2023 Ram 1500 Limited on 2040-cars

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Peugeot E-Boxer seems like it would make a nice electric Ram ProMaster

Though electric cars, and especially pickup trucks, are the hot zero-emissions battlefield, there's another sector that's heating up: commercial vans. Startups such as Rivian and Bollinger have announced plans for vans, and Ford has shown a prototype of an electric Transit. It seems Stellantis is slightly ahead of the curve, though, as it has revealed details of its electric vans with the Peugeot E-Boxer. And the reason you should care is that the E-Boxer and gas-powered Boxer are nearly identical to the American-market Ram ProMaster and Italian Fiat Ducato. Powering the E-Boxer is a single electric motor at the front. It's not particularly powerful with just 122 ponies, but it has a more respectable 192 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is limited to 68 mph, which would probably need to be raised if these vans were offered in the U.S. Supplying power is one of two available battery packs: The shorter models get a 37-kWh battery that is rated for 124 miles of range on the WLTP cycle; longer models get a 70-kWh battery rated by WLTP for 211 miles. Those numbers would likely be lower in American EPA testing. While the range isn't incredible, enormous range likely isn't as important for delivery vans that might operate locally. These vans also come with DC fast charging in case more range is needed quickly. Though not quick, the Peugeot E-Boxer doesn't sacrifice on practicality. No cargo space is sacrificed for the electric powertrain, so you can fit just as much into one as a similarly configured gas model. Payload capacity is comparable to the gas vans, even the V6 ProMaster, too, with a maximum of 4,167 pounds. This number does vary based on configuration, just like cargo space. Peugeot will offer it in four different lengths with three roof heights as well as chassis and cutaway cab models. So it's just as configurable as the regular version. With some adjustment to how quick the E-Boxer can go, it would seem like it could be offered in the U.S. and beat some competitors to the punch. It's all built on the existing Ram ProMaster platform that we get here. And electric power would seem appealing to businesses that need delivery vans: lower fuel and maintenance costs. Time will tell if Stellantis sees things the same way. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2018 Volkswagen California Review

Is Ram working on an HD Hellcat pickup truck?

Ram already offers an off-road-oriented Power Wagon pickup truck based on its heavy-duty 2500 chassis, and that's no slouch with a 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi V8. But add a 707-hp Hellcat to the mix and our interest goes through the roof. But is that what we're actually looking at in the spy photos above? Even a cursory glance at the shots proves these aren't ordinary Ram 2500 trucks. The most obvious visual hint is the big ram-air hood, but we also see a definite lift kit and heavy-duty suspension components underneath. The removal of the front and rear bumpers indicates that these trucks have good approach and departure angles, but it could also mean that whatever is underhood needs major airflow. Notice, too, that the two trucks seen here aren't traditional Crew Cab models, which is how the Power Wagon comes standard. Instead, there's a single cab and a massive Mega Cab sitting side by side. Is Ram going to unleash two new Power Wagon variants? Seems possible. It's really not possible to talk about a potential Ram HD Hellcat pickup truck without mentioning the Ford Raptor. The Blue Oval's SVT division has created one heck of a factory off-road monster, and it's set to get even better for the 2017 model year with an EcoBoost engine and four full-size doors. How could Ram, one of Ford's biggest truck competitors, answer Ford's latest assault? How about a Hellcat! Based on FCA's desire to put a Hellcat engine into anything that can hold it, it wouldn't be shocking to see an overpowered Ram model. And if that does happen, the Power Wagon platform is a great place to start. We don't know if that's what we're looking at, or if these trucks are test beds for future parts for the Mopar catalog, but either way we like what we see. Related Video: Featured Gallery Ram Hellcat: Spy Shots Design/Style Spy Photos RAM Truck Off-Road Vehicles ram power wagon

Chrysler Uconnect gets dealer-activated navigation, new infotainment features

Get in just about any mid-level Chrysler product these days, and you'll see a touchscreen head unit that would be perfect for a navigation system. The only thing is that some of these cars equipped with the head unit for Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system were not optioned up with navigation at the time of purchase, leaving drivers looking for turn-by-turn directions relying on either an aftermarket nav system or a smartphone. Starting on select new Chrysler products, however, customers with Uconnect will now be able to upgrade to navigation as a dealer-activated option.
Announced at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, this new element of Uconnect will allow owners to have an in-dash navigation system installed quickly and easily; Chrysler said that this will be a major benefit for used-car buyers. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like this system will be retroactive on previous Uconnect head units, but it will launch this year on the 2013 Ram 1500, 2013 SRT Viper and the 2014 Fiat 500L. Chrysler did not announce the expected MSRP to have dealers activate the navigation capabilities.
Another infotainment option for Chrysler buyers is the Uconnect Access system that can allow WiFi, voice text messaging, emergency assistance, remote vehicle operation (such as starting the engine or locking/unlocking the doors) and limited POI searches using Bing. Also introduced at CES, the new Uconnect Access via Mobile system builds on this by allowing users to add in-car apps such as iHeart Radio, Pandora and Slacker by connecting to the system via a smartphone. This system will first be offered on the 2013 Ram and Viper.