2014 Ram 1500 Laramie on 2040-cars

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The 2019 Ram 1500 will wear a brand-new face

A day after a dealer meeting leak gave us a look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, we now have this, our first look at the 2019 Ram 1500. The renderings, which come from a printout titled "Ram Brand Lit Signatures" on the wall of a dealer meeting, gives us a clear look at the next-gen truck's front and rear fascias. At the front, the 2019 1500, codenamed DT, gets a more modern, sophisticated look with a refined grille that boasts a massive vertical bar and a skinner horizontal slot. The headlights are slimmer than the current model's square-like units and feature modern LED lamps. The lower end of the front fascia also has slim lighting elements that could be used for fog lights, along with an off-colored skid plate. The hood continues to sport the same bulge as the current model's, but is shaped like a pyramid instead of a massive rectangle. It looks like Ram took a page out of Ford's design book at the back with a rugged design that imitates the 2017 F-150. The taillights, while retaining the same overall shape, have an unlit section that would most likely be used for the reverse lights and turn signals. With the front end benefiting from LED lamps, the rear taillights would probably get LED units, as well. With Ram still testing new configurations of the 1500 and a document revealing FCA's future products, we expect the next-gen 1500 to come out in the near future as a 2019 model year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Ram 1500 Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos RAM Truck rendering

Want a V8 on the cheap? Buy a work truck

In case you didn't notice, V8 cars have gotten pretty expensive. If you want a modern muscle car like the Dodge Challenger R/T, Ford Mustang GT, or Chevy Camaro SS, you'll need between $34,000 and $38,000 for a stripped out example of one. The cheapest of those is the Challenger, and the priciest is the Camaro. These are also the cheapest V8 cars the companies offer. But if you absolutely have to have a V8 for less, there is an option, work trucks. As it turns out, all of the Big Three offer their most basic work trucks with V8s. And because they're so basic, they're pretty affordable, especially when sticking with the standard two-wheel drive. A Ram 1500 Tradesman with a V8 can be had for as little as $29,840, which is a little more than $4,000 less than a Challenger R/T. For a bit more at $30,275, you can have a Chevy Silverado W/T, almost $8,000 less than a Camaro SS. The most expensive is the V8 Ford F-150 starts at a starting price of $30,670, which is a bit over $5,000 less than the Mustang. Of course you'll be in an ultra bare bones vehicle with few comforts, and the price will go up if you add stuff, but we're bargain hunting here, and sacrifices are sometimes necessary. Besides, what you lose in comfort, you gain in loads of cargo space and towing (try to look at the bright side). Also, as a side note, all three trucks are available with optional electronic locking rear differentials. At the discounted price of these trucks, you still get a heaping helping of power. The most potent of the trio is the Ram 1500 Tradesman with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque generated by a 5.7-liter V8. Compared with the Challenger R/T, the Ram is up by 20 horsepower and they're tied for torque. The value proposition is even more stark between the two vehicles when looking at the price per horsepower. Each pony in the Ram costs $75.54, while the Challenger charges you $90.91. The Challenger is also more expensive per horsepower than its close competitors. The F-150's 5.0-liter V8 is just barely behind the Ram with 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. That's still more power than the Challenger, and it matches the torque of the 2017 Mustang GT. On the down side, it still would be down 20 horsepower on that same 2017 Mustang, and it's behind by 60 horsepower and 20 pound-feet on the new 2018 Mustang GT. The F-150 also just edges out the Mustang in the dollar per horsepower measure.

Ram partners with Wolverine on pickup-truck-themed boots

Let's say you recently acquired a Ram 1500, and you really like it. But what if you like it so much that you need to show off the brand even when you're away from the truck? Well, Ram partnered with boot manufacturer Wolverine on a new line of truck-themed boots with styles for all occasions. The end results are actually pretty sharp. There are three "trim levels" based on Ram 1500 trims. The base is the Tradesman, which comes in either brown or very light gray. They're traditional-looking work boots with subtle Ram branding on the tongue and on the sides toward the rears of the boots. Next up are the Rebel boots that, like the sporty, off-road-themed truck, are available with bold graphics and bright red accents depending on the design. They're much more in-your-face. Finally, there's the Limited, which is more of a dressy boot. It comes only in all black and is rather classy looking with modest branding. The Tradesman boots start at $229, and the Rebel boots are only a tad pricier at $239. Unsurprisingly, the Limited is the most expensive, coming in at $400. Ram and Wolverine will even offer Ram-branded socks with three pairs for $25. You can pre-order any of the items at this link. For each item you pre-order, the companies will donate $10 to an organization called SkillsUSA, which supports programs that help youth develop trade skills. The Ram and Wolverine products will also eventually be available this October at Boot Barn stores in California and Texas and on Amazon. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.