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Ram is 'actively and aggressively' looking at smaller trucks

We sat down with Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. at the Detroit Auto Show, and he dropped a number of interesting tidbits about some of Ram's plans for the near future. In particular, he made it sound like Ram is seriously considering adding smaller trucks to its lineup. But it also has bigger pickup reveals coming up both for the heavy duty line and our first look at what will become the electric Ram 1500. With smaller trucks, Koval's exact words were that they are "actively and aggressively" looking at trucks smaller than the current  Ram 1500. We asked specifically about midsize trucks, but he added that they're also quite interested in even smaller vehicles than that, which in the U.S., at least, would be Maverick-sized. Koval also noted that Ram might be able to leverage Stellantis' wide array of brands for additional models. Another factor that may have Ram interested in smaller options is that it's expanding in other markets. Koval said Ram has seen record sales in international markets, with standouts being South America and Australia. As for potential platforms for smaller Rams, the Gladiator platform would seem like a strong choice for a midsizer, since it's a traditional truck construction-wise, is already U.S.-certified, and has gone through some truck reinforcements. Outside American options, Peugeot sells a small to midsize pickup called the Landtrek, which was co-developed with a Chinese company. Ram also sells sub-compact pickups in Mexico and South America that are Fiat-derived. These latter two options would probably require significant alterations to bring them up to the refinement and performance standards of U.S. buyers, though. Koval also gave us a little hint at more concrete Ram product reveals in the near-term. Apparently it will have a major Ram HD announcement in October. He wouldn't say what exactly, though. With Ford Super Duty getting a refresh soon, we wouldn't be surprised if the same will be happening with the Ram HD. After the HD, Ram will show the Revolution concept in November, which will preview the electric Ram 1500. With a date like that, we're betting a reveal at or near the L.A. Auto Show. The production Ram 1500 electric pickup will be coming in 2024, and it will be accompanied by some sort of plug-in hybrid, possibly in a range-extender series-hybrid setup. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon demos off-road abilities in Chicago

In today's world, big budget auto show debuts involve lots of music and video, with a car docilely rolling onto the stage. Practical demonstrations of abilities are few and far between. Ram didn't get that memo, though, and decided to give attendees at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show a taste of just what the new Power Wagon can do off road, showing some extreme suspension articulation before crawling the big pickup down a flight of stairs. It was an impressive display for the facelifted pickup, which retains all the things that made the Power Wagon such a monster while improving on its overall aesthetic. The two-tone styling looks great in person, and even the controversial grille – which many of our readers cited as being a problem in our debut post – looks nicer in the flesh than in static shots. The upholstery, too, with its tire-tread imprints looks better in real life, and we're digging the Power Wagon and Ram logos sprinkled around the high-riding thrones. You can read a deeper dive into the new new truck in our introduction post from early this morning. We've also got a smattering of images of the new Power Wagon on the show floor and a video of the flashy debut in Chicago. Have a look. View 18 Photos Show full PR text New 2017 Ram Power Wagon – The Ultimate Off-road Truck Benefits From New Design New 2017 Ram Power Wagon front grille design styling super-sizes Ram 1500 Rebel Tops Ram – "The Off-road Truck Leader" – 4x4 lineup New colors, lighting, wheels, grilles and legacy graphic takes cues from 1979-80 "Macho Power Wagon" New interior colors and materials, including Diesel Gray and Black seats with tire tread-matching pattern Unique 17-inch wheels and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires pull dirt from its comfort zone Standard 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with best-in-class 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque features unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/60,000 miles Unique Ram "Articulink" front suspension system incorporates high movement joints and sway-bar disconnecting system, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation Ram engineering continues to lead heavy-duty segment innovation with five-link coil rear suspension to deliver best-in-class ride and superior axle control Ram Power Wagon features standard front and rear electronic-locking differentials for true four-wheel drive and maximum traction Standard Warn 12,000-lb.

2019 Ram 1500 spotted with split tailgate

A little over three years ago, we discovered a patent from Fiat-Chrysler that showed a pickup truck tailgate that not only dropped down like a normal one, but was also split into two swing-out halves. It appears to be a reality now, since one of the Ram 1500 prototypes shown above has just such a tailgate. The tailgate above does look a bit different from the one shown in the patent drawings. For one thing, it's not a 50/50 split in the middle. Instead, Ram seems to have opted for something like a 60/40, or maybe 70/30 split. We're not sure exactly why this is, but there could be a few advantages. For one, It probably allows for the use of the same or nearly the same handle as on conventional Rams, as well as the same badging. For another, if the tailgate operates as described in the patent, it might be possible to open just one side without opening the other, and having the shorter piece could offer some flexibility in tight areas where a larger half couldn't open fully. Testing alongside the split tailgate truck were some other Ram 1500s that had their tailgates completely covered. They did reveal some other cargo management features that should show up on the production truck, such as a return of the RamBox bedside storage compartments. One of the trucks also revealed some ribbed bedsides that would allow the positioning of a cargo divider just about anywhere in the bed. We expect to see the new Ram 1500 to be fully revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. In the meantime, you can check out what we believe the production truck will look like, as well as everything we know about it, here. Related Video: