It is no secret that Ram wanted to give the Ford F-150 Raptor a challenge. Look back to TRX concept from 2016 with its off-road suspension and a de-tuned version of the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8. Fast-forward to today and Ram has introduced a production version of the TRX and let's just say they took it to the extreme.

No De-Tuned Hellcat!

Open the hood of the Ram 1500 TRX and you'll find the 6.2L Hellcat V8 producing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 mph takes a mouth-dropping 4.5 seconds and you'll be past the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds with an exit speed of 108 mph. Sure it isn't the full 707 horsepower, but Ram engineer's had to make some concessions for the TRX's off-road capability.  For example,  a high-mounted air induction system allows the TRX to ford a 32-inch body of water, but also requires more exhaust pipe to allow for easier breathing.

Other modifications for the V8 include a new oil pan; the alternator being raised up, and a set of heavy duty filters.

Power is routed to an eight-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system. Ram employs a a new BorgWarner 48-13 transfer case to handle all of the performance from the Hellcat engine. A locking rear differential completes the four-wheel drive system.

Not Your Normal 1500's Frame or Suspension

Ram says the 1500 TRX's frame is 75 percent different from the standard 1500. The differences include thicker high-strength steel, boxed side rails, and certain parts being hydroformed. All of the changes are claimed to hold up better to high impacts such as landing from a jump than competitors (ahem Ford Raptor). 

A set of Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks with nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs handle damping duty. They can automatically adjust depending on the terrain, but the driver will able to control them via a set of settings. 

The front suspension features forge aluminum upper and lower control arms, while the five-link rear suspension has a new design to make space for a Dana 60 axle. A set of Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65R18 All-Terrain 35-inch tires with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels provide the traction.

Not Your Father's Ram

Its clear that Ram allowed its designers to go mad with the TRX's design. There's a massive hood scoop with lighting, mean looking grille surround, composite fender flares, and a set of optional graphics. Move inside and there are some minor alterations such as a console-mounted shifter, drive mode selector being placed where the dial gear selector would be on other Rams, and a heads-up display - a first for any FCA model.

So What's the Catch?

That would be price which begins at $71,690 with a $1,695 destination charge. For the first year of production, Ram will offer a Launch Edition version with a special anvil gray paint and every option in the book for $90,265. You'll won't be waiting too long as the TRX arrives at dealers in the fourth quarter of this year.

Source: Ram Trucks
Press Release is on Page 2

All-new 2021 Ram 1500 TRX: Quickest, Fastest and Most Powerful Mass-produced Truck in the World With 702-horsepower 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI® V-8 Engine

• 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Engineered to Handle the Most Punishing Conditions With Extreme Capability and to Outperform Every Other Truck 
• 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, the apex predator of the truck world, is engineered to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme capability and durability, significantly outperforming every other truck
• New frame extensively uses high-strength steel that increases low-torsion attributes to amplify durability and stability
• Engineered to deliver a new level of truck performance, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine sets new benchmarks for power and performance among half-ton pickups:
  • Rated at 702 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.5 seconds; 0-100 mph in 10.5 seconds
  • Quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph
  • Top speed of 118 mph
• High-torque-capacity TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, crisp gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions
• New, innovative dual-path air induction system delivers maximum output and feeds a steady supply of cool, clean air to the engine through the front grille and functional hood scoop
• Largest air filter in the segment uses dual filter elements and is designed for extreme, dusty environments with four times the dust trapping capacity when compared to the closest competitor
• Full-time active transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength, durability
• All-new, unique suspension system with active damping, inspired by desert off-road racers, incorporates forged aluminum front upper and lower control arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling
• New independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminum to maintain overall strength and durability
• TRX uses a Dana 60 solid rear axle with a 3.55 ratio featuring full-floating hubs and axle-hop damper for improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces. An electronic locking rear differential is standard for increased performance off-road
• Designed exclusively for TRX, new front and rear 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks provide fast reaction time, unbeatable damping and improved heat dissipation for traversing harsh terrain at speeds greater than 100 mph
• Five-link coil suspension is tuned to deliver the best combination of ride, handling and comfort no matter the road surface
• Wheel travel is greater than 13 inches at all four corners, an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup
• All-new face of Ram includes modern Ram’s head logo and “R-A-M” badge with flow-through lettering
• Functional hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of air entering the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine while the other 50 percent enters through the grille
• New integrated composite fender flares add 8 inches of body width and feature all-new steel box outers, creating a striking “hourglass” body
• New LED clearance lamps are cleverly integrated into the hood scoop and front bumper flares, amplifying the new aesthetic of the truck
• Full LED Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) includes twin bi-functional projector headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps with up to 15 degrees of direction control with steering input
• Most spacious interior in the segment offers new, authentic premium materials, colors and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels for unexpected luxury throughout
• All-new 2021 Ram TRX features three interior options, including premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents
• New flat-bottom steering wheel offers enhanced hand grips wrapped in leather with optional suede and carbon fiber accents. New aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes
• Reimagined center console with maximum storage includes a new performance-oriented floor shifter, wireless charging dock and five USBs, including Type A and C ports
• Custom specifications plate on the console lid lists which engine is under the hood, the type of supercharger Ram TRX uses, boost output, horsepower and the vehicle-specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Ram TRX-specific transfer case switches are integrated into the dashboard along with Drive Mode selector and Launch Control
• Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch touchscreen is standard equipment and includes SiriusXM 360L with Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, which offers a custom listening experience through a 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• All-new Head-up Display unit makes its FCA vehicle debut and can show up to five different content areas at once
• TRX touts the first FCA application of Drive Modes and Off-Road Pages with the Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch touchscreen
• New Baja drive mode calibrates four-wheel-drive and steering systems, stability control, paddle shifters and suspension for ultimate desert performance, delivering maximum capability on undulating, loose surfaces
• Available digital rearview mirror replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-inch-wide LCD monitor
• Trailer Reverse Steer Control is an available standalone option on Ram TRX and uses a dial to point the trailer in the desired direction while the system controls the steering wheel
• More than 100 active and passive safety and security features, including ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six air bags. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Ready Alert Braking and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, available
• All-new 18-by-9-inch aluminum wheels are available in both standard and a beadlock-capable option
• Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain 35-inch tires, developed exclusively for Ram TRX, achieve unmatched levels of wear resistance, traction and reduced road noise
• Ram TRX offers the largest front brakes in the segment at 15 inches
• Ram TRX has a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds and maximum trailer tow of 8,100 pounds
• Ram TRX features a 2-inch ride height increase over Ram 1500, enabling 11.8 inches of ground clearance and capability of up to 32 inches of water fording
• All-new 2021 Ram TRX underwent rigorous testing in extreme environments across the continental United States to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme confidence, capability and durability

August 17, 2020 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The all-new 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the apex predator of the truck world and cements Ram Truck as North America’s off-road truck leader. Ram TRX expands the light-duty lineup and sets new benchmarks for power and performance among half-ton pickup trucks with the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine.

“The all-new 2021 Ram TRX sets the benchmark for extreme performance pickup trucks and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road truck leader,” said Mike Koval, Head of Ram Brand, FCA - North America. “Ram has a strong history of high-performance trucks and TRX adds to that while expanding the light-duty lineup with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology.”

Rated at 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine powers the Ram TRX to a top speed of 118 mph. Combined with a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Ram TRX delivers a new level of performance: 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph.

A proven and reliable high-performance engine, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine delivers top output for extended driving sessions without degradation in performance.

The 2021 Ram TRX benefits from up to 32 inches of water fording, up to 8,100 pounds towing and a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds.

New aesthetic design pairs chiseled form with extreme function
The all-new 2021 Ram TRX features an aggressive stance and an impossibly wide, muscular body wrapped over the top of it. Like a mixed martial arts fighter in a tailored tuxedo, the Ram TRX makes an impactful visual statement with an acute “hourglass” body design that features composite flares and fender wells that have been stretched to cover aggressive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires.

Ram TRX is 8 inches wider when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup, and the composite flares help to compensate for a 6-inch increase in track width. Normally, Ram 1500 features a wheel that is 8 inches wide, but the TRX design team had to accommodate a wheel that is 9 inches wide.

The front axle was shifted 20 millimeters forward to accommodate the 35-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires that were designed exclusively for TRX. The 35-inch tires are available with 18-inch beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings.

LED clearance marker lights flank the front bumper, creating a menacing light signature that further sets TRX apart from anything on the road – day or night. A new, aluminum hood features bright LED clearance lights that are integrated in the hood scoop.

The hood scoop is responsible for 50 percent of air entering the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine while the other 50 percent enters through the grille. Design elements, like the functional hood scoop, are complemented by secondary details, such as the functional air curtain just outboard of the headlamps, relieving high pressure zones at the front corners and allowing air to pass through the fenders.

A unique R-A-M badge, front grille, hood, skid plates and steel bumpers help the TRX meet extreme functional objectives. The R-A-M badge is bigger when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup and features a new “flow-through” design that assists with airflow. All-black premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, are standard.

TRX buyers can choose an optional full-length rock rail for added body/sill protection or traditional off-road powder-coated aluminum running boards. Optional body-side and hood graphics are available as a pair or separately.

Ram TRX features new box outers made of steel and are wider than that of a traditional Ram 1500. A bed-mounted spare tire carrier is available in addition to the standard full-size spare tire that sits underneath the bed, between the rear axle and trailer hitch. Premium LED taillamps are standard on TRX and the bezels allow for the Blind-spot Monitoring function to see around the extended box outers.

Closing out the rear of the truck, a large R-A-M badge, similar to that seen on Rebel, stretches across the tailgate. Center identification marker lights, like what is seen on Ram Heavy Duty models, are tucked between the tailgate and rear bumper.

The new aesthetic is taken to even higher levels of visual impact with oversized tow hooks, found at the front and rear of the truck, and integrated 5-inch dual exhaust ports driving the functional performance objective home.

High-performance-inspired interior with authentic premium materials
The 2021 Ram TRX combines all-new features, technology and authentic premium materials with extreme performance, class-leading quality, comfort and durability. The interior design team chose premium textures, colors and material, including available hand-wrapped leather instrument panels for unexpected luxury throughout.

The all-new 2021 Ram TRX features three interior options, including premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents. Based on the Rebel layout, trucks outfitted with a TR Equipment Group will greet occupants with premium cloth and vinyl accents featuring black and Dark Ruby Red surfaces. Opting for the TR1 or TR2 Equipment Group provides an interior based on the Ram 1500 Limited and features an all-black color scheme with leather and suede to give TRX a unique feel. Heated and ventilated premium Natura Plus leather with perforated suede accents cover the front bucket and rear bench seats. The TR1 and TR2 Equipment Groups come standard with medium Greystone stitching and Graphite Metallic accents. The TR2 Equipment Group offers TRX red stitching and carbon fiber accents as an available option.

Ram TRX features new front seats with enhanced upper bolster support and embroidered logos. TR1 and TR2 Equipment Groups feature a Modular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment / Pouch Attachment Ladder System (MOLLE/PALS) on the seatback that enables bags and other equipment to be weaved in place.

A new SRT-signature flat-bottom steering wheel, with enhanced hand grips wrapped in leather with optional suede and carbon fiber accents, enables performance driving. New aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes, allowing the driver to choose the proper gear with their fingertips.

A console mounted performance floor shifter, which includes a cast metal main grip wrapped with semi-perforated leather, lends itself to spirited performance driving that TRX was bred for, while maximizing storage. Both the console and paddle shifters mark the debut of each in a Ram truck.

The Drive Mode selector has been integrated into the dashboard above the transfer case switches and offers different modes of operation, indicated by a TRX pictogram for select environments: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja. A Launch Control button is easily within reach of the driver, sitting to the right of the transfer case switches, and is standard on TRX.

Reinforcing TRX’s performance chops, an all-new Head-up Display unit can show up to five different content areas at once, including Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, current gear and speed limit. The Head-up Display is available on the TR2 Equipment Group and is a full-color unit accessible through the 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen.

A custom specifications plate on the console lid lists which engine is under the hood, the type of supercharger Ram TRX uses, boost output, horsepower and the vehicle-specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

A new, innovative dual-path induction system enables extreme performance
The new 2021 Ram TRX is designed for class-leading, uncompromising performance in the harshest environments. Stratospheric power and performance numbers were achieved in part through a new, innovative dual-path air induction system that ensures the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine receives a steady supply of clean, cool air regardless of inbound dirt and debris.

