 2500 and 3500 models. The new rear five-link coil suspension, complemented by a three-link front setup, is expected to provide impressive ride and handling characteristics while tackling rough terrain. Capability has not been compromised, as evidenced by the three-quarter-ton truck's 17,940-lb tow rating, according to Ram. Full details have not been released, though the company claims the one-ton truck can tow up to 30,000 lb with a 7,320-lb payload capacity.

A newly available rear air suspension also serves to differentiate the 2014 Ram from its competitors. On 2500 models, load-leveling air bags are used in lieu of coil springs, while the 3500 adds air bags to supplement the existing leaf springs.

From new engines to exclusive suspensions, Ram's 2014 lineup is competitive, and the company will keep trying to grab GM and Ford market share. Of the fleet market, GM and Ford each command 29%, while Chrysler is at 19%; however, all three derive about a quarter of sales from fleet customers (see chart).

According to a CNW Research study, contractors are purchasing pickups at near-record levels, which corresponds with recovering home sales. That's good news for manufacturers of work trucks and those who depend on them for a living.