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Ram Rebel X Concept wishes it could go offroad at SEMA [w/video]

Given the truck's defiant spirit, the Ram 1500 Rebel simply can't appear subdued. For the Rebel X Concept at the SEMA Show, Mopar goes all out to make the already tough looking pickup even more brash. The Rebel X certainly stands out in the vast ocean of customs at SEMA with its orange-tinted Copper paint. Thanks to 35-inch Toyo tires on 17-inch beadlock wheels underneath flared fenders, there's also no question that this truck wants to be offroad. In addition to the vibrant body, the front end wears black trim, and a concept, two-piece skid plate underneath offers a little visual contrast. The interior actually tones down the bold look slightly by combining black leather seats with Rebel X embroidery and Copper stitching. Rather than being just about style, Mopar beefs up the 5.7-liter V8 with a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. The division also tweaks the suspension by fitting a concept, air-ride setup. Get a better look at the Rebel X by checking out our gallery from SEMA above or the video below of the modded pickup at the show. Related Video: Ram Rebel X The Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement by itself. Mopar helps proclaim its all-terrain credentials even louder with the Ram Rebel X, a full-size pickup outfitted with a catalog of production parts and accessories. The unique dark Copper exterior extends to the functional sport performance hood, accented with a Matte Black graphic trimmed with a Mopar Blue tracer. Mopar wheel flares extend over the 35-inch Toyo tires, which wrap around 17-inch cast-aluminum beadlock wheels that equip the 1500 Rebel for rumbles over off-road terrain. Painted functional beadlock rings with fasteners are also featured on the beadlock wheels, with Mopar center caps providing another highlight to the rims. The front features the distinctive Rebel grille with the RAM logo painted in Satin Black and a concept two-piece skid plate. The bed is stylishly secured with a soft tri-fold tonneau cover, and a Mopar dual exhaust bed step helps reach tools or equipment stored in the rear. Black tubular side steps provide a lift into the interior, which features prototype Katzkin leather seats embroidered with the Rebel X name outlined in silver in a black field, with a blue field for the "X." Copper stitching accents the armrest and steering wheel. Additional features inside include all-weather slush mats, a pedal kit and door sills.

FCA issuing software update for 1.4M vehicles to prevent hacking

In the wake of a Jeep Cherokee being hacked remotely while on the road through its Uconnect infotainment system, FCA US is now issuing a software update for 1.4 million vehicles in the United States. Affected customers will receive a USB stick in the mail with the improved version; owners can check this website to see if their cars are affected. A large variety of models with FCA's 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system are affected. They include the 2015 Chrysler 200, 2015 Chrysler 300, 2015 Dodge Charger, and 2015 Dodge Challenger; 2013-2015 Dodge Viper; 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500; 2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cab; 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee; and 2014-2015 Dodge Durango. According to FCA in its announcement, the new software "insulates connected vehicles from remote manipulation." As of July 23, the company also "fully tested and implemented within the cellular network" additional security to prevent access to many of a vehicle's systems. FCA US says that it's conducting this campaign out of an abundance of caution and disputes the notion that there's a defect with these vehicles. Beyond the demonstration of the hack in the Cherokee, the automaker says that it's unaware of any other reports of these attacks actually happening. Related Video: Statement: Software Update July 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to update software in approximately 1,400,000 U.S. vehicles equipped with certain radios. The recall aligns with an ongoing software distribution that insulates connected vehicles from remote manipulation, which, if unauthorized, constitutes criminal action. Further, FCA US has applied network-level security measures to prevent the type of remote manipulation demonstrated in a recent media report. These measures – which required no customer or dealer actions – block remote access to certain vehicle systems and were fully tested and implemented within the cellular network on July 23, 2015. The Company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation, nor is it aware of any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents – independent of the media demonstration.

GM also sheds parts from its pickups to boost payload ratings

The row between Ford and Ram over who boasts the best-in-class tow rating for heavy duty pickups has revealed a number of things. Chief among them is a report that Ford removes items like the spare tire, jack, radio and center console from its vehicles in a bid to lower its base curb weight and therefore keep the truck's gross vehicle weight rating down.
For those that need a refresher, GVWR is the vehicle's curb weight plus its maximum payload. A lower GVWR allows Ford to station its F-450 among the so-called Class III pickups, despite the fact that internally, it has the makings of a more brutish Class IV truck.
Ford explains away these deletions, saying a customer could order their vehicle in such a manner. It has also come to light that Ford is not the only automaker to engage in such practices.