Since the Black Express package for the Ram 1500 was well received by the market, Ram thought about extending it to its bigger trucks as well. This is how the Ram Black Appearance Group, an imposing visual appearance treatment for the Ram Heavy Duty (2500 and 3500 SRW), was born.

Set to debut at the Atlanta International Auto Show this week, the Ram Black Appearance Group features an all-black exterior including 20-inch black aluminum wheels, black grille, smoked headlights and taillights, fog lamps, body-color front and rear bumpers and head badges on the grille and tailgate.

All body-side badging has been removed unless if ordered with a Cummins engine. For those trucks, only the diesel designation remains. The package also gets LEDs for park/turn/position lamp, side marker and taillamps, as well as Parkview and Parksense.

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty Black package is available in Ram 2500 and 3500 SRW, Crew Cab and Mega Cab, Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie models with the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. Order books are open, with prices starting from $42,140 (€30,725), plus $1,195 destination charge.

The Pentastar V6 engine is so popular that Ram will be adding it as an option to its higher-trim models.

Ram 1500 shoppers will now be able to opt for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing 25 mpg fuel economy on the highway and 305 hp. According to Bob Hegbloom, director of the Ram truck brand, the popularity of the V6 with the eight-speed transmission has been so great that the American automaker will offer it on higher trim levels beginning this month.

So those shopping the high-end Laramie model can swap out the 5.7-liter V8 engine, save $1,650 to grab themselves the smaller Pentastar V6 powerplant. It’s worth mentioning that the option is so new that it’s currently not updated on Ram’s websites, but you can inquire at your local dealership if you’re interested.

More, more, more. That's the philosophy behind the latest Ram Power Wagon. The extra-brawny, Ram 2500-based pickup is back for 2014, and naturally, it's even more extreme than its predecessor.

Like the rest of the Ram 2500 range, for 2014, the Power Wagon adopts the tweaked version of the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 found in SRT's eight-cylinder offerings. A healthy 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque best the old 5.7-liter Hemi's 383 hp and 400 lb-ft, while standard cylinder deactivation should help fuel economy. A six-speed automatic is the standard and sole transmission.

Those that know the Power Wagon, though, know there's more to this truck than its engine. Ram has increased the size of the American Axle-built rear axle from 10.5 to 11.5 inches with 4.10 gearing. Each axle sports an electronically locking differential. Finally, a manually engaged Borg-Warner transfer case is standard, in order to properly distribute power.

Ram's smaller 1500 is arguably the best-riding pickup on sale, thanks to its modern chassis tuning (and optional air suspension), which does away with old-fashioned leaf springs. Ram has taken a similar path with its bigger offerings, fitting a three-link front and five-link coil rear suspension. Ram is promising a more composed ride regardless of load, thanks to Bilstein monotube shocks at all four corners. That said, Ram hasn't forgotten where the Power Wagon made its name: off road.

The rear suspension setup provides a greater degree of articulation, while the new Articulink system on the front suspension, which includes a front-sway-bar disconnect, should also help with off-road prowess. Fitted with 33-inch Goodyear tires, the Power Wagon benefits from 14.5 inches of ground clearance. It can also handle up to 30 inches of standing water.

Fitted with 33-inch Goodyear tires, the Power Wagon benefits from 14.5 inches of ground clearance.

But remember: this is first and foremost a work truck, and it's outfitted as such. An electric Warn winch can handle 12,800 pounds, while a class five trailer hitch has been fitted, allowing the Power Wagon to tow up to 10,810 pounds. Off road, the big Ram's suspension work grants it a 34-degree approach angle and a 23.5-degree departure angle, while the breakover angle is 25.5 degrees.

Pricing for the Power Wagon starts at $45,690. That'll net you the base Tradesman version. Move up to the $50,340 SLT trim, and you'll get the red grille inserts, shown above (depending on the exterior color). SLT buyers will also get the look-at-me graphics, LED taillights and LED turn signals. The top-end Laramie starts at $56,015, and adds a chrome grille, a monotone paint scheme with painted wheel arches and polished wheels. The Laramie also offers some significant cabin upgrades, including leather seats. Basically, if you want everyone to know what sort of truck you're driving, buy an SLT. If you want to go under the radar (or as under the radar as a Power Wagon can get), go with the Laramie. Each price includes a $1,195 destination charge.

You can keep an eye open for the Ram Power Wagon during our coverage of the 2014 New York Auto Show, where it'll make its world debut. There's much, much more on the Ram Power Wagon in the big, official press release from Ram below, just after the video on the Power Wagon. Take a look, and let us know what you think of Chrysler's newest, most hardcore pickup.

Big pickup truck buyers rejoice; the Ram Power Wagon is back for the 2014-model year, complete with the Chrysler Group's updated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that churns out 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with a part-time, manual-engagement transfer case. Previously, the Power Wagon came with a standard 383hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8.

The Power Wagon sports a raft of enhancements over the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab upon which it is based, including a different suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials, underbody protection components, a 12,000-pound winch and unique 17-inch forged alloy wheels mounted on 33-inch tires.

The 14.5-inch ground clearance compares to the 2500 Heavy Duty's 12 inches, while Ram says that the truck’s approach angle is increased to 34 degrees, the departure angle increased to 23.5 degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5 degrees. According to Ram, "this gives the Power Wagon significant clearance for navigating a variety of severe inclines and declines as well as providing up to 30-inches of water-fording capability".

The truck features a payload of 1,490 pounds (676 kg) and a towing capacity of up to 10,810 pounds (4,903 kg).

“The Ram Power Wagon’s heritage dates back to 1945. It holds a special place in the line-up as an example of engineering innovation and off-road capability,” said Mike Cairns, Director—Ram Truck Engineering. “It may look similar to a Ram 2500 Heavy Duty but under the skin is a unique story, giving the Power Wagon its best-in-class off-road pickup competence.”

Ram says it will offer the Power Wagon in three trim levels named Tradesman, SLT and Laramie with up to 12 different colors depending on the grade, with pricing to be announced.

Monster trucks are built to entertain people by jumping over and landing upon old cars, among other things. But there are people who believe monster trucks can do more than that.

Those are the folks from Hall Brothers Racing Team, an organization which owns and operates Raminator, Rammunition and Mopar Muscle, three monster trucks that are sponsored by the Ram Truck brand and Mopar. Raminator has proven itself as the world’s fastest monster truck by breaking the Guinness World Records record for the “Fastest Speed for a Monster Truck” at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

With driver Mark Hall behind the wheel, the truck hit a new record speed of 99.10 mph (159.5 km/h), breaking the previous record of 96.8 mph (155.8 km/h) at 8:44 a.m. (CT) on December 15. While these speeds may not seem impressive, let’s not forget we’re talking about a vehicle that weighs more than 10,300 lbs (4,672 kg) and is a complete stranger to aerodynamics - it is 10 feet (3.05 meters) tall and 12.5 feet (3.81 meters) wide.

Raminator has been named Monster Truck Racing Association’s (MTRA) “Truck of the Year” a record eight times, while Mark Hall has been named MTRA “Driver of the Year” nine times since 1996. Crew Chief Tim Hall has been named MTRA “Mechanic of the Year” five times since 2006.

“Taking on the challenge of breaking a world record has been an experience we will never forget. With the support of Ram and Mopar, we continue to add to our achievements and are honored to now be a Guinness World Records holder,” said Hall Brothers Racing President and Crew Chief Tim Hall. Scroll down to watch the monster truck’s record-breaking attempt.

It looks like Chrysler’s Ram truck brand is about to introduce another innovation, this time for the tailgate.

Patent applications found by Allpar.com show off a new split-tailgate design that can open in six different configurations. Since it is split into two separate doors, the left or right side of the tailgate can be lowered individually, or they can be opened together to emulate a traditional tailgate. Each side is also capable of opening out to the right or left thanks to a side-mounted hinge.

Chrysler describes the operation of the tailgate in the patent application: “The doors can be coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the frames and can be selectively coupled to the frames via respective door latches.”

If that description was a bit confusing, just take a look at the photo to see how the new innovative tailgate would work.

Despite the fact that Ford and GM are both switching to aluminum bodies for their pickup trucks, Ram is apparently going to stay the course with steel.

Ram has plans to implement an extensive Ram 1500 facelift for 2017, but has no firm plans to change the materials used in its pickup truck bodies. If it does happen, it won’t be until after 2020, when the 1500 is due for a full redesign.

Weight loss is the main motivation for switching from heavy steel to lightweight aluminum. The material helped Ford shave up to 700 pounds from the F-150.

On the downside, aluminum dents much easier than steel, and many believe it is not as durable. On top of that, a major investment is required to accommodate the new material on the assembly line.

If Ram sticks with steel, the company will have to make strides in other areas to improve the fuel economy of its trucks. They are already on the right path, offering a six-cylinder diesel engine and an eight-speed transmission, but even more technology will be needed to keep up with the lightweight competition.

The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show later today.

Described as a "one-of-a-kind" off-road pickup, the Rebel has a rugged front fascia with a powder-coated front bumper, a silver skid plate and two recovery hooks. The model also has LED-infused headlights, a revised grille and an aluminum "twin-snorkel sport hood."

Moving further back, there's extended fender flares, a tri-fold tonneau cover and 17-inch matte black aluminum wheels with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T all-terrain tires. Other notable highlights include a RAM-branded tailgate and a chrome dual exhaust system.

The unique styling continues in the cabin as there's "technical grain" vinyl seats with Sedoso fabric inserts that are embossed with truck's tire tread pattern. The model also has embroidered headrests, Iron Gray Metallic trim and Radar Red anodized accents. Last but not least there's heated front seats, Rebel badging and an all-new center console bin with an integrated smartphone / tablet holder.

The Ram 1500 Rebel will be offered exclusively as a crew cab model with a 5-foot 7-inch long bed. It can be equipped with either a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine - that develops 305 bhp (227 kW) and 269 lb-ft (364 Nm) of torque - or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that develops 395 bhp (294 kW) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. Both engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional four-wheel drive system.

While the engine options carryover, the truck has a number of modifications to ensure it can tackle tough terrain. These include a 1-inch lift kit, Bilstein shocks, a softer rear stabilizer bar and an air suspension system. Thanks to these tweaks, the truck has a best-in-class ground clearance of 10.3 inches.

The Ram 1500 Rebel will go on sale in the second half of the year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.