When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The hood might be the best-looking one ever attached to a factory-produced truck. I admit I'm biased since I installed a somewhat similar ram-air hood on my Dakota almost 15 years ago.
But that grill is powerful ugly. I mean like bludgeoning infants ugly.
Ram has announced the launch of the 1500 EcoDiesel HFE pickup truck, which increases highway mileage to 29 mpg (8.1 l/100 km) compared to the standard 1500 EcoDiesel’s 28 mpg (8.4 l/100 km).
EcoDiesel HFE (high fuel efficiency) will be the first diesel powertrain offered in the Ram 1500 Express model and will deliver the highest fuel economy among all full-size truck competitors – Ram says it’s 12 percent more fuel-efficient than the next-closest competitor.
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE gets an EPA-certified 29 mpg highway fuel economy rating, while its city and combined mpgs are 21 (11.2 l/100 km) and 24 (9.8 l/100km), respectively. These ratings are also claimed to be the highest among all pickups.
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE features a unique trim package based on the popular Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab four-door body, with a 6-ft 4-in (1,930mm) bed and 20-inch wheels.
The model is also available with a body-colored fascia adopted from the Ram Express model, which gives the Ram EcoDiesel HFE a distinctive exterior appearance compared to other EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500s. Other features include wheel-to-wheel side steps and a tri-fold tonneau cover which improve functionality and aerodynamics, thus contributing to better fuel efficiency.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE models will also get a new HFE badge that backs its mileage claims. The model will go on sale late first quarter of 2015.
Ram has introduced the 2015 Laramie Limited at the Chicago Auto Show.
Designed to set the "benchmark in truck opulence," the range-topping model has an all-new grille with prominent RAM lettering. The truck also features LED-infused headlights, additional chrome trim and 20-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include side steps and a new tailgate with a 20-inch wide “RAM” badge.
The exterior styling won't win everyone over but the cabin comes nicely equipped with Black Natura Plus leather seats, Graystone leather piping and real Black Argento wood trim. The model also has a leather / wood steering wheel, K-black Dark Metallic accents and a revised center console with a French-stitched leather lid and a tambour wood sliding door. Elsewhere, there's a machine-spun aluminum shifter, satin chrome door handles and rear seatback pockets with chrome buckles and a flap-closure lid.
In terms of equipment, the truck has virtually everything you could want including heated / ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and power adjustable pedals. Other highlights include an upgraded instrument cluster, Berber floor mats and 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with GPS navigation.
The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited will go on sale in the second quarter of 2015, while the Ram 2500 / 3500 Laramie Limited will arrive in the third quarter as 2016 models.
While the heart of the automotive world beats today in France, Ram took the chance to reveal the Rebel TRX concept, the brand’s most extreme factory-engineered half-ton pickup ever.
Ram installed a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 under the bonnet, providing a massive 575hp to all four wheels via a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Rebel TRX concept is now able of triple digit speeds, even when traveling on surfaces other than paved roads.
In order to cope with the increased horsepower and become a true performance pickup truck, the new Rebel TRX concept features a Dynatrac Pro 60 rear axle with an electronically limited slip differential and 1.5-inch axle shafts. The front axle is a standard item, fitted with custom CV half-shafts to allow a wider track.
The suspension travel was increased by 40 percent and a set of 37-inch tires contribute to a massive ground clearance that measures more than 13 inches. RAM had to widen the body in order to accommodate the huge tires.
A set of adjustable coilover shocks with internal bypass are used on the front axle with the rear employing new 2.5-inch bypass shocks. Brakes are now 15-inch rotors with six-piston calipers at the front with 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers at the rear.
The cabin is dressed in suede with mesh cloth inserts, with the front seats offering more supportive upper bolsters. All four seats come with six-point harnesses, to keep all the occupants firmly into their places. The center console now hosts the shifter of the automatic gearbox, a new polystable item trimmed in black suede and Header Red stitching. There are also nylon-strap door pulls which are embroidered with the word ‘Release’.
The extreme truck concept was made for the 2016 State Fair of Texas, where it will make its public debut. Is it proving that RAM is capable of rivaling the Ford Raptor? Hell yes. Are they actually going to do it? Who knows…
^ I'd buy that over a Raptor if they did a monochromatic color scheme. That 2 tone isn't doing it for me. Main thing is you can get that with a supercharged V8 that makes all the cool sounds vs a lame sounding turbo V6 in the new Raptor.
Looks like it might be a tough choice between this and a Ford Raptor..........except that the Raptor does not have four full-size doors like the Ram, for those who want or need that feature.
Looks like it might be a tough choice between this and a Ford Raptor..........except that the Raptor does not have four full-size doors like the Ram, for those who want or need that feature.
Yes, the new one debuting this fall will have four full-doors, but the old ones didn't.
Actually the old ones came either with the extended cab or 4 door crew cab, except for the 2010 model year, which was extended cab only. Ford listened to their customers and made the 4 door crew cab optional after a year.
I really wish Toyota would do something similar with the Tacoma, as the smaller size would make it a lot more handy off road. Thing about the Raptor(and probably this new Dodge) is that they are really WIDE with the flared fenders. Several inches wider than a regular F150 in fact. Makes it look cool, like a desert racing trophy truck, but makes it impractical for taking through a trail through the woods, something the Tacoma and its smaller size does a lot better.
Actually the old ones came either with the extended cab or 4 door crew cab, except for the 2010 model year, which was extended cab only. Ford listened to their customers and made the 4 door crew cab optional after a year.
OK...I'll take your word for it. I reviewed a Raptor, but that was several years ago, and I may have forgotten some of the marketing details.
I really wish Toyota would do something similar with the Tacoma, as the smaller size would make it a lot more handy off road. Thing about the Raptor(and probably this new Dodge) is that they are really WIDE with the flared fenders. Several inches wider than a regular F150 in fact. Makes it look cool, like a desert racing trophy truck, but makes it impractical for taking through a trail through the woods, something the Tacoma and its smaller size does a lot better.
Toyota does have the well-known TRD off-road package, with super-stiff underpinnings and protective gear..........but, I agree, that is not quite in the same class as the SVT underpinnings on a Raptor.
01-13-15, 05:45 PM
