Automotive Trends

For 2019 Ram rolls out is first fully redesigned pickup truck since the brand became independent of Dodge in 2010. The oldest of the domestic full-size trucks, the Ram held its own against continually redesigned competition from Ford and General Motors with differentiating features such as the Ram Box, 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel, the highly marketable iron block Hemi, and big-rig styling. The 2019 Ram diverges from this formula by incorporating the fenders back under the hood. In fact, one can’t help but notice the alarming similarity between the big Ram’s styling and the resurrected 2019 Ford Ranger. Nevertheless, big RAM letters across the new grille make it hard to mistake the truck’s brand identity. The truck grows bigger in the cab with a remarkably flat floor in the rear cabin. The 3.6L Pentastar is the base engine and the 5.7L Hemi returns, but both now utilize a hybrid system dubbed eTorque that is standard on the V6 and optional with the Hemi V8. The 48 volt mild-hybrid  system adds a supplemental 130 lb.-ft. of torque to the 395 hp / 410 lb.-ft. Hemi V8 and 90 lb-ft to the smaller six. Expect improved fuel economy as a result. The Ram also differentiates itself with an available air suspension that automatically lowers the vehicle at highway speeds. Available LED headlights further update the look of the new Ram. Is the new Ram ready to defend the market share it has managed to scrape away from the competition? With all new competition from GM and an updated F-150 and new Ranger from Ford the options in the truck market have never been more competitive.

Ever since splitting off from Dodge in 2009, the Ram team has been working hard to establish itself as a stand alone brand. The new Ram Rebel furthers that cause. There is no mistaking this truck for anything but a Ram with its enormous lettering on the tailgate that reminisces of the days when pickup trucks had their brand names stamped into their tailgates. The grille ditches the long standing Dodge and Ram crosshair grille with a turned lower lip that looks oddly similar to a 1955 GMC truck (trust us, the similarity is uncanny). It may borrow its looks from an old GMC truck, but the Rebel borrows its names from a couple of old AMC products. Don’t be fooled by its overtly off road appearance; Ram isn’t attempting to go head-to-head with Ford’s ambitious Raptor. In fact the Rebel is available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. The Rebel utilizes FCA’s naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, with air suspension, 33-in tires, factory lift kit, skid plates and tow hooks as standard. Since the Rebel borrows the Ram Power Wagon’s wheel arches it becomes apparent that this pickup is not meant to be a fully unique product, but rather one that offers a series of features in a tidy off-road package. Offered only as a crew cab model with the 5-ft. 7-inch bed, the Rebel gives one the choice of ugrading from the V6 to a 5.7-liter HEMI. Though much is borrowed on the Rebel, it seems there is a cause for this truck: off-road style.

      The thoroughly upgraded 2013 Ram 1500 capped a decisive Awards Show season with a dominating performance in the North American Truck/Utility of the Year competition. The revised Ram utilizes an 8-speed automatic to return better performance and 25 mpg on the highway. Coupled with other enhancements like more aerodynamic styling, an available air-ride suspension, improved interior ergonomics and power lockable Rambox bedside “trunks”, the Ram 1500 walked away from its fellow finalists, the Mazda CX-5 and Ford C-Max. For you trivia buffs out there, we’ll save you the trip to Google: The Ram 1500 last won the coveted award in 1994 when it debuted with the iconic styling still in place today.

     Years ago, new pickup trucks had incredibly long life cycles. Ford, Chevy and Dodge would come up with new designs, then let them age for nearly a decade before they made any major changes.
     Truck makers don’t have that luxury anymore. Read more…

     Refinement isn’t something trucks are known for. They’re meant for hauling, towing and getting dirty, not for impressing executives with frilly features and tight-fitting interior panels. Read more…