2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

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Ram and Fiat working on possible midsize pickup for global markets

The midsize pickup segment is enjoying a recent boom globally, with updated models like the new Ford Ranger on the way and a revised Toyota Hilux already testing. The next automaker to take the plunge into the market might be FCA with this recently spotted, highly camouflaged truck. Click through the gallery to see the pickup wearing two different disguises during cold-weather testing. Unfortunately, they keep the truck very well hidden, and even the bed is covered in both of them. Still, it appears that the front end wears a fairly upright design, and the four-door cab is obvious. Also, take a look at the rear to spot coil springs for the suspension, rather than leaf springs. According to our spies, this vehicle's size is larger than the current front-wheel drive Fiat Strada and is closer in dimensions to models like the Ranger and Hilux. Of course, the most intriguing question is whether FCA might bring this vehicle to the US as a Ram competitor against the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The company's five-year plan makes no mention of such a model here through at least 2018, though. However, Europe and South America are set to receive a midsize pickup in 2016. Perhaps, that's what we are seeing here. Related Video: Featured Gallery Fiat-Ram Pickup Spy Shots View 14 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Fiat RAM Truck FCA

2019 Ram 1500 Sport trim is exclusive to Canada, can be replicated in America

Ram already revealed one region-exclusive 2019 Ram 1500 pickup in the form of the Lone Star trim for Texas. It's basically a Big Horn with fancy badges. But that's not the only one, as it has introduced a Sport trim that will only be available in Canada. Just like the Lone Star, the Sport has an analogue buried among the many trims and options for American-market Rams. But before we get into how U.S. buyers can re-create the Sport, let's take a look at what makes the Sport ... sporty? It's only available with a 5.7-liter V8 making the standard 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Both two- and four-wheel drive are available as are quad and crew cabs. The exterior features standard LED lights, a body-color grille and other body-color trim, along with a number of black bits of trim including badges. The standard wheels are 20-inch units, while black and silver 22-inch wheels are optional. Also optional is the more aggressive Sport hood. The interior is all black with either cloth and premium vinyl seats or optional leather. It also has diamond-plate steel pattern trim from the Rebel, plus a Sport badge on the dash. Now, the trim looks quite nice, and it's easily re-created in America. To get the same features such as the LED lights, simply choose the Laramie trim level. It can be equipped with the Sport Appearance package which includes everything you see on the body, including the aggressive hood. The one difference is the lack of black badging. The same 22-inch wheels are also available as an option. And, if you want to save a little bit of money with almost the same looks, you can choose a Big Horn Ram, which doesn't have the LED lights, but the Sport Appearance package is still available, along with 20-inch wheels. But if you really want those LED lights, they are an option on the Big Horn. The Big Horn also opens up the option of the V6, if you're feeling especially frugal. If you're in Canada and like the look of the Sport, it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2018. And if you're in the U.S., just spec out a Big Horn or Laramie. Related Video:

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel gets 9,200-pound tow rating

The current-generation Ram 1500 is entering its fifth year on the market, but Ram's half-ton truck is not showing its age whatsoever. While we continue to wait for the fuel economy figures for the all-new EcoDiesel V6, Ram has released towing figures for trucks equipped with this new engine, as well as models fitted with the upgraded gasoline-powered V6.
The EcoDiesel - a $2,850 option - will help the Ram compete with V8-powered trucks with its max towing capacity of 9,200 pounds, which is just 50 pounds shy of the 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8. The true benefit here is that the diesel should return impressive fuel economy in the process, and even though official estimates have yet to be released, Chrysler has promised that it will achieve more than 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
But even with the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, upgrades to the eight-speed automatic transmission have resulted in an increase in towing capacity, now up to 7,450 pounds. This number is expected to be best in class for base-engine trucks.