Tag: ram

Hennessey supercharges Hemi-powered Ram

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Videos, Dodge

2009 Hennessey HPE 500 Dodge Ram 1500

2009 Hennessey HPE 500 Dodge Ram 1500 – Click above to view videos after the jump

The lunatics in John Hennessey’s Texas hoon asylum have run amok yet again, this time bolting a supercharger to a Hemi-packing four-door Ram 1500. The result is a 500-hp mulch hauler that will get you and your whole weekend DIY crew to Lowe’s and back faster than a leaky water heater can flood your basement.

The power boost comes courtesy of the Hennessey HPE 500 upgrade package, which relies on a TVS2300 blower to open the 5.7-liter Hemi’s lungs just a little wider. The standard kit also includes a revised intake, new fuel injectors, a cat-back exhaust and revised engine management. The resulting 505 horses can be hitched to any 2009-and-up Ram 1500 Hemi.

Options include a full long-tube header exhaust, high-flow cats, a premium wheel and tire package, and your choice of a lowered or raised suspension. Whether you go for the wheel/tire upgrade is up to you, but with all that power under your right foot, it seems like a fine idea. Click past the jump to see the Hennessey HPE 500 Ram 1500 in action on the street and on the dyno.

[Source: Hennessey via YouTube | Image: Hennessey]

Continue reading Hennessey supercharges Hemi-powered Ram

Hennessey supercharges Hemi-powered Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram Long-Hauler concept offers 1,600-mile range for epic road trips

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Work, Dodge, Specialty

Ram Long-Hauler concept

Ram Long-Hauler Concept – Click above for image gallery

Need a way to get yourself, four buddies and a whole lot of cargo across the country with the bare minimum of fuel stops? The Ram Long-Hauler Concept is your truck. The rig got a quiet coming-out party at the Mid-America Trucking Show, which was held March 31st through April 2nd in Louisville, Kentucky.

This behemoth of a tow rig sports a 197.7-inch wheelbase, or about as long as your average oil tanker. That much space means it has a full-size eight-foot bed and Ram’s four-door MegaCab passenger compartment. In keeping with the oil tanker theme, the Long-Hauler has the capacity to hold an astonishing 162 gallons of diesel fuel, thanks to a 60-gallon auxiliary tank in the bed. That much fuel should give this thing enough range to cross the country in two fuel stops if you aren’t too liberal with the throttle.

The Long-Hauler is based on the Ram 5500 commercial truck chassis cab, which comes with a 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating. Ram combines that with a self-leveling air suspension on all four corners, a dual-rear-wheel package, 19.5-inch Alcoa 10-lug wheels and an Allison six-speed automatic. Add it all up and you’ve got a gross vehicle weight rating of 37,500 pounds, which should be enough to handle whatever you throw this hauler’s way. Doing the grunt work will be a 350-horsepower, 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline six spitting out 650 pound-feet of twist.

The Ram Long-Hauler, should it make production, will be aimed at those who need enormous towing capacity and range, but don’t want to step up to something like a Freightliner SportChassis just yet. There’s still no word on a production timetable or what the truck might cost should it become available.

Gallery: Ram Long-Hauler Concept

Ram Long-Hauler Concept front 3/4Ram Long-Hauler Concept side

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com | Images: Pickuptrucks.com]

Ram Long-Hauler concept offers 1,600-mile range for epic road trips originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Off-Road

Ram Runner Autoblog Short Cuts

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II Short Cuts video – Click above to watch after the jump

The Ram Runner Stage II kit makes for one very impressive Ram 1500. Performance modifications like beefed-up control arms, Fox shocks and 14 inches of wheel travel make us want to pit the modified Ram against the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in a high-speed dirt race to the death finish line.

We’re not the only ones eager to compare the Ram Runner Stage II to the Raptor. Follow the jump to watch an Autoblog Short Cuts video of Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, as he explained to us why Chrysler believes the Ram Runner is better than the Raptor. In fact, Sassorossi brings up the Raptor no less than four times, and throws in “best in class” for the Ram Runner’s specs another another four times.

This will be a thrilling battle when Ford’s ready-made race truck gets pitted against Ram’s D.I.Y. wonder. To see what we mean, watch the video and then answer our poll below.

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Continue reading Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?

Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Name Game: Ram “Adventurer” re-christened 1500 Express

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 ram 1500 express pickup

2011 Ram 1500 Express – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ram has re-named its affordable performance truck the Ram 1500 Express. Originally launched at the Chicago Auto Show in mid-February as the awkwardly named Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, the 1500 Express will still pack the 390-horsepower Hemi found in the 1500 Tradesman work truck.

