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Ram pickups to keep it steel through 2020

One of the hottest topics in the industry these days is automakers' expanding use of aluminum, especially for vehicle bodies and platforms. While the lightweight metal has historically been the preserve of premium brands and sports cars, Ford shocked the industry when it announced that its 2015 F-150 would go aluminum-intensive for its new generation. As it turns out, the material change doesn't even mean a big jump in the prices for most of its trims. Possibly in reaction to the big change, General Motors is said to be using the lightweight metal in its next-gen trucks, too. That only leaves Ram as an open question among the domestics, and at least for now, the company is apparently in no hurry to push tin.
According to Reuters speaking with two, unnamed insiders, the Ram 1500 isn't getting an aluminum infusion until sometime after 2020. That's not to say the truck is going to be stagnant for the next half-decade or more, of course. According to Ram's five-year plan, there's a refresh for the 1500 coming in 2015 and much bigger changes on the way in 2017. Those same sources tell Reuters that further revisions aren't expected until at least 2021, which is when the aluminum could be added.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne hasn't minced words about his thoughts on using the lightweight metal in pickups. "I have better use of aluminum in this house than a pickup truck," he said in May. Having said that, Marchionne was clear that if the material turns out to be revolutionary in the segment, the company would be willing to follow.

Hennessey announces Ram 1500 TRX six-wheel conversion

Between the six-wheeled Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 and Goliath 6x6 pickup trucks, based on Ford and GM trucks respectively, we should have known a Ram would be next. And Hennessey Performance is pulling the stops out farther than ever before by basing its latest hulk on the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. Hennessey is calling this six-wheeled beast the Mammoth. But the reason for the name goes beyond the size. The other reason is that the Texas-based tuner is ditching the already potent stock Hellcat engine in favor of the Mopar Hellephant crate engine. The Hellephant is a supercharged 7.0-liter (426-cubic-inch) V8 that in stock tune makes 1,000 horsepower. Hennessey says they'll get 1,200 horsepower out of it. Of course the Mammoth will also feature six-wheel drive, a lengthened frame and bed to accommodate the extra wheels and tires. Off-road suspension, big tires, steel bumpers, auxiliary lights and custom interior will also be on the list of modifications. Hennessey plans to offer the Mammoth for $500,000 and only three will be built. The company will start taking orders on September 4 at noon central time. If you want to place an order, be ready with your phone at the appointed time and call 1-800-897-0426. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the most intense off-road truck ever built

Chrysler recalls AWD 300, Charger, Ram 1500 over ZF transmission

What do the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ram 1500 all have in common? Yes, they're all Chrysler products, and two of them are based on the same platform. And we're sure you could find more similarities between them all, but the common trait we're looking at here is that, while they all come standard in rear-drive form, they're also available with all-wheel drive. And it's the transmission in those models that's the subject of the latest recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The output shaft on the eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF to Chrysler for the AWD versions of the 300, Charger and Ram 1500 is apparently prone to fracture. That in the end could leave the vehicle without power and could, according to the NHTSA investigation, increase the chance of a crash. The vehicle could also roll away if even if left in Park without the handbrake applied.
That's why Chrysler is calling in 4,194 examples of those three models from the 2013 model year. Dealers will be responsible for inspecting the transmissions and, where necessary, replace the entire unit. See the full recall notice below for all the details.