2021 Ram 3500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ram adds 3 more special edition pickup models for 2022

Ram trotted out three new special editions Thursday at the kickoff of the State Fair of Texas, including a revival of the Southfork package, the new (Ram) Red, and the flashy TRX Ignition Edition. Yes, Ram does a lot of special editions. Welcome to trucks. Ram says all three models will hit showrooms before the end of the year.  Southfork returns for 2022 on the Limited model, rather than on the Laramie as it did a few years ago. As we reported previously, it effectively replaces the Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition model that was offered for 2021 and incorporates a multi-function tailgate, a deployable bed step, spray-in bed liner, a metal pedal kit and Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires. It comes with an exclusive Mountain Brown interior, standard bucket seats and suede door bolsters with leather insert and a laser filigree detail. MSRP starts at $63,315 (including $1,695 for destination).  The remaining two models are new entries. The (Ram) Red package commemorates Stellantis' pledge to help the Global Fund fight health emergencies in partnership with (RED). It's a fairly on-the-nose package with several red-tinted elements along with (RED) badges outside and in, and can be added to Limited Crew Cab models with either of the two available Hemi V8s or the EcoDiesel with a starting price of $64,945. Next up is the TRX Ignition Edition, which appropriately samples some of the supertruck's existing popular options and slaps them together with some unique aesthetic elements. Inside, you'll find orange contrast stitching and “TRX” seat back embroidery, copper carbon fiber accents and an orange center console badge. Feature upgrades include a HUD, a driverÂ’s screen depicting a TRX in Ignition Orange, and pedestrian emergency braking. You get a special set of (18-inch) wheels in addition to the obvious graphics package. There's also a panoramic sunroof and some other exterior goodies (spray-in bed liner, cargo tie-downs, bed step, LED cab-mounted brake light). Ram says it will only build 875 examples of the Ignition Edition. The TRX Ignition Edition will set you back at least $93,280 ... if you can even find one.   

Marchionne: Midsize pickup still not in the cards; Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler could use aluminum

During the Fiat-Chrysler briefings on Tuesday, Reid Bigland, head of Ram Trucks, outlined the new product plans for his brand, including confirmation that an all-new light-duty Ram 1500 will launch in 2017. From there, discussions spun off in two directions, with the main questions being: will Ram build a midsize pickup? And, following Ford's move to extensively use aluminum in its new 2015 F-150, will Chrysler be using this weight-saving material for the next round of its fullsize truck, as well?
"I think there is room for a Ram 1000," Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne (pictured above) told members of the media, saying this is a conversation the automaker has been having internally for several years now. "We've tried this ... we've actually taken it to clinics," Marchionne stated, adding that the "response has been lukewarm."
"I have better use of aluminum in this house than a pickup truck." - Sergio Marchionne

Ram 1500 TRX thunders across the desert ahead of August 17 debut

Ram turned every head at the 2016 edition of the Texas State Fair when it introduced a 1500-based, Hellcat-powered concept named Rebel TRX. Nearly four years later, it's finally ready to unveil the production version of its burly truck, which will seemingly lose the Rebel designation while keeping the supercharged V8. Aimed directly at the Ford F-150 Raptor, the 1500 TRX — an acronym which stands for Tyrannosaurus Rex; get it? — will arrive as a high-performance truck that feels right at home speeding through the desert. Although the preview video released by Ram hides the truck's overall design, it's reasonable to assume it will receive a rugged look characterized by a model-specific front bumper that increases the approach angle, skid plates that protect the underbody, and massive tires tucked under fender flares. It will be bigger and meaner than the standard 1500. It will sound the part, too, thanks to a version of the supercharged, 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine found in several Dodge and Jeep models. Although the concept made 575 horsepower, insiders (and spy videos shot on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes) hinted the production model will put over 700 horses under the driver's right foot. Ram will introduce the 1500 TRX online on August 17 at noon Eastern time, which is 9 a.m. in Los Angeles. It will stream the event on its various social media outlets (including its Facebook account and its YouTube channel). Sales will start in the coming months, but pricing information hasn't been announced yet. We expect the TRX will be pegged in the same price bracket as the F-150 Raptor, which starts at $55,150 including destination. And, while Dodge will only manufacture the Hellcat-powered Durango for six months, we'd be surprised if the 1500 TRX lands as a limited-edition model. Odds are Ram plans to fill every order it receives. Related Video:     RAM Truck Performance