Hemi-powered special editions from Chrysler generally command a pretty serious premium, but Dodge seems bent on attracting a younger audience with this offering. According to Chrysler, the truck will sticker at an affordable $23,830 – including destination charges. For that, you get the Hemi engine, a body-color grille, specific front and rear fascias, chrome dual exhausts and 20-inch rolling stock. The Ram 1500 Express channels its prodigious grunt through a suitably short 3.55 rear end.

Inside, there’s a 40/20/40 split folding bench seat atop your choice of vinyl or carpet flooring. If the Hemi’s soundtrack gets boring, there’s a six-speaker iPod-compatible stereo as standard. Buyers can also choose to specify UConnect voice command technology, Bluetooth and a USB port.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Express

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Name Game: Ram “Adventurer” re-christened 1500 Express

Name Game: Ram “Adventurer” re-christened 1500 Express originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Truck, Chrysler

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has shocked and awed us with its ability to handle off-road terrain at extra-legal speeds. The folks at Ram and Mopar are looking to give the Raptor its first taste of real competition with this, the all-new Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit.

Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, tells Autoblog that the Ram Runner Stage II will be available for owners of 2009 to 2011 model year Ram 1500 models as soon as the Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah is completed, so figure on less than a month from now. The package gives owners control arms with an extra three inches of extension, Fox racing shocks with three inches of bypass to increase cooling and a best-in-class 14 inches of wheel travel. To accommodate that prodigious wheel travel, the Ram 1500’s front fenders and rear bed-sides are replaced with wider pieces made of fiberglass.

The folks at Mopar feel their truck has several advantages over the Raptor, not the least of which is the fact that Ram owners can build it piece by piece. There are five upgrades in total, with the Pre-Runner Stage II lift kit taking up the bulk of the pricing at $13,270. Truck modders can then pick up a front bumper for $1,250, a rear tire carrier for $1,010, front fenders for $1,020 and rear fenders for $1,350. That adds up to $17,905, though Sassorossi estimates the entire package will set you back $19,000 on top of the cost of a Ram 1500.

We’re told that all you need is any 2009-2011 Ram 1500 to build your Ram Runner, though a six-foot, four-inch bed is required if you want the rear fenders. While $19,000 for the complete package might sound like a deal, don’t forget to add the substantial cost of labor. The big wheel/tire package, racing seats and roll cage are all extra, too. And despite how high that front bumper looks, Ram claims the truck is street legal in all 50 states.

To get customers excited about the new Mopar Stage II kit, Ram and Mopar also announced today that they’ll be sponsoring the 2011 TORC short-course off-road racing series. The Ram Runner will become the official vehicle of TORC and serve as pace truck for all of the series’ events.

Gallery: Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit

Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Videos, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

2012 Ram Cargo Van

PickupTrucks.com details the 2012 Ram Cargo Van – Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2012 Ram Cargo Van may be based on the more pedestrian Dodge Grand Caravan, but make no mistake, this van is ready to work. The minivan’s seats have been removed, meaning there’s 144 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, and with tie-down hooks integrated into the flat load floor, the Cargo Van is capable of hauling up to 1,800 pounds.

Our friends at PickupTrucks.com were on hand at the NTEA Work Truck Show this week to see the 2012 Ram Cargo Van make its official debut. Senior editor Mike Levine gets in front of the video camera to show us the C/V’s features, so follow the jump to get an up-close look at Chrysler’s new work van.

Gallery: 2012 Ram Cargo Van

2012 Ram Cargo Van2012 Ram Cargo Van2012 Ram Cargo Van2012 Ram Cargo Van

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van

Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Dodge Ram Runner kit will be street legal

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Etc., Chrysler, Off-Road

Ram Runner

Dodge Ram Runner Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

There’s some big news buzzing around the Ram Runner Concept at the moment. We’ve known for a good while now that Chrysler is planning to offer a kit to convert any Ram 1500 pickup into the desert raiding beast seen above, but according to PickupTrucks.com, the company’s engineers have managed to pull a few stunts to make the vehicle completely street legal.

The biggest hangup was that the conversion kit widens the vehicle’s track from 68.2 inches up front and 67.5 inches out back to 77.5 and 74.5 inches respectively. In order to make everything right as rain with Jonny Law, Chrysler had to throw in a couple of illuminated fender markers in the name of safety.