The Ram TRX uses two paths to draw in outside air and routes it to a large, 29-liter air box that filters out dirt, sand, debris and water before getting anywhere near the engine. The innovative dual-path system pulls in outside air from a functional scoop in the hood and the upper edge of the grille. Air entering the grille flows to the bottom front of the air box, guided by tailored panels. The hood scoop ducts air to the bottom rear of the air box via ports that seal to the hood when it is closed. An air box support bar is precision-mounted in the engine compartment during vehicle assembly to ensure the hood intake seals to the air box ducts to prevent engine-heated air from entering the system.

Directing incoming air to the bottom of the air box helps dirt and water settle out before the air reaches the filter elements, ensuring that the Ram TRX continues to perform in the most grueling environments. A one-way drain in the bottom of the air box evacuates water even when the vehicle is moving. Intake air is drawn upward from the box through twin, heavy-duty air filters that provide 198.4 square inches of filter surface area, four times the dust trapping capacity when compared to the closest competitor, to remove any residual dust or sand before the air is ducted. Unfolded, the filter surface medium covers 13.3 square feet.

The entire Ram TRX intake system is engineered to minimize power-robbing air restrictions while ensuring only clean, cool air reaches the engine. Industry-standard testing shows that the Ram TRX far exceeds any competitor in the amount of time it can ingest dirty air and debris before performance is diminished. The Ram TRX’s air box is mounted at the top of the engine, making it easy to access should the owner choose to field-clean the high-performance filter elements.

From modern muscle cars to high-performance SUVs, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 has earned a reputation as a potent, reliable power source that delivers head-turning power when ordered by the driver’s right foot and is also a smooth, efficient power plant at cruising speeds.

To best match gear selection and shift points to the driver’s demands, the robust TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission monitors inputs, such as engine torque gradients, throttle kick-down, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, detection of friction, downshifts and road grade. This versatile, well-developed, high-torque-capacity, eight-speed transmission delivers quick acceleration and precise, crisp, quick gear changes, enhancing ride quality to luxury car levels with consistent performance and drivability.

Launch Control is standard with the 2021 Ram TRX and manages tire slip while launching the vehicle to give the driver consistent straight-line acceleration. Wheel speed sensors watch for driveline-damaging wheel hop at launch and, in milliseconds, provide inputs to the powertrain control module to modify the engine torque to regain full grip.

The Ram TRX is also equipped with Jump Detection, which uses wheel-speed and ride-height sensors and accelerometers at each corner to identify when the vehicle is airborne and acts to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes. Acting in milliseconds, Jump Detection modifies engine speed and torque, gear selection, transfer case torque split, damping rates and other powertrain and suspension components through the landing to deliver optimum performance.

Dynamic drive modes
The 2021 Ram TRX uses performance-tuned software to pre-configure and distinguish five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow and Custom – enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. The drive modes separately control the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and the electric power steering. All modes use active slip control that prevents binding and excessive slip from front to rear.

Custom mode allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance with a selectable driving experience, offering a multitude of vehicle system combinations.

Separately, the Ram TRX features three dynamic off-road modes – Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja – enabling drivers to choose a setting that best fits the terrain around them. Like the on-road modes, the off-road drive modes control several systems, including the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and steering.

Engineered to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme capability
Designed bolt by bolt to significantly outperform every other truck, the 2021 Ram TRX has been rigorously tested to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme capability and durability.

The 2021 Ram TRX’s frame is composed of thicker, optimally shaped, strategically placed high-strength steel that uses low-torsion attributes to increase durability and stability. Sections of the frame are hydroformed for dimensional accuracy, reducing the need for welding, and the side rails are fully boxed. The front rails use high-strength steel and hydroformed sections to set a strong foundation to better handle the front suspension load. Galvanized frame components provide improved corrosion protection.

The Ram TRX boasts a ground clearance of 11.8 inches due in part to a 2-inch ride height increase when compared with the rest of the 1500 lineup, along with 35-inch tires. This combination enables TRX to clear surface obstacles easily and at high speeds.

To protect critical components, including the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan and fuel tank, TRX employs five skid plates. A separate skid plate sits at the bottom of the front fascia, mitigating potential damage, and doubles as a belly pan. Heavy-duty gauge steel rock sliders are an available option.

The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum closures, including the doors, hood and tailgate, help reduce weight and boost fuel economy. Ram TRX also uses aluminum engine mounts, front axle center section, front suspension and transmission cross-members, front upper and lower control arms, front skid plate, transmission skid plate and steering system gear.

An all-new independent front suspension system with active damping uses high-strength aluminum to maintain overall strength and durability. The all-new independent front suspension system includes new front upper and lower control arms made of forged aluminum with special attention paid to the caster and camber angles during suspension cycling. The new, longer, substantially sized front upper and lower control arms are constructed of 80-ksi high-strength steel and designed with a focus on additional wheel travel and axle track width. This new suspension system features upgraded components to provide more performance and improved endurance.

Out back, the Ram TRX’s rear suspension had to clear packaging barriers and the engineering team took that into consideration with this unique application. The result is an innovative and durable solution that produces greater wheel travel without reducing cargo area in the bed.

The 2021 Ram TRX uses an all-new rear suspension system with active damping and an exclusive five-link coil system for incredible ride characteristics and durability. The frame’s hard points for the five-link suspension system differ when compared to a standard-issue Ram 1500 and allow the Dana 60 rear axle to travel up to 13 inches. Overall, rear-wheel travel is increased to more than 13 inches from the standard 9 inches, or more than 40 percent when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup.

The 2021 Ram TRX uses the proven five-link coil suspension configuration and provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf-spring system. This suspension design reduces friction in the spring system and weighs significantly less than a comparable leaf spring system. At 600 millimeters in length, the robust rear springs are the largest ever applied on a non-commercial production vehicle.

The robust coil springs are more than up to the task of handling a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds and towing capability of 8,100 pounds.

New 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks use precision-machined, single-piece construction comprised of rigid aluminum to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. The adaptive performance shocks feature robust corrosion protection with a durable finish and directional-machined cooling fins aligned with air flow for more effective cooling.

Dual Electronic Proportional Valves continuously adjust damping forces for precise, independent control of compression and rebound damping. A nitrogen-charged remote reservoir uses a hot-formed, zero-leak tube closure to ensure maximum durability during extreme on- and off-road events.

A pressure-activated Triple Rod seal has been field-tested for long-lasting durability against contamination and leaks. Ram TRX uses stainless steel braided high-pressure hose to combat corrosion and abrasion while being able to resist up to 5,800 PSI. A high-strength, lightweight rock shield defends the piston rod against incoming rubble with a custom molded escape path for debris.

The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks have been tuned to demonstrate optimum balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability. Ride comfort, body roll control and handling are significantly improved with the Ram-proprietary Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, new shock tuning, hard points and body mount strategy.

In addition to a standard urethane jounce bumper, the internals of the Bilstein adaptive performance shock feature a Jounce Cut Off to create three zones for progressive bottom-out control during extreme compression events. All modes can reach peak compression damping for the most extreme events.

The 2021 Ram TRX is a high-performance pickup truck built to handle the most punishing conditions with extreme capability and durability. To clear the elevated benchmarks and performance figures that TRX presents, a Dana 60 rear axle with full floating axle shafts is standard equipment and handles the increased torque output, rear electronic locking differential and 35-inch tires. The Dana 60 rear axle uses an axle hop damper that enables improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces. A new rear axle center section provides balanced performance and a locking differential for increased off-road performance.

The Ram TRX is equipped with a new BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case that enables passage through any off-road obstruction or weather condition. This modified transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. Ram TRX features a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling and can be flat-towed while in neutral.

Off road, the 2021 Ram TRX will race to 100 mph with ease, and the segment’s largest brakes bring the TRX to a composed halt. Ram TRX relies on a four-wheel disc brake system and a hydraulic compensation unit to enhance brake pedal feel and performance during emergency maneuvers. Up front are two-piston monoblock calipers clamping down on 15-inch inverted hat (outboard venting) rotors for improved cooling. The rear uses single piston calipers with 15-inch rotors to provide incredible stopping power. An electronic parking brake holds the truck steady when applied and is standard.

For the 2021 Ram TRX, engineers found that to maximize capability, it would call for a 35-inch tire. Developed exclusively for the Ram TRX, 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain 325/65R/18 tires, featuring an aggressive tread and sidewall with D-load rating, are assigned the task.

There are two different wheel designs that are available on TRX, including an 18-by-9-inch optional beadlock-ready wheel straight from the factory.

An approach angle of 30.2 degrees, breakover angle of 21.9 degrees, departure angle of 23.5 degrees and a ground clearance of 11.8 inches allow the Ram TRX to go anywhere.

Most technologically advanced pickup ever loaded with innovative, customizable features
Designed to be the most technologically advanced pickup ever, the new 2021 Ram TRX is loaded with an array of innovative features combined with the award-winning fourth-generation Uconnect system that offers convenience and connected services, keeping Ram truck customers engaged and informed all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road or desert path ahead.

The 2021 Ram TRX interior’s high-tech centerpiece, the Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen, is standard and allows for even more customization. Other features include SiriusXM with 360L, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora and personal device integration.

The touchscreen can house one application, such as the navigation map, across the entire 12-inch screen or can be divided in half, operating two different applications at once. A multifunction switch bank and the optional Trailer Reverse Steer Control sit below the touchscreen, giving physical control of specific features. Redundant HVAC controls are located on both sides of the display.

An audiophile-quality audio system is offered to immerse passengers in the ultimate sound experience, including a class-exclusive 900-watt premium Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and 10-inch subwoofer – the finest and most powerful audio system available in a pickup.

Ram TRX uses a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster that is exclusive to the model and features a lit TRX badge, unique TRX colors and graphics with reconfigurable gauges. The same graphics appear on the 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen, too. This is the first time that Drive Modes and Off-road Performance Pages are displayed on the 12-inch Uconnect 4C screen.

Performance Pages
Performance Pages give drivers the tools necessary to become familiar with their vehicle’s performance. The app provides access to real-time vehicle performance information, including timers (such as 0-60 mph elapsed time), g-force, gauges and engine performance. This data can be downloaded to a USB stick, allowing for easy sharing of your driving performance. Owners can also download data to the web. The introduction of the Ram TRX marks the first time Performance Pages is available on an FCA vehicle equipped with the Uconnect 4C NAV with 12-inch display.

Off-Road Pages
Off-Road Pages show ride height, the transfer case’s position, the pitch and roll of the vehicle and accessory gauges. The app is accessible through the 7-inch TFT cluster or Uconnect 4C NAV with 12-inch display. The introduction of the Ram TRX marks the first time Off-Road Pages is available on an FCA vehicle equipped with the Uconnect 4C NAV with 12-inch display.

Forward-facing Camera
As part of the available 360-degree Surround View Camera system, a forward-facing off-road camera allows obstructions ahead on the trail to be easily seen. The front camera sits under the crossbar that dissects TRX’s grille and can be accessed through the available Off-Road Pages.

Digital Rearview Mirror
An available digital rearview mirror option replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-inch-wide LCD monitor. The digital rearview mirror displays video in real time from a rear-facing camera and can be turned off to revert back to a traditional reflective mirror.

More than 100 available advanced safety and security features
Safety and security were primary drivers in the development of the new 2021 Ram TRX, which offers more than 100 available active and passive safety and security features. Standard features include ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six standard air bags. Available features include Blind-spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Ready Alert Braking and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus.

Ram has announced the pricing on the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The lowest priced model will be a Quad Cab 2wd Tradesman model, starting at $38,585 including destination charges.  The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, making it about $3,000 more expensive than a V8 Hemi-eTorque. 

The EcoDiesel takes the crown as the half-ton diesel with the highest amount of torque, 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, and highest towing capacity in the class at 12,560 lbs. Horsepower is rated at 260 at 3,600 rpm, an 8 percent increase over the previous version. Fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to release in Q4 this year.

The new EcoDiesel will be available in all trims and configurations including the Ram Classic and the Ram Rebel. 

Here is how the Ram EcoDiesel stacks up to the completion from GM and Ford. 

RAM - 260 horsepower / 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm
GM - 277 horsepower / 460 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm
Ford - 250 horsepower / 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm

Related:
GM Delays Diesel Launch; Expands 6.2 V8 Availability
GM Inline-6 Diesel Rated
Ford Releases Details on 2018 F-150 Diesel

Ram Press Release on Page 2

Ram has announced pricing on the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.  A base 4x2 Tradesman Regular Cab 2500 will have an MSRP of $33,395 plus destination charge of $1,695.  The base engine is a 6.4 liter Hemi V8 delivers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.  The top configuration is a Ram 3500 Limited Megacab listed for $65,050.   Option engines include the Cummins Turbo diesel with 6-speed Alison transmission for $9,100 while the high-output Cummins with 1,000 lb-ft of torque is available on 3500 models only as an $11,795 upgrade and is capable of towing more than 35,000 lbs. 

The 2019 RAM Heavy Duty debuted last month a the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Related: DETROIT 2019: 2019 RAM HD TRUCKS

Ram press release on Page 2

Ram unveiled the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock edition, a take on the 1970s trim of the same name.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Warlock offers buyers a well-equipped, factory customized truck at an attractive $35,345 plus destination charge.  The Warlock features a Ram Rebel style grille, front and rear powder coated bumper, 1" factory lift, black wheel flairs, Warlock decals, and an available sport hood.

Powering the Warlock will be either the 3.6 liter V6 or the 5.7 liter Hemi-V8.  Both will feed power to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic.  Quad Cab and Crew Cab with the 5'7" bed will be the only configurations offered.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock goes on sale in early summer 2019.

Read the RAM press release on Page 2 for more information

RAM TRUCK LAUNCHES NEW 2019 RAM 1500 CLASSIC WARLOCK

Ram Trucks is following in the footsteps of Jeep, Nissan, and Volkswagen by selling the previous-generation 1500 alongside the new model for the 2019 model year. Known as the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, it will be offered in four different trims; Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, and SSV (Special Services Vehicle). Those wanting a Laramie, Rebel, or Limited will need to step up to the new truck.

But Ram is still offering three cab options (Regular, Quad, and Crew) and bed lengths (5'7"; 6'4', and 8'). The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 will be available, while the 3.0L EcoDiesel is expected to arrive at a later date. There will be a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

“As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market. Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand.

We have to wonder if the decision to keep the previous-generation 1500 for another year is due to the numerous production issues for the new 1500. As we reported in April, the Sterling Heights Assembly plant where the 2019 Ram 1500 is built is only operating at "60 percent of cycle." Not helping are issues with suppliers delivering enough parts and the mild-hybrid powertrains not in production.

Source: Ram Trucks

Ram Truck Brands Its Legacy Half-ton with ‘Classic’ Badge for 2019 MY to Sell Alongside the All-new 2019 Ram 1500

June 26, 2018, Auburn Hills, Mich. - What do you call a 2019 Ram 1500? A Classic!
 
Ram Truck brand executives, with two concurrently selling body styles of its 2019 model-year pickup, have given the legacy edition its own name: Classic.
 
Ram will offer both the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, known internally as the “DS” model, and the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (“DT”) at its North American dealers through the 2018 calendar year.
 
“As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand — FCA. “Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers.”
 
The Ram 1500 Classic boasts numerous segment-exclusive features in areas most important to truck buyers. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via a unique link-coil rear suspension system. Other features, such as RamBox bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor, offer unique solutions for cargo. New “Classic” badging is located on the fenders.
 
Offered in four trim levels, Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star and SSV (Special Services Vehicle), the Ram 1500 Classic benefits from content specifically designed to match its capability and style. The Ram 1500 Classic also benefits from three new packages:

• Chrome Plus is offered on the Tradesman trim that offers bundled value content, which includes chrome bumpers, body-color upper front fascia, 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and carpet floor covering
• Tradesman SXT is offered on the Tradesman trim that includes chrome bumpers, body-color front fascia, 5-inch radio, fog lamps (new to Tradesman), dual exhaust on V-8 models (new to Tradesman) and 20-inch chrome wheels (new to Tradesman)
• Express Black Accent Package is offered on all Express trim exterior colors, which includes Black wheels, Black headlight bezels and Black badging

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three cabs and three bed lengths: Regular Cab with 8-ft. bed or 6-ft., 4-in. bed, Quad Cab with 6-ft., 4-in. bed, Crew Cab short bed (5-ft., 7-in.) or Crew Cab with optional 6-ft., 4-in. bed.
 
Available in 4x2 or 4x4, other powertrain offerings include award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or optional 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8. The optional 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel will be available at a later date.

The Ram 1500 features a segment-exclusive multi-link rear coil suspension that provides best-in-class ride and handling qualities. A coil-spring setup centralizes and absorbs bumps and impacts, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system. This setup also weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration.

Ram trucks come with an unsurpassed five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Truck customers from half-ton to commercial have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Michigan), which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938. Regular Cab and some Crew Cab models of the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
 
Ram 1500 Classic will be available in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced today that it would be recalling a million Ram Trucks for a computer glitch that could prevent the airbags and seat-belt tensioners from engaging in the event of a crash.

The issue comes from the software used in a module that controls the deployment of restraint systems in rollover situations. Underbody impacts could cause the module to think a sensor has failed and will disable the side airbags and seat-belt tensioners for that ignition cycle. This means in the event of a rollover, the key safety systems will not go into action. The good news is that if you turn the truck off and then on, the system should revert back to normal. You can tell this if the airbag warning light goes off when you restart the truck.

FCA says it is aware of a fatality, two injuries, and two accidents possibly related to this problem.

The models involved in this recall include,

• 2013-2016 Ram 1500
• 2013-2016 Ram 2500
• 2014-2016 Ram 3500

FCA says they will begin notifying owners about this issue next month along with they schedule to bring their truck to get repaired. Dealers will reprogram the occupant restraint control modules used throughout the truck.

Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Press Release is on Page 2

Statement: Software update

Ram Trucks has decided that it had enough of the Ford Raptor. During the Texas State Fair, Ram unveiled the Rebel TRX Concept.

The basis for the Rebel TRX is your standard Ram 1500 Rebel with everything turned up to max. Under the hood lies a supercharged 6.2L V8 (yes, the Hellcat V8) producing 575 horsepower. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic with special programming to go fast off-road. A BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case and Dynatrac Pro 60 axle in the rear with an electric locker makes sure all of that power gets to the wheels.

The suspension features adjustable coil-over shocks with external reservoirs, custom suspension control arms, performance springs in the rear, and a set of six-piston brakes with larger rotors. The changes are said to increase suspension travel by 40 percent and overall wheel travel has increased to over 13 inches. Beadlock wheels are wrapped in a set of aggressive 37-inch off-road tires.

Outside, a new grille with a scoop provides additional airflow for the engine. There are also a set of composite fender flares to compensate for the tires, side-exit exhaust pipes, and a set of spare tires and tools in a special storage compartment in the bed. 

At the moment, this is only a concept. But Ram hints that it could go into production, saying this truck is a "consumer-interest study for an extreme performance half-ton pickup." You have our attention, Ram.

Source: Ram Trucks
Press Release is on Page 2

Ram Reveals New Rebel TRX Concept – 100-mph Off-road Pickup Rips With 575 Supercharged Horsepower

• Ram Rebel TRX concept is an engineering, design and consumer-interest study for an extreme performance half-ton pickup
• Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers 575 horsepower, the most powerful factory-engineered half-ton pickup ever
• TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is integrated with a powerful supercharged engine, 4x4 Performance Control System and paddle-shifters
• Front and rear axles feature severe-duty components to handle the high horsepower and off-road rigors
• More than 13 inches of wheel travel at all four corners, an increase of more than 40 percent
• Front and rear bypass performance shocks added for improved response and damping
• Unique RAM front grille and steel bumpers share design cues with Power Wagon and Rebel, and provide additional air flow to cool the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine
• Reaching six inches wider than a standard Ram 1500, the acute hour-glass body design and huge fender wells clear aggressive 37-inch tires
• Rebel TRX concept interior takes signals from the Ram Rebel, but adds unique features, materials and colors, including carbon fiber, luxury leather/suede and six-point harnesses

September 29, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram, America’s off-road truck leader, today introduced the Ram Rebel TRX concept. Rebel TRX is a 100-mph off-road machine with 575 horsepower – the most powerful half-ton truck the company has ever built. Ripping over pavement at speeds greater than 100 mph is an experience, but the Ram Rebel TRX concept hits triple digits in an off-road environment with the help of a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8.

“Ram Truck heads to the 2016 State Fair of Texas with a host of product news plus a new concept that pickup fans will truly appreciate – the Ram Rebel TRX concept was built specifically for this event and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road pickup leader,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “With 575 supercharged horsepower and a suspension system built to withstand an all-day hammering, the Rebel TRX concept can devour the roughest terrain at more than 100 miles per hour and never look back.”
 
Powertrain
The rapidly beating heart of the Ram Rebel TRX concept is a powertrain marvel. A 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI with 575 horsepower, the most powerful Ram 1500 the company has ever built, lays the groundwork of expectation.
 
Mated to the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, new calibrations were used for the engine, transmission and drivetrain to optimize the expected high-speed off-road driving cycle.
 
The Ram Rebel TRX concept uses Ram’s 4x4 Performance Control System with a BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case. The system employs different modes of operation: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja.
 
The Ram Rebel TRX concept uses a standard Ram 1500 front axle with an open differential and custom CV half-shafts to handle the wider track dimension. The spindles are moved forward to make room within the fender wells for the aggressive 37-inch tires.
 
In the rear, a Dynatrac Pro 60 axle spools power through an electric, selectable locker to 35-spline, 1.5-inch axle shafts. The locker is available in all modes and commits both rear wheels to traction at the same speed, spreads the torque load and maximizes the tractive effort (power put to the ground) in full-throttle maneuvers.
 
Engineering
The Ram Rebel TRX has an exterior design that radiates focused aggression, which is only trumped by what lies under its skin. The concept was built around suspension and frame prerequisites. Equally important was adapting as many systems from the standard Ram 1500 as possible to ensure durability and proper function.
 
The high-strength steel frame structure of the Ram Rebel TRX is virtually unchanged when compared to a standard Ram 1500. The frame uses low-torsion attributes that increase durability, stability and handling precision.
 
A 40 percent increase in suspension travel and 37-inch tires contribute to incredible ground clearance. This combination allows the TRX concept to overcome surface obstacles at high speed.
 
The front suspension incorporates custom-built upper and lower A-arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling. Overall, front- and rear-wheel travel is increased to more than 13 inches from the standard 9 inches. The front load is managed by a state-of-the-art, adjustable, performance coil-over shock with internal bypass. The result is a smooth ride over smaller bumps, and when the bumps become mounds, the reaction speed and heat dissipation is unbeatable, softening the impact on occupants and maintaining the tire-to-ground contact.
 
The Ram 1500 uses an exclusive, best-in-class link coil rear suspension system that shares basic architecture with the fastest off-road trucks in desert racing. The frame’s hard points for the five-link suspension system are unchanged and allow the rear axle travel to span up to 13 inches, while standard rear-wheel travel on the Ram 1500 is 9.25 inches. New 2.5-inch bypass shocks use factory upper and lower shock mounts. The standard rear coils are swapped for performance springs located in the factory-spec positions.
 
To provide incredible stopping power, the factory hydraulic-boost compensation unit enhances brake pedal feel and performance during emergency stop events. Baer brakes six-piston monoblock calipers mounted to 15-inch rotors equip the front. The rear uses six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors.
 
High-speed off-road truck racing teams commonly use a 37-inch tire for its height and durability. Tires with 37 inches of height, 13.5 inches of width, aggressive treads and 10-ply design are assigned the task for Rebel TRX. The Rebel TRX concept also features custom beadlock wheels from Mopar. Beadlock wheels provide additional tire-holding strength by pinching the outside of the tire to the rim. The Rebel TRX carries two complete spare tire and wheel packages. Tools and jack are located in custom, lockable storage between the wheels in the bed.
 
Design
Although it is clear that the line and color combinations are borrowed from the popular Rebel and Power Wagon models, the Ram Rebel TRX has a much more chiseled look.
 
Three letters burst clear of a Power Wagon-inspired grille spelling “RAM” in body-matching black and red. Out of necessity, the bold, scooped grille allows a fire-breathing supercharged engine to cool with additional air flow. Composite flares help compensate for a six-inch increase in track width and gave designers another location to mark their signature. A lower brush guard is forged in steel and up to the “rock knock” test.
 
To clear the roots-style blower mounted atop the HEMI engine, the Rebel TRX uses a hood based on the taller Ram Heavy Duty design. The raised fender height matches shoulders to chest. A drone’s-eye view exposes bright LED clearance lighting and the acute hour-glass body lines as they dive back into the doors only to pop back out in the back, enabling rear tires to firmly tuck into the wells.
 
The side of the Rebel TRX leads your eye to enormous five-inch, side-exit exhaust ports integrated within a full-length rock rail for added body/sill protection.
 
Closing out the rear of the truck, a large “Ram” badge in Matte Black is borrowed from the Rebel and covers the tailgate. A custom rear steel bumper with integrated skid plate and tow hooks matches capability features on the front of the truck.
 
When traversing rough terrain at high speeds, seating is important. The interior design team chose suede with accent mesh cloth inserts to cover the rear bench and front buckets. The suede inserts provide tremendous grip to clothing. The front seats integrate lateral support upper bolsters with embroidered logos. All four seats are strapped with six-point harnesses, further fixing occupants to their proper locations.
 
An open upper glove box with elastic straps holds a sturdy TRX-labeled bag with color matched tools. A seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display cluster features muddy tracks and TRX badge graphics. The same graphics fill the screen on an 8.4 Uconnect. To record TRX’s accomplishments, a custom camera mount is located at the rear-view mirror.
 
The center console matches efforts on the instrument panel and includes a new polystable shifter trimmed in black suede and Header Red stitching. Designers re-trimmed the Rebel TRX armrests with solid Header Red accent stitching and wrapped the upper bolster in suede to keep arms in place. Nylon-strap door pulls are embroidered with “Release.”
 
A sport bar covered in black anodized paint provides anchor points dedicated to the six-point harnesses and spans from B-pillar to B-pillar – formed to allow maximum possible seat travel.
 
The Rebel TRX interior floor trades carpet for black rubberized coating. Black all-weather mats from Mopar reduce foot slip when foot-to-pedal placement is crucial.
 
One look at the Ram Rebel TRX concept and its intentions are clear — a 575-horsepower off-road machine with the ability to clear miles of desert in the blink of an eye.

If you thought the heavy-duty wars were done and over with, you thought wrong. Ram announced today that the 3500 Heavy Duty - a model with best-in-class tow ratings of 30,000 lbs when equipped with the 6.7L inline-six Cummins diesel engine - has upped the ante once again. The inline-six for the 2016 model year will now produce 385 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 35 pound-feet when compared to last-year's model.

The increase in power also means increase in tow ratings - 31,210 pounds according to the SAE's J2807 certification process. To deal with the increase in tow weight, Ram beefed up the rear axle ring gear hardware from 12 to 16 bolts.

"Ram maintains leadership in all three pickup segments offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class towing, best-in-class power and best-in-class payload," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, FCA US. "Ram continues to break records in the most important consumer-driven titles of the pickup truck market and we’re not slowing down.”

The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty also sees a minor increase in max tow weight from 17,970 to 17.980 pounds.

Ram says the updated heavy duty trucks will be at dealers starting in the forth quarter of this year with prices of $32,680 for the 2500 and $33,185 for the 3500 - includes a $1,195 destination charge.

Source: Ram Trucks

Press Release is on Page 2

2016 Ram Heavy Duty Widens its Leadership Gap With a Triple-decker Presence: Best-in-class Power, Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity

• 2016 Cummins 6.7-liter calibration hits a best-in-class 900 lb.-ft. of torque. The most torque ever offered in a mass-production vehicle
• 2016 Ram 3500 crushes the competition with up to 31,210 pounds of SAE J2807-spec. towing capacity, beating the closest competitor by more than two tons
• 2016 Ram 2500 holds best-in-class ¾-ton towing title with 17,980 pounds of capacity
• Ram 3500 maintains best-in-class payload of 7,390 pounds with 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
• Ram 3500 raises its best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to 39,100 pounds
• Ram maintains credibility and customer confidence as the only automaker to align with SAE J2807 towing standard across its entire pickup truck line
• Fuel economy is top of mind for Ram 1500 customers and the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine continues to crush the competition with an amazing 29 miles per gallon (mpg)
• The first 2016 Ram Heavy Duty trucks begin rolling off the factory line third quarter of 2015
• Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/60,000 miles on gas engines and five years/100,000 miles on diesel engines
  

June 22, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram continues as "King of the Hill" in the heavy-duty battleground with the introduction of the 2016 model year Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. The capability leaders further build on a list of best-in-class claims.
Additionally, for two years running, the Ram 1500 leads pickup truck fuel economy with the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 29 miles per gallon (mpg).
"Ram maintains leadership in all three pickup segments offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class towing, best-in-class power and best-in-class payload," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, FCA US. "Ram continues to break records in the most important consumer-driven titles of the pickup truck market and we're not slowing down."
Ram Engineering and Cummins developed a new, hard-hitting fuel delivery and turbo boost calibration for the 6.7-liter I-6 diesel that produces an additional 35 lb.-ft. of torque. This improvement raises the bar from Ram's current title at 865 lb.-ft. of torque to 900 lb.-ft. of torque — a number never achieved in a mass-produced vehicle.
The previous heavy-duty towing title also belongs to the Ram 3500 at 30,000 pounds. The 2016 Ram 3500 brings that stat to 31,210 pounds, further distancing the closest rival by more than two tons. To handle the increased towing capacity, Ram engineers beefed up the rear axle ring gear hardware from 12 to 16 bolts on all trucks equipped with the 11.8-inch axle. The additional hardened bolts and stronger material are used in the differential case to assure long-term durability.
The most payload available in a pickup is 7,390 pounds for a 6.4-liter-equipped Ram 3500 model, more than 3.5 tons.
The 2016 Ram 2500 also continues its ¾-ton towing leadership with a dominating 17,980 pounds of capacity.
Ram is the only automaker to back its entire pickup truck line and towing claims with SAE J2807 testing criteria.
"Ram has bookended its innovation leadership in the pickup segments and thoughtfully engineered better trucks, including our Ram 1500 with real-world fuel economy approaching 30 mpg and the Ram 3500 with a mind-boggling 31,210 pounds of towing capacity, even on the hottest day," said Mike Cairns, Director— Ram Truck Engineering, FCA US. "Our 2016 Ram Trucks own pertinent, functional titles while delivering award-winning interiors and exclusive features that entice customers."
Pricing
2016 Ram 2500 - $31,4852016 Ram 3500 - $31,990
NOTE: Pricing does not include $1,195 destination

Ram announced pricing for two new members of the Ram 1500 today.

First off is the Ram 1500 Rebel. Positioned as the brand's off-road special with off-road tires, a front skid plate, tow hooks, and blacked out bumper. The base 2WD Rebel starts at $43,985 - includes a $1,195 destination charge. The base model boasts the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. Those who 4WD with their Rebel will need to fork over $45,915 for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or $47,565 for the V8.

Next is the Laramie Limited which boasts a number of luxury appointments such as 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheels and a handsome interior. Prices start at $51,870 for the base 2WD, HEMI V8 model. If you want the EcoDiesel, add $3,120 to the pricetag. Four-Wheel Drive will set you back $3,505 no matter which engine you choose.

Source: Ram Trucks

Press Release is on Page 2

Ram Truck Announces Pricing for 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited

• Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement with increased ride height, standard 33-inch tires, skid plates, tow hooks and unique interior starting at $42,790
• Chrome accents, prominent badges, Argento wood and premium leather are key ingredients of new Ram 1500 Laramie Limited with a starting price of $50,675
  

June 9, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram 1500 continues to move forward with two mid-year 2015 offerings that carry into the 2016 model year – the Ram 1500 Rebel and Ram 1500 Laramie Limited.

The Ram 1500 Rebel brings a one-of-a-kind, off-road design to the full-size truck segment. The Rebel drops right into a core segment of the truck market with unique design cues and mechanical innovation backed by Ram Truck engineering.

Rebel features an all-new grille with a prominent billet silver “RAM” letter badge. Departing from the brand’s iconic “crosshair” designs, the blacked-out Rebel grille tops a completely new black off-road front bumper design with a durable powder-coated surface. It also incorporates a powder coated, billet silver skid plate, front tow hooks, 33-inch Toyo tires and an all-new 17-inch aluminum wheel.

Inside, Rebel is every bit as brawny and rugged as it is outside. The truck features industry-exclusive seating elements finished in Radar Red and black with fabric inserts embossed with the Toyo tire tread pattern, matching the Rebel’s actual footprint. Standard heated front seats feature Light Diesel Gray accent stitching, Radar Red Ram’s head embroidery on the headrests and black with Light Diesel Gray Rebel nameplate embroidered on the upper seat bolsters.

Ram Truck brand also has taken the Ram Laramie Limited – the benchmark in truck opulence – to an even higher level of sophistication and attention to detail. Featuring premium materials, such as all-black, full-leather seating, real wood interior components and unique badges, Limited is a “black-tie” luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Laramie Longhorn edition pickup.

The Limited’s all-new grille is the most prominent change of the exterior. As the leading point, its new billet port grille breaks from the long tradition of crosshair styling with bold “RAM” lettering. Additional chrome exterior accents and a chrome “RAM” tailgate logo distinguish the Limited model. Limited also features an all-new 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheel – unique in the truck market.

Subtle stitching accents, pinstriping, unique materials and patterns are found throughout the interior. A new console bin houses a cellular phone and tablet holder, which can be concealed with a new tambour sliding door made from Black Argento wood, the chosen timber for the Limited interior. The collective silver pinstripe theme runs through the truck, including black premium Berber carpet inserts, which can easily be removed from the floor mats to reveal double-duty slush mats.

Debuting on the Limited and Rebel models, is an all-black headliner and pillars combination.
The Ram 1500 leads pickup truck fuel economy with the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine delivering 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 29 miles per gallon (mpg).
Ram Truck offers the best value in half-ton trucks with a starting price of $25,410, plus $1,195 destination, and includes a standard 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine.

2015 Ram 1500 Rebel and 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited pricing:1500 Rebel 4x2 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $42,790
1500 Rebel 4x4 Crew Cab 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6: $44,7201500 Rebel 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $46,370
1500 Laramie Limited 4x2 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $50,675
1500 Laramie Limited 4x2 Crew Cab 3.0-liter EcoDiesel: $53,7951500 Laramie Limited 4x4 Crew Cab 5.7-liter HEMI V-8: $54,180
1500 Laramie Limited 4x4 Crew Cab 3.0-liter EcoDiesel: $57,300
Prices do not include $1,195 destination

The burgeoning compact cargo van marketplace will soon have a new entrant. In a few weeks, Ram dealers will be getting the 2015 Ram ProMaster City and the truck manufacturer has revealed pricing for it. The ProMaster City will start at $24,125 (includes a $995 destination charge) for the base cargo van version, and $25,125 for the ProMaster City Wagon. There is an up-level SLT model for both versions which adds $1,525 to the price.

The Ram ProMaster City comes with the 2.4L Tigershark inline-four with 178 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers for the ProMaster City are 21 City/29 Highway/24 Combined.

"The new Ram ProMaster City enters the Class 1 market with a long list of customer-focused, best-in-class features, including the highest available payload and cargo capacities. Customers can look to Ram Commercial for a full line of trucks and vans that set the standard for cost of ownership and innovation," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO of the Ram Truck Brand.

Related Stories:

General Motors and Ram Fight For Their Share In The Truck Market

Ram Enters The Compact Commercial Van Market With The 2015 ProMaster City

Ram Finally Confirms Small Cargo Van, To Be Named ProMaster City

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Ram Truck Announces Pricing and Unsurpassed Standard Highway Fuel Economy for 2015 Ram ProMaster City

- Starting at $23,130 "right-sized" ProMaster City offers best-in-class titles where they count

- 2015 Ram ProMaster City aggressively competes in the compact Class 1 van segment with a fuel economy rating of 21 MPG city, unsurpassed standard 29 MPG highway and 24 MPG combined

- Ram ProMaster City best-in-class features:

> 178 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque

> Payload – 1,883 pounds

> Cargo volume – 131.7 cubic feet

> Distance between wheel wells – 48.4 inches

- Available in two-seat cargo van and five-seat passenger Wagon configurations, new Ram ProMaster City offers modern styling and professional appeal in a small, capable package

- Unsurpassed towing capacity- 2,000 lbs.

- Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – 5 years/100,000 miles

- Ram Commercial offers exclusive pre- and post-sale solutions with BusinessLink and On the Job customer service programs

November 12, 2014, Auburn Hills, Mich. - Continuing its commercial offering momentum, Ram Truck announces pricing and fuel economy for the all-new 2015 ProMaster City. The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Ram ProMaster City Cargo is $23,130, plus $995 for destination. The MSRP for the 2015 Ram ProMaster City Wagon starts at $24,130 plus $995 destination.

"The new Ram ProMaster City enters the Class 1 market with a long list of customer-focused, best-in-class features, including the highest available payload and cargo capacities," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO- Ram Truck Brand. "Customers can look to Ram Commercial for a full line of trucks and vans that set the standard for cost of ownership and innovation."

With the 2.4-liter Tigershark and exclusive 9-speed automatic transmission, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City delivers EPA fuel economy of 21 MPG city, 29 MPG highway and 24 MPG combined. The ProMaster City also offers an unsurpassed 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Configurations and pricing

Configuration

MSRP

Destination

Tradesman Cargo

$23,130

$995

Tradesman SLT Cargo

$24,655

$995

Wagon with rear and side windows

$24,130

$995

Wagon SLT with rear and side windows

$25,655

$995

Engineering

The Ram ProMaster City holds a set of hard-working credentials starting with a 48.4-inch span between the rear wheel wells, the widest in the class. The width between the ProMaster City's wheel wells provides an extra margin of capacity allowing building materials and pallets to be loaded quickly and easily.

