2014 Ram 3500 Laramie 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 hundreds of thousands of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs

The public might associated ignition switch recalls with General Motors - and with good cause - but that's not the only automaker calling its vehicles back in to fix that sort of issue.
Last month we reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating an array of Chrysler Group vehicles for electrical-related safety issues. The administration and Chrysler subsequently issued a recall for 700,000 Dodge Journey crossovers, Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. But while the Jeeps that were also under investigation were not covered in that recall, they are being addressed in a separate one now.
Although Chrysler reports that it is only aware of a single accident stemming from this issue, it is "committing now to conduct a recall out of an abundance of caution." The recall affects the 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, of which it reports there are 792,300 on the road: 649,900 in the United States, 28,800 in Canada, 12,800 in Mexico and a further 100,800 outside of North America.

2016 Ram Laramie Limited is a comfy way to haul stuff in Chicago

Some people want a rugged truck with no frills that can get seriously banged up and muddy. If that's the case for you, you're definitely going to want to avoid the 2016 Ram Laramie Limited debuting as the latest flagship trim on the 1500, 2500 and 3500 models at the Chicago Auto Show. This pickup is for the buyer who still wants to haul stuff around but get the work done while sitting in the lap of luxury. Bystanders as far as the next county are going to have zero problems knowing the oncoming or outgoing driver has the top-level Ram. In a somewhat similar style to the updated look from the Ram Rebel, the word "RAM" appears in billboard-sized chrome letters across the center of the grille of the Laramie Limited. In case folks somehow miss it, the air inlets on either side are practically arrows pointing right to the middle. The rear gets the same motif with an emblem measuring some 20-inches wide. If all of that isn't enough to grab attention, there's also tons of eye-grabbing chrome from end to end. This is not a vehicle meant to blend in. Inside, passengers are cosseted in acres of black Natura Plus leather with Graystone piping and Black Argento wood trim. For a bit of contrast from all the darkness, there are also metallic accents in a color called Liquid Graphite. LED lighting sheds soft illumination throughout the cabin. Take it all in, boys and girls, in the high-res image galleries above and below. Related Video: