2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn/lone Star on 2040-cars

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Ram 2500 Off-Road Pack targets Ford's FX4, Chevy's Z71

If you were a Ford or Chevrolet customer looking for a heavy duty pickup with some improved off-road chops, the process is relatively simple: tick the box for the FX4 or Z71 packages and be on your merry way. These packages are simple affairs, adding upgraded shocks, underbody protection, and unique wheels alongside a slew of cosmetic improvements. Now, Ram is getting in on the game. Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a new 4x4 Off-Road Package will be offered on the 2500 model regardless of engine, bed length, or trim level. The only restriction is cab size – you'll need to order the Crew or Mega Cab in order to get the new option pack. Despite being a new package, Ram's formula is more or less the same as that used by the FX4 and Z71. Mechanical changes are limited to new Bilstein monotube shocks (Ford turns to Rancho, while the shock absorbers on Chevy's Z71 are unbranded) and a standard limited-slip differential (also offered on the Big Horn and Lone Star trims). Firestone supplies the LT tires, which look to strike a balance between off-road ability and on-road comfort, while there's the normal array of underbody protection. And like Ford and Chevy, Ram has fit a prominent decal on the rear fender. Pricing isn't finalized yet, but Ram specifically calls the 4x4 Off-Road Pack "a value-priced option." That'd make a lot of sense, considering how Ford and Chevy have priced similar equipment packs. Neither the FX4 nor the Z71 pack are high-priced options, with the former ringing up at $295 on the F-250 and the latter maxing out at $620, depending on which Silverado HD you chose. Look for the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-Road Pack to hit dealers during the third quarter of 2016. Related Video: Ram Truck Brand Announces New Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Off-road Package New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for customers who need essential off-road upgrades combined with 3/4 -ton pushing, pulling and hauling capabilities Part of "America's Off-road Truck Leader" lineup Features stability control upgrades, all-terrain tires and rugged exterior appearance New package includes limited-slip differential, underbody protection and Bilstein shocks Available "RamBox Holster" rack accessory for RamBox-equipped trucks February 11, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the 3/4 -ton segment with new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of must-have upgrades for the occasional off-roader.

Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.
The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month - all three notices are posted below.
In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

Ram increasing EcoDiesel production [w/video]

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel shot out of the gate with strong sales by filling its initial allocation of 8,000 orders in just three days, in February. At the time, Ram expected that the oil-burning variant would account for around 10 percent of 1500 output, but it knew there was room to grow if the demand was there. Apparently it is, as the truck maker is doubling the diesel's production mix for the 2015 model year to 20 percent of the pickup's total volume.
Since hitting the market, the EcoDiesel has been a smashing success, according to Ram. The company claims that nearly 60 percent of its sales have been conquests from other truck brands, and its popularity has boosted the 1500's average transaction price, as well. In an accompanying video, brand president Bob Hegbloom said that customers have been demanding more of them.
"Innovation sometimes comes with risk, but being first to market with a diesel engine for the half-ton segment has shown to be a great decision for the Ram Brand," said Hegbloom in the company's release.