2014 Ram 1500 Sport on 2040-cars

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Ram trucks set for export to Australia, New Zealand

Looking across the Pacific at Australia's car-based utes is always a little exciting because it's a glimpse at a land where models not unlike the classic Chevrolet El Camino survive. Now, the Aussies are about to see how the US builds big trucks thanks to a deal to import the Ram 2500 and 3500 into the country. This new market entry comes about thanks to a deal between Ram and the New Zealand importer of FCA products, and once across the ocean, the trucks are converted to right-hand drive. The automaker has "worked closely with our engineers to produce a vehicle that is as close to an official factory right-hand-drive vehicle as it can be without it having actually run down the factory production line," Clyde Campbell, co-owner of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand," said to Drive. The first batch of pickups is set to go on sale to Kiwis and Aussies in October, but further details about them aren't disclosed yet, including available powertrains and price. Drive estimates the Ram 3500 to retail for over 100,000 Australian dollars ($76,000). The trucks are being aimed at those with heavy loads to haul like industrial companies or people with large horse trailers. These might not be the last two Ram models to make it Down Under, either. According to Drive, the New Zealand importer is working to strike a similar deal to bring the Ram 1500 across the Pacific in the future.

Ram and Fiat working on possible midsize pickup for global markets

The midsize pickup segment is enjoying a recent boom globally, with updated models like the new Ford Ranger on the way and a revised Toyota Hilux already testing. The next automaker to take the plunge into the market might be FCA with this recently spotted, highly camouflaged truck. Click through the gallery to see the pickup wearing two different disguises during cold-weather testing. Unfortunately, they keep the truck very well hidden, and even the bed is covered in both of them. Still, it appears that the front end wears a fairly upright design, and the four-door cab is obvious. Also, take a look at the rear to spot coil springs for the suspension, rather than leaf springs. According to our spies, this vehicle's size is larger than the current front-wheel drive Fiat Strada and is closer in dimensions to models like the Ranger and Hilux. Of course, the most intriguing question is whether FCA might bring this vehicle to the US as a Ram competitor against the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The company's five-year plan makes no mention of such a model here through at least 2018, though. However, Europe and South America are set to receive a midsize pickup in 2016. Perhaps, that's what we are seeing here. Related Video: Featured Gallery Fiat-Ram Pickup Spy Shots View 14 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Fiat RAM Truck FCA

Chrysler highlights Mopar lineup for SEMA

SEMA is all about aftermarket parts, and in Auburn Hills that all comes down to one name: Mopar. After having previewed its lineup for this year's Vegas tuner expo earlier this month, Chrysler has now revealed what may not quite be its full dossier of modified show cars, but a good portion of them.
All told Mopar is preparing 20 vehicles for display at SEMA this year. Among them you'll find the Ram Sun Chaser, a 1500 Quad Cab show truck kitted out in two-tone orange and black paint, a roof rack for surfboards, onboard shower and convertible tailgate. The white Fiat 500L is called the Adventurer and is modified for a more rugged look that could hint at the upcoming crossover version. The Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver upgrades on the Trailhawk package with everything from roof basket to rock rails. To counterbalance the off-roaders, there's also a modified Chrysler 300S with a deep black paint job, special grille, Varvatos-edition wheels and more.
All four concepts details so far have Katzkin interiors as well, and there's also an unspecified Dodge Durango with a storm-trooper look in the gallery above. But for more details on what Mopar has installed on the Ram, 500L, Cherokee and 300, you'll want to delve into the press release below.