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Big news for the 2010 Dodge Ram's 3500 heavy-duty picky. And I do mean big. For the first time this behemoth of a workhorse is available with a crew cab. That means a full four doors rather than the previous generation's quad-cab mini back doors.

Both the 2500 and 3500 Rams get a complete makeover for this model year with an upgraded interior, revised exterior styling, improved suspension and brakes, increased towing capacity, and new standard features.

Typical of pickups, the new Ram 3500 comes in myriad configurations, starting from $35,630 and shooting up to $51,595. First off, you'll have to select a cab style: regular, crew and mega cab. The latter at 111 inches is longer than a Smart Fortwo stretching interior cargo room, legroom and allowing for reclining rear seats. Dodge is redoing its commercial-grade chassis cab models for the 2011 model year.

Eight-foot and 6-foot-four cargo box sizes are available as are single and dual rear-wheel combinations, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive and five trim levels.

Standard fare under the hood is a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 gasoline engine, redesigned for 2009 and rated at 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

More heft is available with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, rated at 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with the big Cummins, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 17,600 pounds. While you do notice the diesel sound, it's not terribly intrusive.

A six-speed manual is standard with both engines, with five- and six-speed automatics available. The new transmissions feature Electronic Range Select, which enables the driver to limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed.

A tow/haul mode is standard on both five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions.

EPA fuel usage stats are not available for the heavy duty rig.

Improved suspension tuning and C-pillar hydra mounts help improve ride on the 2010 3500, but absent going over bumpy surfaces, you might be surprised at the Ram's comfortable ride.

Beyond its grunt, the new Ram shines with a revamped interior. Not only are seats super comfy, but door panels, arm rests and such feel soft and easy like those in a family sedan - rather than part of a workaholic truck quick pay day loan.

Pertinent data is displayed for quick assessment on the six-ring dash readout and the center stack keeps other controls handy. Storage bins and pockets are abundant. Options include a giant center console with an upper bin large enough for a laptop and a lower been that can house hanging file folders.

Dodge describes exterior changes as giving the heavy duty Ram "a tougher more capable look with improved aerodynamics." Without old and new side by side, I wasn't wowed by those changes, but Ram has always turned a bolder profile than pickups from Ford and General Motors.

Standard features run from the basic ST with air conditioning, cruise control and CD player to the loaded Laramie. The Ram Power Wagon model is equipped with electric-locking

front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid-plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing, a 12,000-pound winch, two-tone paint scheme and graphics.

Luxuries available include heated and cooled seats, Sirius backseat TV, 10-speaker surround sound, 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation. On the safety front, antilock brakes, side air curtains and tire-pressure monitors are standard.

There isn't much competition when it comes to heavy-duty trucks, it's an all-American show with Ford, GM and Chevy the only other choices.

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