That’s great news and all, but there’s more. It turns out Chrysler is mulling the notion of selling the Ram Runner as a turn-key vehicle instead of as a pile of parts available from your local dealer. If the automaker decides to go that route, you can expect the company to turn to an outside builder to convert standard Ram 1500 models into a full-blooded Ford F-150 SVT Raptor fighter.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ram Runner

Ram RunnerRam RunnerRam RunnerRam RunnerRam Runner

Gallery: 2011 Ram Runner

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Dodge Ram Runner kit will be street legal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is banking on the warm reception that the Ram 1500 Tradesman received at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show this year by unveiling another low-buck model targeted at first-time vehicle buyers. For now, the pickup is cruising under the “Code Name: Adventurer” moniker, and Chrysler says that when it arrives in the second quarter of this year, it will come packing more horsepower and a lower MSRP than the competition. For $23,830 (including a $975 destination charge), buyers can look forward to sinking their teeth into the same 5.7-liter V8 found in the Tradesman. That means that there will be 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque on hand to do whatever deed needs done.

In addition, the Adventurer will be differentiated from the rest of the company’s pickup flock thanks to monochromatic paint, body-colored front and rear fascias and a dual-tip exhaust. The truck comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels as the standard rollers and a 3.55 axle ratio. Buyers can also choose a 3.21 or a 3.99 ratio if they so desire. With the latter choice mated to the hearty V8 on board, we’re guessing that this will be a pretty solid factory-bred street machine – at least in a straight line.

In addition, Chrysler has announced that it will accelerate the launch of the Tradesman thanks to “overwhelming response,” though it isn’t immediately clear how soon buyers can expect to see the work truck in their neighborhood Ram Truck showroom. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ram Trucks will not offer hybrid pickup to consumers

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

Ram 1500 pickup truck

Have you been waiting for Chrysler’s long-promised Ram hybrid pickup truck? Bad news: Speaking to PluginCars.com, Ram Trucks CEO Fred Diaz firmly put that notion on ice when he bluntly said, “Truckers don’t want to buy hybrids.”

We’re not sure truck buyers are so much anti-hybrid as they are unwilling to cough up the necessary bucks to bring meaningful hybrid technology to their pickups. Either way, General Motors’ full-size hybrid trucks have failed to set the market on fire, and there’s little indication Chrysler’s would either, unless the automaker were to offer them at an extremely favorable price point. That seems unlikely.

For now, it seems that the only hybrid pickup trucks Ram will offer are the recently announced plug-in models that were developed using federal stimulus funds via a $48 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant and a separate $5 million grant from the Canadian government. A total of 140 PHEV Ram trucks will be offered to fleet customers within the next several months.

The good news for mileage-conscious pickup truck buyers is that Diaz suggested other technologies from Fiat are likely to make their way to the Ram Trucks division at some point. Multiair and light-duty diesels sound like a good starting point…

[Source: PluginCars.com]

Report: Ram Trucks will not offer hybrid pickup to consumers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output takes the torque war nuclear

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chrysler

2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output

2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output – Click above for high-res image gallery

The minds at Chrysler have set out to make sure that buyers who need to tow small planetary bodies on occasion are taken care of with its new high-output 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine. The oil-burning mill churns out 23 percent more torque than the old engine, and the final figure now sits at an astronomical 800 pound-feet. There’s also 390 horsepower on hand, and combined, those numbers are good enough to help the 3500 HD tow up to 22,700 pounds. The big-daddy Ram also packs a ridiculous gross vehicle rating of 30,000 pounds when equipped with the optional Max Tow package.

Those impressive ratings are partially thanks to the truck’s braking system. Chrysler’s engineers folded in the largest brakes of any full-size pickup with 14.17-inch rotors up front and 14.09-inch discs out back, and the 3500 HD wears what Chrysler calls the strongest exhaust brake available on any heavy-duty pickup.

Additionally, that meaty Cummins block is said to be good for over 350,000 miles before requiring a major overhaul, and unlike competitors from Ford and General Motors, this beast requires no diesel exhaust fluid to pass emissions. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output

Gallery: 2011 Ram 3500 High Output

2011 Ram 3500 High Output2011 Ram 3500 High Output2011 Ram 3500 High Output2011 Ram 3500 High Output2011 Ram 3500 High Output

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output takes the torque war nuclear

Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 3500 HD High Output takes the torque war nuclear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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