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2022 Ram 1500 TRX MSRP up another $2,795

We're not sure if we should be more awed by how fast and how high the new batch of super performance trucks can jump, or that consumer prices are jumping just as fast and just as high. When we published our First Drive Review of the 2021 TRX at the end of November 2020, we wrote, "Another pitfall to Ram TRX ownership is the cost. Ram asks a minimum of $71,790 for the TRX (including a $1,695 destination charge)." When we published our review of the 2022 TRX six weeks ago, the base price had risen to $74,085 after destination (optioned out to $91,575). Considering what the world's been up to for the past 15 months, a $2,295 MSRP increase — a mere 3% — couldn't be considered banditry. But the P/L department at Stellantis is done playing nice. As Mopar Insiders discovered, the MSRP for the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is $76,880, which is before a spendier destination fee of $1,795. Anyone who wants to own a TRX this year will need $78,675 before options.   It's almost comical that Ram advertises the hurt on its configurator. Click to build and price the 2021 TRX, the configurator shows $70,245 before destination. Change that 2021 to 2022, the configurator shows $76,780. There's a bit more sleight-of-hand during the build process, too, as Ram charges $100 for the sole solid color available, which is black, that sum added as an option even though its the least expensive paint choice possible. The two-tone paints cost at least $200, despite a few of them advertising a price of zero. The diabolical cherry on top is when you check the total after options and read the small print, which informs you, "Pricing provided may vary significantly between website and dealer as a result of supply chain constraints. Pricing shown is nonbinding and does not constitute an offer. Contact your dealer for updated vehicle pricing."  Admittedly, the TRX is only up 4% over the last base price we posted, and we don't expect the new price to deter buyers. We don't blame Ram, either; this is the cost of doing business, and a quick trip to Craigslist or eBay will illustrate that everyone is trying to do the same kind of business, getting every hand into every cookie jar. The Ram buyers who really have it bad are the ones after a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie. That truck went up $7,180 bucks — a gut-punching 16.4% — to $50,845.

Why 2015 is going to be a huge year for trucks

Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn took center stage to introduce the 2016 Titan last week at the Detroit Auto Show. He spoke of the truck's new features, impressive Cummins V8 diesel engine and the extensive amount of time and money required to build a modern, competitive pickup truck. "We have done all of this because we see opportunity – an opportunity in the unmet needs of today's American truck customers," Ghosn said. He was speaking about the Titan, but his thoughts echo the industry's mindset: When it comes to trucks, find an opportunity and attack. Even with CAFE regulations looming and fickle consumer preferences, investing in trucks is a no-brainer for automakers. Some consumers will always need a truck for their job or lifestyle. And some people will always want one, whether they need it or not. With that in mind, here are four reasons why the pickup-truck sector is more important than ever and poised for growth in 2015. View 24 Photos The Nissan Titan Is Back Okay, it never left, but the Titan hadn't been redesigned since its launch in 2003, and Nissan sold more NV200s than Titans in 2014. It's an understatement to say the truck was languishing. That all changes with the 2016 model. The Titan will come in two variants, a traditional fullsize competitor and the Titan XD. The XD will lead the market launch, and it arrives late this year. It's pitched as a "whitespace" offering, Nissan sales and marketing vice president Fred Diaz said. The idea is to offer something in the general size and price range of a fullsize truck, but also have some of the capability of a heavy-duty truck. The XD uses a fully boxed ladder frame, the chassis design from Nissan's commercial division, and the wheelbase is about 20 inches longer than other Titan models. The XD, which Nissan is calling the flagship of the line, will be the only model with the 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel V8. It produces 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, while being able to tow 12,000 pounds. V6 and V8 gasoline models will also be offered on the Titan XD and the standard, non-XD model. When production ramps up, the Titan will be sold with several cabs, beds and trims. New features include trailer sway control, an integrated trailer brake controller, more storage options in the cabin and even laminated front and rear side glass to reduce outside noise. All of this has given Nissan fresh confidence in an area where it admittedly has been lacking. "We can compete," Diaz told Autoblog.

Autoblog Podcast #523 | BMWs, Trackhawk and Mazda's new engine technology

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale. We discuss a couple of BMWs, the upcoming BMW X7 three-row SUV and our short-term BMW M760i with a turbocharged, 600-horsepower V12. We also cover the week's news, including Mazda's nifty engine technology it will roll out in the next few years, as well as pricing on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The rundown is below. Remember, if you have a car-related question you'd like us to answer or you want buying advice of your very own, send a message or a voice memo to podcast@autoblog.com. (If you record audio of a question with your phone and get it to us, you could hear your very own voice on the podcast. Neat, right?) And if you have other questions or comments, please send those too. Autoblog Podcast #523The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Topics and stories we mention Rundown BMW X7 Spy Shots Volkswagen Passat GT Mazda's future engine technology Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Pricing BMW M760i driving Ram 2500 driving Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show on iTunes