Above the wheel wells, the ProMaster City's nearly vertical side panels offer a width dimension of 60.4 inches. Combined with an interior roof height of 51.8 inches, the result is best-in-class volume of 131.7 cubic feet for the cargo van version of the ProMaster City.

The rear of the Ram ProMaster City is fitted with 60/40 split rear doors. Using lessons learned from European customers, the larger door swings open toward the traffic (driver) side of the van, making it easy to quickly access larger cargo items and not block the path to the curbside of the van

The five-passenger wagon version of the Ram ProMaster City is equipped with a three-passenger second row. The second-row seating is split 60/40, with each section capable of folding and tumbling forward to expand cargo room.

Powertrain

The all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 generating a best-in-class 178 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, while its peak torque – 174 lb.-ft. (231 N•m) at 3,900 rpm – is greater than any standard-equipment engine in the segment.

The centerpiece of the all-new ProMaster City's powertrain is its segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission. The ProMaster City is the first commercial van ever to feature a nine-speed automatic, and one of the first vehicles to be so equipped in automotive history.

Manufacturing

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is assembled at the TOFAS plant in Bursa, Turkey. Awarded the World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal, this 3.6-million sq. ft. (83.7-acre) state-of-the-art plant also assembles the Fiat Doblò. The optional cargo van configuration is upfitted at the Chrysler Group Transformation Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ram announced today that it plans to increase production of the EcoDiesel from 10 to 20 percent of the Ram 1500's total volume mix.

“Innovation sometimes comes with risk, but being first to market with a diesel engine for the half-ton segment has shown to be a great decision for the Ram Brand. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a game-changer in the industry, and has proved to be a key to conquest sales over our competitors,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO of Ram Trucks.

The EcoDiesel option has proved to be a massive success for Ram. The option has helped sales of Ram trucks climb 21 percent to 283,256 units through the month of August. The diesel option has also increased Ram's chunk in the total truck sales in the U.S. to 19.1 percent.

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Ram Truck Increases EcoDiesel Mix to 20 Percent of Ram 1500 Pickup Production

• Ram 1500 with EcoDiesel powertrain, America’s most fuel-efficient pickup truck, now 1/5th of total Ram 1500 production
  
• Overwhelming response attributed to best-in-class 28 MPG with 9,200 lbs. of towing capacity and strong consumer demand for exclusive light-duty diesel
  
• Ram 1500 EcoDiesel contributes to unprecedented conquest sales and increased average transaction price for Ram 1500
  
• First-in-segment fuel economy technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension
  
• Best-in-class aerodynamics, coefficient of drag (Cd) at 0.360
  
• 2013 and 2014 back-to-back winner – Motor Trend Truck of the Year®
  
• Class-exclusive air suspension enhances fuel economy, improves ride control and off-road capability along with entry/exit and loading, and features automatic load leveling
  
• Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
  

September 30, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2015 Ram 1500 is America’s most fuel-efficient pickup truck with its exclusive 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel that packs 240 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 28 miles per gallon (mpg). Fuel economy and the exclusivity of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is being credited for Ram’s decision to increase the diesel powertrain mix to 20 percent of the total Ram 1500 production volume — double the initial expectation.

When the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel opened for orders earlier this year, Ram Truck received more than 8,000 requests within three days, which quickly filled the initial allocation for the exclusive powertrain.

“Innovation sometimes comes with risk, but being first to market with a diesel engine for the half-ton segment has shown to be a great decision for the Ram Brand,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a game-changer in the industry, and has proved to be a key to conquest sales over our competitors.”

Ram truck is the only manufacturer to offer a light-duty diesel powertrain. Nearly 60 percent of all Ram 1500 EcoDiesel sales are conquest over competitors, an achievement considering brand-loyal strength of the segment. The premium powertrain also contributes to an increase in the Ram 1500s Average Transaction Price according to J.D. Power.

Ram Truck worked with powertrain supplier VM Motori (Fiat Group Automobiles) to increase production to meet North American consumer demand. The total increase in EcoDiesel mix will be completed by the end of November at both Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is mated to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Together, the powertrain system delivers an outstanding combination of fuel efficiency at 28 mpg, torque of 420 lb.-ft. and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability.

The 2015 Ram 1500 capitalizes on a truckload of exclusive, pioneering, fuel-saving systems, including: eight-speed automatic transmission, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics with grille shutters and air suspension.

The Ram 1500 earned Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year in 2013 and 2014, the first time a vehicle of any type has taken the coveted award back-to-back. The Ram 1500 also won the Truck of Texas in 2013 and 2014 — a rare double, back-to-back combination in the pickup segment.

One of the more notable segments that has been seeing massive growth is the compact commercial van. What used to be a place where the Ford Transit Connect and Ram C/V Tradesman (AKA Dodge Caravan Cargo Van), has now become a battleground. There's the new Ford Transit Connect, the Nissan NV200/Chevrolet City Express twins, and now the 2015 Ram ProMaster City.

The ProMaster City is the Fiat Doblo wearing some new clothes. The front end wears a large Ram grille and restyled headlights. Otherwise, the ProMaster City and Fiat Doblo are the same from the A-Pillar and back. Ram will offer the ProMaster City in one wheelbase (122.4 inches) and two different configurations; the Tradesman cargo van and five-passenger passenger wagon.

Power comes from the 2.4L TigerShark four-cylinder paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Output sits at 178 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Ram says with this powertrain, the ProMaster City has a best-in-class payload rating of 1,883 pounds.

The ProMaster City cargo van boasts 131.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, which spans 60.4-inches wide and 87.2-inches deep. Both vans feature 60/40-split cargo doors in the rear and sliding doors on the side.

Ram hasn't revealed pricing or fuel economy numbers at this time. We'll likely have that information sometime later this year when the ProMaster City goes on sale.

Source: Ram

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Ram Truck Continues Building a Commercial Presence with New 2015 Ram ProMaster City, Offering Best-in-class Specs Where They Count

• 2015 Ram ProMaster City aggressively competes in the compact Class 1 van segment with a focus on commercial customer needs and total cost of ownership
  
• Available in cargo and passenger wagon configurations, new ProMaster City creates opportunity for Ram product line expansion and increased commercial market share
  
• The new 2015 Ram ProMaster City is developed from the successful Fiat Doblò and features exceptional cargo capability and durability
  
• Ram ProMaster City best-in-class features:
  
• Combined fuel economy
  
• 178 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque
  
• Payload – 1,883 pounds
  
• Cargo volume – 131.7 cubic feet
  
• Cargo width and length – 60.4 inches and 87.2 inches
  
• Distance between wheel wells – 48.4 inches
  
• Wheelbase – 122.4 inches
  
• 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine, featuring MultiAir2 valve-actuation technology
  
• World’s first commercial-van application of nine-speed automatic transmission
  
• Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
  
• Available in two-seat Tradesman cargo van and five-seat passenger Wagon configurations, new Ram ProMaster City offers modern styling and professional appeal in a small, capable package
  
• Ram ProMaster City offers more than 30 safety and security features, including seven available air bags and electronic stability control technologies
  
• Ram Truck continues to work with Fiat Professional to develop new product lines in North America
  

June 26, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is Ram’s newest addition to its commercial vehicle lineup, and contributes to the expanding, purpose-built, van segment with a number of best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. The new Class 1 entry opens a door for incremental growth of Ram’s brand sales volumes.

Joining the larger and highly capable Ram ProMaster and popular Ram C/V as a Class 1 van offering, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City will compete with compact commercial and passenger vans with best-in-class attributes in the areas that count: payload capacity, cargo area, performance and fuel economy.

“As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering the bell with the all-new ProMaster City,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Years ago, the selection of delivery and cargo vehicles was limited and those offerings didn’t focus on cost of ownership. Today all of that has changed with the recent introduction of the full-size Ram ProMaster, and the now the Ram ProMaster City.”

Ram Truck is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, backed by more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge has helped Ram Truck enter new segments and expand its product line.

Based on the successful Fiat Doblò, a two-time International Van of the Year winner with more than 1.3 million units sold, the Ram ProMaster City will incorporate familiar Ram Truck design elements and offer features, systems and powertrains preferred by North American customers. The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is the brand’s second shared collaboration with Fiat Professional. The 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size van was the first.

Engineered for the North American market

Whether the job is delivering packages, organizing and hauling the tools of a professional tradesman or carting the band’s gear to the next gig, the all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City van is designed and engineered to tackle big jobs with best-in-class cargo area, payload capacity and standard fuel economy. It does so while delivering versatile functionality, durability and superior ride and handling.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City shares its basic design with the highly successful, two-time International Van of the Year Fiat Doblò, which is sold around the world. Now in its third generation, the Fiat Doblò is the preferred workhorse for business and commercial uses, a status gained via its ideal size for crowded urban environments and a host of thoughtful and innovative features.

Starting with a winning template, Ram Truck engineers subjected the front-wheel-drive van to the full spectrum of severe-duty use expected of commercial vehicles in North America. The lessons from millions of combined development miles make the 2015 Ram ProMaster City more robust, durable, functional, comfortable and cost effective for any use.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City will be offered in two-seat Tradesman cargo van and five-seat passenger Wagon configurations.

Unibody design: rugged and weight smart

The foundation of the 2015 Ram ProMaster City is a steel unibody design. The unibody architecture helps minimize curb weight, a key contributor to the ProMaster City’s best-in-class payload capability of 1,883 pounds. A best-in-class wheelbase of 122.4 inches offers impressive ride and handling while creating the space needed for the largest cargo area in the segment.

Suspension

The Ram ProMaster City’s front axle uses a proven, durable and compact MacPherson strut suspension, tuned for rougher North American roads and class-leading payload capacity.

In a departure from standard practice in the Class 1 van category of using rear leaf springs, the Ram ProMaster City upgrades to an independent, coil-sprung bi-link rear suspension. The ProMaster City’s rear suspension incorporates a category-unique independent bi-link configuration that increases driving comfort, enhances stability, and ensures maximum safety characteristics in all load situations.

Front-wheel drive

The Ram ProMaster City uses a front-wheel-drive layout that provides several benefits:

• Fewer mechanical parts, resulting in less weight, lower maintenance costs (in large part because there’s no rear differential), enhanced mechanical efficiencies and enhanced fuel efficiency
  
• Optimal cab and cargo compartment space, attributable to the absence of a transmission/prop shaft tunnel – a key enabler to achieving a flat floor in the cargo compartment area
  
• More predictable handling in emergency maneuvers (reduced over- and under-steer characteristics)
  
• Enhanced traction in rain, mud and snow, a result of the engine weight being situated over the drive wheels
  
• Greater payload capacity due to lighter overall vehicle weight
  

Dimensions

The Ram ProMaster City is thoughtfully designed with working people in mind.

The hard-working credentials start with a 48.4-inch span between the rear wheel wells, the widest in the class. Construction tradesmen know that 48 inches is a common dimension for building materials and loaded pallets – yet those materials rarely measure exactly 48 inches. The width between the ProMaster City’s wheel wells provides an extra margin of capacity so that building materials and pallets can be loaded quickly and easily, without concern over whether the load fits.

Above the wheel wells, the ProMaster City’s nearly vertical side panels give it a best-in-class width of 60.4 inches. Combined with an interior roof height of 51.8 inches, the result is best-in-class volume of 131.7 cubic feet for the cargo van version of the ProMaster City. The vertical side panels are upfitter-friendly and simplify the attachment of shelves or storage racks for specialized commercial use.

The floor of the ProMaster City cargo van measures 87.2 inches in length and is fitted with six standard equipment D-ring tie downs to secure cargo in place.

Each side of the Ram ProMaster City is fitted with a sliding door with a 26-inch opening to access the cargo compartment. The roof of the Ram ProMaster City is prepped for load rails or roof racks, available through Mopar with a weight capacity of 154 pounds.

The rear of the Ram ProMaster City is fitted with 60/40 split swing doors. Using lessons learned from European customers, the larger door swings open toward the traffic (driver) side of the van, making it easy to quickly access larger cargo items and not block the path to the curbside of the van. Both rear doors initially swing open 90 degrees, and – for dock loading – can swing to 180 degrees with a simple press of a release button on the door latch. The latch automatically re-engages when the door is closed.

The passenger wagon version of the Ram ProMaster City is equipped with a three-passenger second row. The second-row seating is split 60/40, with each section capable of folding and tumbling forward to expand cargo room. With the seats in place, the ProMaster City passenger wagon offers close to four feet of cargo length to the rear doors. With seats folded and tumbled, Ram’s new van provides nearly six feet of cargo length.

Upfitter friendliness

Ram Truck is known industry-wide for being the most upfitter-friendly brand in the truck market. The Ram ProMaster City continues the tradition and features a variety of available upfit systems through Mopar. Adding to the design for adaptability, virtually all primary vehicle systems are packaged forward of the cargo area, leaving the box open to creativity.

Powertrain

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City’s powertrain combines MultiAir2 engine technology and an exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver best-in-class performance and best-in-class combined fuel efficiency.

Tigershark

The all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4. The engine generates a best-in-class 178 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, while its peak torque – 174 lb.-ft. (231 N•m) at 3,900 rpm – is greater than any standard-equipment engine in the ProMaster City’s segment. The engine’s thoughtful construction also suits its Tigershark moniker, while benefiting the ProMaster City’s rugged duty cycle.

The engine’s four-valve aluminum head hosts advanced valve-actuation technology that is exclusive to Chrysler Group in North America. Dubbed MultiAir2, the acclaimed electro-hydraulic fully variable system uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves. As a result, it affords precise control of the intake-valve events – beginning and end – which reduces engine-pumping losses, increases volumetric efficiency and cuts carbon-dioxide emissions.

Engine accessory drives tighten the ProMaster City’s grip on best-in-class fuel efficiency. “Smart alternator management” and a variable A/C compressor tap the most efficient times to initiate a duty cycle. Unlike most alternator systems, which operate continually, the ProMaster City’s smart-charge system uses moments of deceleration or braking to run at capacity when necessary. The variable A/C compressor has the ability to operate at multiple speeds rather than full-capacity and off. By reducing the need for full-capacity compressor cycles, engine load is decreased, giving efficiency a boost. Load reduction also translates into overall performance.

Transmission

The centerpiece of the all-new ProMaster City’s powertrain is its segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission. The ProMaster City is the first commercial van ever to feature a nine-speed automatic, and one of the first vehicles to be so equipped in automotive history.

Also known as the 948TE, the transmission is part of the ProMaster City’s standard equipment list. Leveraging its wide gear ratio spread and 3.73:1 final-drive ratio, the advanced-technology transmission and well-matched engine will combine to deliver fuel economy ratings unsurpassed by any standard-equipment powertrain in the ProMaster City’s segment.

The 948TE delivers the right response at the right time. Its 4.70 first-gear ratio delivers the kind of acceleration required of nimble delivery vans: 0-to-30 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds and 0-to-60 mph in an estimated 9.8 seconds.

The new transmission also delivers power smoothly, a result of optimized gear-ratio steps, which provide the perfect balance of power, comfort and fuel economy. While the 948TE is plenty efficient on its own, Electronic Range Select (ERS) offers hands-on control of its unique capabilities. ERS allows customers to manually set the highest available gear for a particular task, such as operating under heavy loads. The result is enhanced throttle response when it is needed most.

Design

The Ram design team started with a functional exterior and interior, adding distinct Ram styling while adapting the new van for North America.

Exterior

The exterior design and related body systems on the all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City collectively deliver outstanding versatility, practicality and a level of refinement unexpected in the commercial small van category. Exterior styling is identified by smooth body lines, wraparound bumpers and twin-reflector headlamp clusters. Although the cargo area is carry-over from the previous model year Fiat Doblò, from the front door cut forward the Ram ProMaster City is all new, encompassing the signature crosshair grille and ram’s head logo as the focal point.

The fluid body lines give ProMaster City a strong, modern and professional representation and assure its presence in the Ram Commercial lineup. The tucked front-wheel-drive packaging is compact allowing for a short hood. This design provides a better vantage point of the front corners, useful when maneuverability is key and important to commercial customers.

Borrowing from its big brother, the ProMaster City’s front and rear bumpers run high on the body to keep functional lighting out of danger, resulting in reduced repair costs and downtime.

The new van features plenty of real estate on all sides. This space allows for businesses to post signage and graphics – a rolling billboard to help promote the owner’s business or sponsor. Three different window options are available on both trim levels.

The Ram ProMaster City may be loaded and unloaded multiple times a day, leaving impressive dimensions and capacities as must-have features. The Ram ProMaster City offers a cargo area width of 60.4 inches, a cargo area height of 51.8 inches and a step-in height of 21.5 inches. In addition, on each side of the vehicle there is a small, practical step that allows the user to get into the load area.

Interior

The Ram ProMaster City Tradesman and SLT trim levels use a simplified color palette with durable fabrics. Inspiration for the all-black with gray accents came from items that can be found in a vocational environment: tool boxes, hand tools and lumber. The new van achieves a commanding presence that promotes roominess, ergonomics and practicality for increasingly demanding customers who depend on their vehicle as a partner for vocational use or to transport passengers.

Interior design and function is paramount for a light commercial van in which the driver may be on the road for most of the day, sometimes under harsh conditions. The cabin of the ProMaster City was therefore designed with comfortable driving ergonomics, important because the van may be a mobile office and/or small work shop.

ProMaster City cargo models offer a load compartment with an easy, four-way access, best-in-class cargo volume of 131.7 cubic feet and cargo width of 60.4 inches. Because goods always need to be transported securely, the new van is fitted with accommodations to hold down goods on the floor. Six tie-down rings, with a 1,000-pound combined rating, fold away to maintain a flat floor for easy loading and unloading operations. A high roof height allows ease of movement when working in the cargo area and contributes to best-in-class standard cargo capacity.

Ideal for locksmiths, caterers, package delivery, telecommunications, heating and cooling, painters or florists, the best-in-class 48.4-inch width between wheel wells allow the ProMaster City to load up a full-size pallet. Wagon models feature four tie-down rings, a full length headliner and carpet that covers the floor. Panel moldings cover the rear of cargo area, up, over and around the wheel wells and additional storage trays at seated shoulder level incorporate a retractable cover to keep cargo out of view.

Safety and security

Safety and security were two of the guiding principles followed by engineers throughout the development of the new 2015 Ram ProMaster City. Ram’s new Class 1 van offers 34 active and passive safety and security features. The ProMaster City also includes standard ESC, hosting a number of technologies to assist the driver. Security also means notification of the traffic around you. Ram ProMaster City features available ParkView backup camera and ParkSense with audible warning, all of which are useful when maneuvering in the city.

Electronic stability control

The standard electronic stability control (ESC) system on the new Ram ProMaster City is a sophisticated four-channel (independent control to all four corners of the vehicle) active handling system that links the vehicle’s dynamic control systems to assist the driver in maintaining control under demanding or adverse conditions such as wet, snow-covered or icy roads, tight turns and evasive maneuvers. In effect, the ESC determines the driver’s intentions and optimizes overall vehicle control to keep the dynamic forces within select limits in any driving situation – nearly transparent so control seems almost intuitive.

Uconnect

ProMaster City customers can make the best use of their valuable time by leveraging Uconnect’s easy-to-learn, easy-to-use interface – acclaimed for its convenience and sensible design. Handsfree calling in the all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City is made convenient via reliable Bluetooth technology. A full-color, five-inch touchscreen is available with global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation, providing Ram ProMaster City customers the ability to chart time-saving routes to their destinations. Uconnect Web, powered by Autonet Mobile, is available to U.S. customers. This system delivers continuous Internet connectivity, creating an efficient workspace and real-time information access on the go.

Best practices

In total, the Ram ProMaster City test fleet accumulated millions of miles enabling Ram and Fiat teams access to real-world data. This includes testing performed in laboratories in Turin, Italy and Auburn Hills, Mich., at Fiat and Chrysler Group proving grounds, as well as reliability testing on public roads in many different climates in Europe and the United States.

The 3/36 Reliability Testing, appropriately named as each test car accumulates 36,000 miles (equivalent to three years of use) in about three months, is conducted day and night by teams of drivers. To reflect typical daily driver scenarios, the test drivers do not originate from the engineering ranks and are intentionally chosen from diverse backgrounds to represent customers of different ages, sizes and ethnicities. The test drivers scrutinize all the customer functional aspects of each vehicle as well as overall driving evaluations. This includes radio and navigation system checks, seat-belt buckling, heating and ventilation operation and opening and closing storage compartments and windows.

Configurations

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City offers eight different configurations:

Tradesman Cargo with security panels

Tradesman Cargo with rear windows

Tradesman Cargo with rear and side windows

Tradesman SLT Cargo with security panels

Tradesman SLT Cargo with rear windows

Tradesman SLT Cargo with rear and side windows

Wagon with rear and side windows

Wagon SLT with rear and side windows

Manufacturing

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City will be assembled at the TOFAS plant in Bursa, Turkey. Awarded the World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal, this 3.6-million sq. ft. (83.7 acre) state-of-the-art plant also assembles the Fiat Doblò. The optional cargo van configuration is upfitted at The Chrysler Group Transformation Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 2, 2013

We've been reporting for the past few years on Ram getting a version of the Fiat Doblo to compete with the likes of the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200. Well today Ram has finally confirmed that a version of Doblo would be introduced into the U.S. sometime next year wearing the ProMaster City name.

"The Ram ProMaster City further expands the Ram Commercial truck lineup, which includes everything from vans to pickups to Class Four and Five trucks. As Ram Commercial continues to gain share and grow sales in the market, we will be aggressive in our goal of expanding our commercial vehicle offerings," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Ram Commercial Confirms New Small Van

December 2, 2012, Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Ram Commercial Truck division today announced that it will offer an all-new small van for the North American market.

Joining the larger and highly capable Ram ProMaster as an additional van offering, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City will compete with small commercial and passenger vans.

"The Ram ProMaster City further expands the Ram Commercial truck lineup, which includes everything from vans to pickups to Class Four and Five trucks," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "As Ram Commercial continues to gain share and grow sales in the market, we will be aggressive in our goal of expanding our commercial vehicle offerings."

"Our successful relationship with Fiat Professional, one of the world's foremost commercial truck manufacturers, gives Ram a competitive advantage with access to proven products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian customers," added Bigland.

Based on the successful Fiat Doblo, a two-time International Van of the Year winner with more than 1.3 million units sold, the Ram ProMaster City will encompass familiar Ram Truck styling cues and offer features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 17, 2013

Let's go back in time to 2003, when Ram was still part of the Dodge family. It was around that time when a special model of the Ram was introduced. Called the Rumble Bee, this special Ram 1500 regular cab donned a yellow and black paint job and a number of touches to pay homage to the Rumble Bee cars of the sixties. Well Ram is doing it again. At the Woodward Dream Cruise today, Ram unveiled a concept version of the Rumble Bee.

Starting with the lightest configuration of the Ram 1500 (regular cab with 2WD), Ram applies a Drone Yellow paint job with a matte finish, back accent strip with the Rumble Bee logo, and a Mopar ground effects kit to give it an aggressive stance on the road. Blacked out twenty-inch wheels and trim pieces finish the exterior touches. The black and yellow theme continues inside with leather and mesh bucket seats. The Rumble Bee logo appears on the chairs and floor mats. Now the coolest or oddest feature is the actual amber-encased bee found within the rotary shift knob. This isn't a joke.

Power comes from a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic with a revised 4.10 final drive ratio should make this very quick off the line. There is also two buttons below the shift knob that you can control how loud the Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system. The two settings are 'loud' and 'LOUDER!'.

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Ram 1500 Rumble Bee Concept Buzzes into Detroit for Woodward Dream Cruise

- Inspired by the Super Bee of the late 60's, the Rumble Bee concept celebrates its 10-year anniversary at the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise

- Ram Truck brand continues with tradition and creative design, building unique pickups for consumers to enjoy

Woodward Dream Cruise, Mich., Aug 17, 2013 - Ten years ago, the Ram Truck Brand introduced the Rumble Bee, a popular model inspired by the Super Bee muscle car of the late '60s. Today, Ram unveiled a new HEMI-powered Ram 1500 Rumble Bee concept to celebrate the 10-year anniversary and the heritage of Ram's unique truck designs that include the Lil Red Express, Warlock and Power Wagon.

"The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee continues to have a strong fan base and what better place to celebrate its 10-year anniversary than Woodward Dream Cruise," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "There's a lot of energy surrounding concept trucks and buzz models, and the Ram Design Team revels in creating something that is unique for our customers to enjoy."

The Rumble Bee concept began life as a 2013 Ram 1500 R/T. Keeping with tradition, the lightweight, two-door; 2WD configuration is covered in "Drone Yellow" paint with a unique matte finish. The rare color/finish flows over the entire truck including the bumpers, flares and the Mopar ground effects kit. True to form, a new "Speed Bee" design is swathed on both sides of the truck within a gloss black stripe that fades into honeycomb. The stripe glides front to rear, around the top of the bed and over the Mopar tonneau cover to memorialize HEMI-powered vehicles of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which dominated the racing scene. Factory 22-inch wheels are replaced with gloss black, 24-inch, Vellano VRH custom rollers and a 2-inch drop provided by King Suspension enhances handing performance and appearance with the help of a reservoir shock at each wheel. The grille, hood vents, badging, fuel door and the dual exhaust tailpipes are coated in gloss black, carrying the theme on all sides.

The colors and graphics spread through the Ram R/T-based interior, featuring black and Drone Yellow leather sport mesh seats with two-tone yellow/light-grey stitching. "Rumble Bee" lettering and Ram logos adorn chairs, floor mats and door bolsters. The interior center-piece is an actual amber-encased bee mounted into the 8-speed rotary shifter knob that lights up to expose a honeycomb pattern background. Two buttons below the knob control exhaust cutouts to bypass the Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system, allowing the full sound force of a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 to escape - loud and LOUDER! The unique honeycomb pattern is shared with door trim and the dash, where a milled aluminum "10th Anniversary" commemorative badge serves as the truck's ID.

Under hood, the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee concept houses a 5.7-liter HEMI with 395 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. The HEMI is fitted with a custom gloss yellow and black engine cover with honeycomb graphic pattern. Mopar's cold-air intake system gives the HEMI a bump in performance and relentless torque is transferred through a 4.10 gear set for quick jumps off the line.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 6, 2013

Ram has gone ahead and announced pricing for the new 2014 ProMaster van lineup due later this year. The lowest priced ProMaster you can get is the ProMaster 3500 chassis cab cutaway with a 136-inch wheelbase is the $27,025 (includes $995 destination charge). A ProMaster 1500 Cargo van starts at $29,625.

While Ram announced pricing for fourteen different versions of the ProMaster, what they didn't announce is the pricing for the EcoDiesel engine and the six-speed automated manual transmission powertrain combo and if it would be available in all models. That will likely come later down the road.

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Ram Truck Brand Announces Pricing for All-new 2014 Ram ProMaster Van Lineup

-Ram ProMaster pricing starts at $26,030 plus destination for Cutaway Chassis Cab

-All-new 2014 Ram ProMaster lineup offers a list of key best-in-class features including fuel economy, cargo capacity and total cost of ownership

-Ram Truck Brand features best powertrain warranty in segment: 5 years / 100,000 miles

-2014 Ram ProMaster offers outstanding uptime, commercial-grade diesel and gas powertrain systems, front-wheel-drive capability and the only automated manual transmission in segment

-Ram Commercial incorporates a dedicated team including sales, marketing, product development and world-class customer support

-Ram Commercial offers exclusive pre- and post-sale solutions with BusinessLink and On the Job customer service programs

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced pricing for the all-new 2014 Ram ProMaster Cutaway, Chassis Cab and Cargo Van models. Prices start at $26,030, $26,530 and $28,630, respectively, not including $995 destination. Ram ProMaster vans have a targeted list of best-in-class claims and the best powertrain warranty in the industry: 5 years/100,000 miles.

"The latest addition to the Ram Commercial division, our 2014 Ram ProMaster is an incredible value and contributes to a one-stop shop experience for customers looking for a full-line of commercial-duty Ram trucks and vans," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "The ProMaster focuses on principal segment demands with best-in-class features, quality, durability, capability and low total cost of ownership."

ProMaster boasts numerous best-in-class features that are appreciated by the hard-working customers of Ram's new van to deliver a proven solution for businesses and fleets:

-Fuel economy

-Cargo capacity

-Payload

-Total cost of ownership

-Turning radius

-Interior ceiling height

-Step-in height

Joined by the 2014 Ram C/V, the 2014 Ram ProMaster targets countless businesses in a variety of industries, including service and repairs, construction, transportation/shipping, large-medium-small businesses and agriculture. The economy has incurred pent-up demand to replace aging commercial vans and vehicles that are no longer offered in the market. This has created an opportunity and the ProMaster will be an attractive choice with a variety of capable and efficient models ready for any job.

Timing of Ram ProMaster launch aligns with the recent announcement of Ram Commercial, a new division of the Ram Truck brand to meet the unique requirements of commercial customers. With the entire auto industry growing by two million units year over year in 2012, and further growth expected in 2013, commercial business is key as it represents about one quarter of the total U.S. sales volume.

Top reasons for purchase in the segment:

-Value

-Quality, reliability, dependability

-Cargo space and payload

-Total cost of ownership

Ram Commercial is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, offering more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge will help the Ram Commercial enter new segments and expand its product line. The new 2014 Ram ProMaster is based on the front-wheel-drive Fiat Ducato, which is now in its third generation with more than 4.5 million sold worldwide. The Ducato platform offers Ram a proven, award-winning workhorse with an incredible combination of durability, value, efficiency, and capability like no other in its class. Additionally, the ProMaster is the only offering in its competitive set to provide both a chassis cab and cutaway from the factory.

2014 Ram ProMaster Pricing

ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 118-inch wheelbase low roof - $28,630

ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 136-inch wheelbase low roof - $29,520

ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van 118-inch wheelbase high roof - $30,520

ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van 136-inch wheelbase high roof - $31,520

ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof - $32,875

ProMaster 2500 Window-equipped Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof - $33,255

ProMaster 3500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof - $35,350

ProMaster 3500 Cargo Van 159-inch wheelbase high roof extended body - $36,150

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 136-inch wheelbase - $26,030

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 159-inch wheelbase - $26,435

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway 159-inch wheelbase extended frame - $26,935

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 136-inch wheelbase - $26,530

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 159-inch wheelbase - $26,935

ProMaster 3500 Chassis Cab 159-inch wheelbase extended frame - $27,435

*Note: Prices don't include a $995 destination charge.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 14, 2013

It has been long rumored and caught on camera, but now it can come out. Chrysler announced today that the 2014 Ram 1500 will come with the option of diesel V6 engine, making it the only light-duty pickup to come with a diesel in the marketplace.

“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.” said said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico in a statement today.

The diesel V6 in question is the 3.0L VM Motori engine that will be used on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The engine will be mated to a eight-speed automatic. Chrysler is being quiet on power outputs for the Ram 1500 diesel, but we wouldn't be surprised if it matches or is slightly above the 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that the 3.0L produces in the Grand Cherokee.

The diesel option arrives in the third quarter of 2013.

Source: Ram

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Ram to Build Industry’s Only Light-duty Diesel Pickup

• 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, a title already owned by the 2013 Ram 1500
  
• Clean diesel features low CO2 emissions and impressive V-6 capability
  
• Diesel engines praised for outstanding range and torque
  
• Ram first to market with game-changing technologies
  

February 14, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Beginning in third-quarter 2013, Ram will become the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.

“Truck owners have been emphatically asking for it, and Ram will be the only manufacturer to offer a diesel powertrain in the half-ton segment with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “The half-ton truck market is incredibly competitive, and although we’re honored the Ram 1500 has received a number of prestigious awards, we cannot rest on what we have accomplished, we must keep pushing.”

The 2013 Ram 1500 won Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, The North American Truck of the Year and Truck of Texas -- a rare trifecta in the pickup segment. Building on the award-winning truck, the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will further stretch its best-in-class fuel economy title lead and continue to raise the innovation bar in one of the automotive industry’s most customer-loyal segments.

“The Ram 1500 with 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission deliver on the demands of truckers by providing best-in-class torque, fuel economy and range. There’s no doubt that being the only truck manufacturer to offer this game changing technology will provide Ram with a competitive advantage.”

The new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines. Its emissions are 60 percent less than those produced by diesel powertrains 25 years ago. The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V-6 engines.

Ram’s newest turbo diesel engine is manufactured by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.

Over the past 10 months, the Ram Truck brand has set an aggressive product cadence. Ram’s big push began in April 2012 with the introduction of the Ram 1500 with class-leading 25 mpg fuel efficiency and innovative features such as Active Level four-corner air suspension.

The Ram Brand followed that news with the launch of the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. Their 30,000-pound trailer-tow rating – more than three tons more than their closest competitor -- and 850 lb.-ft. of torque are at the top of their class. Most recently, Ram introduced the new 2014 Ram ProMaster van with its own list of best-in-class features, including fuel efficiency, payload, cargo capacity and lowest cost of ownership.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

January 9, 2013

If you have been looking for a pickup that can tow a mansion with no sweat, Ram has the truck for you. Earlier this morning, Ram announced that the new 2013 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty will be able to tow a maximum weight of 30,000 pounds. To put that number into perspective, the Ram 3500 would be able to tow twelve Fiat 500s. Also, the 30,000 pound rating is 6,900 pounds more than the nearest competitors, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD trucks. The 2013 Ram 3500 now boasts a Gross Combined Weight Rating 37,600 pounds.

How were Ram engineers able to pull off this feat? Under the hood lies a upgraded 6.7L Cummins Turbo-Diesel that boasts a best in class 850 pound-feet of torque. There is also a stronger frame beefed-up transmission, brawnier transfer case, improved cooling system, larger front drive shafts, and U-joints.

In addition, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty gets the same improvements and sees its max tow rating grow to 18,350 pounds and Gross Combined Weight Rating to 25,000 pounds.

Source: Ram

Press Release is on Page 2

Ram to Build Most Capable Trucks Ever

• Ram 3500 Heavy Duty's maximum trailer weight of 30,000 pounds far surpasses closest competitor's 23,100-pound max

• 850 lb.-ft. Cummins Turbo Diesel is tops for torque

• 37,600-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating leads all heavy-duty pickups

• Ram 2500 leads all ¾-ton pickups

• Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver best-in-class towing

In the quest to build the most capable trucks available, Ram officially released class-leading towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks.

The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and other significant driveline upgrades.

Ram's closest competitor is limited to a 23,100-pound maximum trailer.

"Ram Heavy Duty pickups deliver the attributes most important to H.D. pickup customers," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO -- Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "Towing capability, reliability and engine performance are ranked first through third, respectively. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks deliver all those things, as well as a low total cost of ownership. These are the most capable trucks we've ever built."

The Ram 3500's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 37,600 pounds, which again far surpasses the closest competitor's 30,500-pound GCWR.

Ram has increased the capability in its other truck models as well.

For 2013, the Ram 2500 will also benefit from increased towing and GCWR. At 18,350 and 25,000, Ram 2500's towing and GCW ratings are also best among ¾-ton pickups.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver maximum capability with best-in-class towing and GCWR figures 29,600 pounds and 37,500 pounds, respectively (5500 model).

Ram Heavy Duty adds a number of new features for 2013, including a factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount, a 17,000-pound Class V hitch with 1,800 pounds of tongue weight, class-exclusive electronic stability control (ESC) for dual-rear-wheels and a new Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) –positioned camera, the first of its kind in the heavy-duty pickup category, to provide a full view of the bed for easier hook-up of fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring cargo.

For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and low-slung charge air cooler afford 25 percent more heat-rejection capacity. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs. Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram trucks also provide best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals.

Ram is also introducing an industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

Also among the upgrades for 2013, Ram Heavy Duty front drive shafts and U-joints are sized larger to align with the truck's new Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

To handle the best-in-class towing capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness. An advanced three-link front suspension on the Ram 3500 is necessary for the vehicle's higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads, including snow plows. Additionally, a newly designed Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension on the Ram 3500 offers improved ride and handling while delivering higher towing and payload capability.

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 30, 2012

A couple of years after Chrysler separated the Dodge and Ram, the company is once again performing a separation. This time it deals Ram and the creation of a separate sub-division for Ram's commercial trucks and vans.

Named Ram Commercial, the new sub-brand will will include the 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs in Tradesman trims, the Ram C/V van, and starting next year, the new Ram ProMaster van. The ProMaster is the North American version of Fiat's Ducato van lineup.

“The Ram ProMaster further strengthens our commercial lineup, offering a full line of work trucks and vans. As the Ram Truck Brand continues to gain share and grow sales in the retail truck market, we will be just as aggressive in our goal to be a commercial truck market leader,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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Press Release for Ram Commercial is on Page 2, Ram ProMaster is on Page 3

• Ram Commercial offers full line of industrial-strength trucks built for workers and businesses to provide maximum capability and productivity while delivering low total cost of ownership
  
• Ram Commercial incorporates a dedicated team including sales, marketing, product development and world-class customer support
  
• Ram Commercial offers exclusive pre- and post-sale solutions with BusinessLink and On the Job customer service programs
  

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 28, 2012 -

Ram Truck is launching a new division to focus on commercial truck development, sales and support in a growing market. Embodied by the Tradesman trim level available on all models, the new Ram Commercial organization offers a full line of industrial-strength trucks and vans.

The new Ram Commercial division integrates a growing network of Ram BusinessLink dealers focused on the needs of commercial customers. Ram Commercial also will help offset the cost of doing business with On The Job incentives, specifically designed to lower the expense of commercial upfits. Both programs address professional needs for every job.

Timing of Ram Commercial launch aligns with the upcoming launch of the all-new Ram ProMaster and positive commercial demand. With the entire auto industry growing by two million units year over year in 2012, and further growth expected in 2013, commercial business will be key as it represents about one quarter of the total volume.

“Ram Truck is committed to delivering the best value proposition with low total cost of ownership across the entire product line up. From the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab to the Ram C/V, we’re providing best-in-class capability and technology,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve not only taken steps to expand and improve our product offerings but created and built upon customer service solutions, following through with BusinessLink and On the Job programs for customers who use their truck as a critical tool for business.”

Ram Commercial targets countless businesses in a variety of industries, including service and repairs, construction, transportation/shipping, large-medium-small businesses and agriculture. The economy has incurred pent up demand to replace aging commercial fleets and vehicles that are no longer offered in the market. This has created opportunity and Ram Commercial will be there with a variety of capable and efficient vehicles.

A vehicle is designated “commercial” under one of the following circumstances:

• Titled in a company or corporation
  
• Used for business but titled in an individual's name (sole proprietor)
  
• Exceeds 26,000 lbs. GVWR
  
• Used to haul any hazardous material
  

Ram Commercial Lineup

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer. The brand has emerged as a leader by investing in new products, infusing them with durable powertrains, robust chassis, new technology and features that further enhance their capabilities while delivering low total cost of ownership. Commercial truck and van customers have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to work. The Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups; 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, Ram C/V and Ram ProMaster vans are designed to deliver a total package.

Ram C/V

When it comes to capability, the Ram C/V Tradesman out-works competitive vans on a number of fronts by delivering best-in-class payload, cargo space and towing. Equipped with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Ram C/V Tradesman also delivers best-in-class horsepower, torque and driving range of up to 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Ram ProMaster

Ram Commercial is tapping into Fiat Professional, one of the largest producers of commercial vehicles in the entire world, offering more than 110 years of experience. That knowledge will help Ram enter new segments and expand the product line. Based on the Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster fullsize van will be transformed for the North American market and offered by Ram Commercial with best-in-class attributes. Now in its third generation with more than four million sold worldwide, this van is a proven, award-winning workhorse with titles in efficiency.

Ram 1500

For 2013, the Ram 1500 grabs the title of best-in-class fuel economy of 25 MPG for the half-ton segment with a number of exclusive technologies including a new V-6 engine, eight-speed transmission, stop-start system, air suspension and active grille shutters. The Ram 1500 Tradesman commercial workhorse adds more value by giving commercial customers a standard hard working V-8 that tows more than competitors’ standard V-6 engines, yet achieves 20 MPG. Tradesman also includes a spray-in bedliner, class 4 trailer hitch, 4 and 7 pin trailer connectors and offers the innovative RamBox storage system at a discount. By offering a standard V-8 engine, business owners not only benefit from added standard capability but improved resale value.

Ram Heavy Duty

The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty brings increased capability and innovative new features to the heavy-duty segment with an uncompromising attitude that remains the standard for all full-size heavy-duty pickups. Ram Heavy Duty also delivers the performance and amenities customers demand, for example the most off-road capable pickup on the market – the award-winning Ram Power Wagon. Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Tradesman models are hard-working trucks that business owners can depend on. The Heavy Duty Tradesman models feature a 17,000 lb. Class 5 hitch, 4 & 7 pin trailer connector, cruise control and available class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system. Ram Commercial also offers the only factory-engineered and built CNG (compressed natural gas) powered truck. The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG pickup offers cost and emissions benefits, using an abundant, domestically sourced fuel while reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. All Ram Heavy Duty trucks offer the proven Cummins 6.7-liter diesel. Ram 3500 offers a best in class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and a 15,000 mile oil change interval delivering an unmatched total cost of ownership advantage. When mated with the available Aisin heavy duty 6-speed automatic transmission, Ram 3500 tops the charts with best-in-class towing and payload that far exceeds the competition. The Ram Heavy Duty is the only pickup in the market available with a manual transmission.

Ram Chassis Cab

For 2013 the Ram Truck brand also increases the capabilities of its hardest-working trucks – the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks. Led by the Tradesman trim level, Ram Chassis Cab trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and drivability. Building on Ram Chassis Cabs already proven equation of durability, upfitter friendliness, efficiency and best-in-class capabilities, Ram’s commercial-grade work trucks are engineered for maximum uptime, low cost of ownership, optimum performance and enhanced best-in-class commercial capability. Owners can proudly display their company logo and rest with the confidence of knowing that it will get the job done day-in and day-out.

Ram Chassis Cab best-in-class features include:

• Best-in-class vehicle system interface module (VSIM) and upfitter friendly design
  
• Best-in-class capabilities
  
• Best-in-class total cost of ownership
  
• Best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals on Cummins diesel
  
• Best-in-class powertrain warranty – 5 years/100,000 miles
  

Ram Truck Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Commercial customers in particular face balancing the challenges of opportunity costs, fuel pricing, reduced budgets, new technology and durability. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations are helpful in making purchase and operational decisions. Ram Truck offers best-in-class TCO for commercial truck owners. The Ram 1500 features a standard V-8 engine, with best-in-class entry level capability and impressive resale value, allowing owners to recover more upfront costs. All Cummins diesel-powered Ram trucks feature a 15,000-mile oil change interval and a best-in-class diesel exhaust brake increases frictional brake life by 3x the market average. Ram truck also offers the most upfitter friendly solutions in the industry, reducing the initial costs for specialty trucks such as crane, roll-back or dump bed upfits. Topping it off, Ram offers a best-in-class 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, proof of the quality built into each truck.

Approximate Commercial Business Breakdown:

• Service and repairs – 24 percent
  
• Construction – 19 percent
  
• Transportation/Shipping – 17 percent
  
• Large-Medium Businesses – 8 percent
  
• Small Businesses – 8 percent
  
• Schools-Organizations-Non-profits – 7 percent
  
• Machinery/Electronic Products – 6 percent
  
• Forestry/Mining/Oil/Gas – 3 percent
  
• Farming/Agriculture – 2 percent
  
• Wood/Metal/Stone Products – 2 percent
  
• Food and beverage – 1 percent
  
• Other – 3 percent
  

Ram Commercial Marketing

In many cases, the owner is not the operator, which creates a unique sales and marketing dynamic. Ram Commercial offers a complete approach with a company-wide strategy supported by all organizations and a dedicated sales force. Marketing efforts speak directly to commercial buyers both visually and verbally, and improved customer targeting benefits from laser-focused channels, such as tradeshows, commercial websites and trade publications. The new division is supported throughout the entire network including local advocates, operation managers, sales specialists and an extensive dealer network.

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 28, 2012 -

Ram Truck today announced that it will develop a new large van for the North American market, which will go on sale beginning 3rd quarter 2013.

Joining the smaller, but highly capable Ram C/V as an additional van offering, the 2014 Ram ProMaster will compete with other full-size commercial vans.

“The Ram ProMaster further strengthens our commercial lineup, offering a full line of work trucks and vans,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “As the Ram Truck Brand continues to gain share and grow sales in the retail truck market, we will be just as aggressive in our goal to be a commercial truck market leader.”

“We feel that from a product-feature and launch timing standpoint, the all-new Ram ProMaster van is going to be a home run with commercial customers,” added Diaz. ”Our relationship with Fiat, one of the world’s foremost commercial truck makers, has given us access to great products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian Ram Truck customers.”

Based on the successful Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster will be significantly redesigned with familiar Ram Truck styling cues, offering features and powertrains preferred by North American commercial customers.

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 26, 2012

Previously, if you wanted a top of the line Ram truck, you had to to take the Longhorn edition, cowboy hat and all. Now, Ram is offering a slight-toned down version of Ram called the Ram Laramie Limited.

Outside, the Laramie Limited gets body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching rear bumper, while the heavy-duty models stick with chrome. Chrome accents adorn mirrors, door handles and side steps. The Limited also drops the usual Hemi, Cummins and Ram badges. Ram 1500 models get 20-inch wheels, while heavy-duty models get 17-inch wheels.

Inside, the Laramie Limited gets leather seats with contrasting piping, piano-black trim, LED ambient lighting, unique gauges, and deep berber carpet floor mats.Other features for the Laramie Limited include navigation, remote start, a backup camera, power adjustable pedals, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and back seats.

Ram will show the Laramie Limited at next month's Chicago Auto Show, with sales beginning in next quarter.

Press Release is on Page 2

Auburn Hills , Jan 26, 2012 - For 2012, Ram Truck will expand its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited.

“The Ram Truck brand’s greatest strengths are our commitment to listen to customers and to understand what motivates them,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve successfully added Ram truck models designed for outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie Limited is designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with elegance.”

Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, piano-black interior components and under-stated exterior badging, Ram Laramie Limited offers a refined luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Ram Laramie Longhorn edition pickup.

“The launch of the Ram Laramie Longhorn edition gave us a boost in the ultra-premium pickup segment and exceeded our expectations,” added Diaz. “Ram Laramie Limited offers customers an even wider selection of luxury models. We expect a lot of interest in the Laramie Limited.

“The Ram Laramie Limited customer is going to be involved in some sort of motor-sport activity. Whether they’re towing a ski boat, a race-car hauler, motorcycles or snowmobiles, they’re looking for comfort and class and an expressive way to carry their crew and their gear.”

The new Ram will make its debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the media on Wed., Feb. 8.

Exterior

Ram Laramie Limited gets a body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching, painted rear bumper. (Ram Laramie Limited 2500 and 3500 models in white and silver exterior colors get chrome front and rear bumpers.) The Laramie Limited’s chrome grille surrounds billet inserts that are featured on Ram Sport models. Understated chrome accents include body-side molding, mirrors, door handles and tubular side steps.

The Laramie Limited’s body side has a clean, “street truck” look and eliminates the traditional HEMI®, Cummins and Ram model line badges.

Tailgate badging includes the chrome Ram’s Head logo and a small italicized block-letter “Limited.”

Ram 1500 Laramie Limited shares 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with the Ram Laramie Longhorn. Polished surfaces are accented with painted silver pockets. Heavy Duty models feature 17-inch fully polished aluminum wheels. Wheel centers are embossed with the Ram brand name.

The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited is available in six exterior color choices, including: black, bright silver metallic, bright white, deep cherry red pearl, mineral gray metallic and true blue. Ram Heavy Duty models are available in black, bright silver metallic, bright white and mineral gray metallic.

Interior

The 2012 Ram Laramie Limited Edition features a modern, luxurious interior.

A full-leather cockpit with dark slate Natura Plus leather seats and engraved details lend the Ram Laramie Limited an unmatched level of sophistication and style.

Contrasting medium graystone leather piping provides seat-edge emphasis. Additional accents are created along either side of the piping by medium graystone deck-seam stitching.

The Ram Laramie Limited’s cavernous double-stacked center console is topped with a soft, double French-stitched full-leather lid.

In addition to 100 percent leather seat coverings, Ram Laramie Limited gets a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter -- console mounted on 1500, column mounted on 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models. Accent medium graystone X-stitch detailing sets off both the steering wheel and shifter.

Door trim front and rear also is wrapped in premium leather. Leather armrest uppers are further accented with the same dual French stitch used on the center console lid and instrument panel.

Ram Laramie Limited editions receive remote LED lighting at the inside door handles and a full-length light that illuminates the truck’s multi-function lower map pockets, front and rear.

The dash features a center stack trimmed in high-gloss piano-black. Liquid graphite side bezels and bright chrome vent rings complete the center stack’s detailing. Piano-black finishes also are used in the door panels and are trimmed in bright chrome.

Ram Laramie Limited’s gauge cluster is accented with pad-print chrome rings that share the high-end appearance of a gentleman’s watch and include the imprinted message: “Designed in Detroit.” Gauge needles are finished in liquid graphite.

A liquid graphite glovebox spear with pinstriped details and black and chrome “Limited” badge complete the dash.

Beneath the dash is soft foot-well lighting, providing both a functional and aesthetic interior enhancement.

Passengers also enjoy solid dark slate premium berber carpet floor mats with medium graystone accent stitching. Rear flap-closure seatback map pockets with modern chrome Ram-lettered detailed metal buckles also are unique to Ram Laramie Limited. For entry and exit, brushed-silver Ram-branded door sill plates resist scuffs and add visual appeal.

Other Features

Ram Laramie Limited also is equipped with a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats.

Ram Laramie Limited will be available in 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD single- and dual-rear-wheel (1-ton); Crew Cab and Mega Cab; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and short- and long-wheelbase models.

Laramie Limited will join the other Ram trim levels, which include: ST, Tradesman, Tradesman HD, Express, SLT, Outdoorsman, Mossy Oak edition, Sport, R/T, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Power Wagon (2500 only).

Laramie Limited will be available Q2 2012.

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