2014 Ram 3500 Laramie on 2040-cars

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Ram ProMaster enters 2022 with tech upgrades and a new transmission

Ram's full-size ProMaster van will enter the 2022 model year after receiving a round of much-needed tech updates. The changes include a more user-friendly infotainment system and a new transmission that improves gas mileage. Most of the major changes are found in the cabin, where the big van gains a seven-inch touchscreen that displays the Uconnect5 infotainment system. Ram states the software is five times faster than the last version of Uconnect. Buyers who want or need a bigger screen can pay extra for a 10-inch unit; both feature split-screen capability. The list of options also grows with the addition of a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt outlet below the USB ports, and a 7.0-inch full-color information screen in the instrument cluster (a 3.5-inch driver information screen comes standard). Switching to Uconnect5 is expected to make a significant difference. It features a customizable home screen, so users can move icons around like on a smartphone or a tablet, and it's compatible with the wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Amazon's Alexa In-Vehicle Assistant is built-in as well, meaning motorists will be able to remotely start the engine, lock or unlock the doors, check the weather, or add items to their to-do list. If you find panel vans difficult to park, the ProMaster has you covered. It can be configured with a 360-degree surround-view camera and a digital rear-view mirror, among other electronic driving aids. Power still comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it now shifts through a nine-speed automatic transmission; 2021 models shipped with a six-speed unit. Ram notes the three extra gears improve drivability and efficiency, though fuel economy figures haven't been released. Front-wheel-drive continues to come standard; it's an unusual configuration in a segment dominated by rear-wheel-drive. Properly equipped, the ProMaster can tow 6,910 pounds, according to Ram. Its payload checks in at 4,680 pounds. Electric power steering and a push-button electronic parking brake further improve drivability in urban environments. While there are no major visual changes, the 2022 range includes a Crew Van configuration designed for users who need to carry people and gear. It features a three-person rear bench seat, fixed side windows, and a partition. Ram dealers across the nation will begin receiving the 2022 ProMaster in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Ram Rebel TRX concept is a Hellcat-powered Raptor-fighter

Ford has proven that fast off-road trucks are awesome. Dodge has proven that ridiculously powerful supercharged V8s are awesome. Combining the two would theoretically be even more awesome. The Ram Rebel TRX, which was unveiled at the Texas State Fair, proves that theory. As you may have guessed from the intro, the Rebel TRX uses a supercharged V8. A version of the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Hellcat twins (and, we suspect, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk). Because of some new calibrations to make the engine more suited for off-road driving, it doesn't make the full 707 horsepower of the Charger and Challenger. But the TRX engine still cranks out 575 horsepower, which is a full 125 more than the new SVT Raptor. That's enough to propel the mega-sized truck to 100 mph in its off road terrain mode. Power is transferred through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. At the back, the Rebel TRX has an electronic locking differential. The TRX also gets an updated version of the Ram's 4x4 Performance Control System featuring Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and - best of all - Baja modes. The latter mode is the one that will do triple digits through the desert. Of course a sweet powertrain needs chassis and tire upgrades to round out the package, and the Rebel TRX has plenty of improvements. The standard Ram 1500 frame is unchanged, but bolted to it are custom front control arms, internal bypass shocks at each corner and new springs. The changes bring suspension travel to a full 13 inches all around. It also provides enough space to fit massive 37 x 13.5-inch tires. Ram also added six-piston calipers with 15-inch discs at the front and 14-inch discs at the back. Finally, Ram gave all this heavy duty equipment a big, burly wrapper. The body is a full six-inches wider than the standard 1500 with large composite fenders to cover the aforementioned tires. The truck also has a vented and scooped hood based on the Ram HD. This was necessary to help cool the engine and provide vertical clearance for the supercharger. A large sport bar was added to the back and has provisions for carrying a pair of spare tires, plus an LED light bar on top. The truck also has a big steel skid plate up front, and a sweet integrated side-exit exhaust behind the doors. Inside, the truck gets plenty of leather, suede and carbon fiber. The front seats also have racing harnesses attached to a harness bar that spans the B-pillars.

Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty trucks rustle up more luxury with Rodeo Edition

Now there's an even more luxurious version of Ram's Heavy Duty 2500/3500 pickup called the Ram Rodeo Edition. This takes the already highly-appointed Laramie Longhorn heavy duty work truck and gives it even more features for the 2018 model year. On the outside you get body-colored bumpers and side-steps. For single-rear-wheel trucks you'll get 20-inch aluminum wheels, and dual-rear-wheel trucks will have 17-inch polished aluminum rims. The Longhorn name will stretch across the tailgate in a more subdued fashion than we thought it would have. A suede headliner is the main change over the base Longhorn on the inside. Functionality is where the your money really goes for the Ram Rodeo, because it'll come with the gooseneck trailer prep package and bed-view camera. In addition to that you'll get a rear air suspension to aid in load-leveling when hauling payload or a trailer. A set of skid plates and the Mopar bed step round out the Ram Rodeo Edition changes. You'll be able to get the Ram Rodeo with the crew cab or mega cab configurations. Both the 6.4-liter V8 and the 6.7-liter Cummins I6 diesel are fair game as well. A base 2500 Longhorn will run you $56,440 including destination, but the Ram Rodeo Edition starts at $62,485. The 3500 bumps that up to $72,955. Luxury trucks are not cheap. Ram says the Ram Rodeo Edition will be available in the third quarter of 2018, so essentially, they've arrived. Featured video: