Ram extends Black Package to Heavy Duty trucks

Thu, 03 Apr 2014

If you liked the Black Express package Ram offers on its 1500 light-duty pickup but need the added capability of a Heavy Duty model, we've got good news for you.

This week at the Atlanta International Auto Show, the Ram truck brand is rolling out the Black package for the Ram HD 2500 and 3500 SRW. It features a sinister-looking exterior with 20-inch alloys, fog lamps, grille, front and rear bumpers and badges all blacked out. All the body-side badging has also been removed, unless you go for Cummins power, in which case you still get a chrome diesel badge on the side.

In correspondence with Autoblog, Ram spokesman Nick Cappa explained that the popularity of the Black edition light-duty truck was the impetus for the Heavy Duty edition you see here. "Ram has a reputation for going further on design and custom-looks from the factory," explained Cappa, pointing towards the Express, Sport and Longhorn editions. "This type of forward design-thinking led us to extend the aggressive appearance to the HD trucks, which in the past has been a bit more subtle."

Other upgrades included in the Ram Heavy Duty Black package include halogen projector headlamps with black bezels and 15 amber LEDs for the turn signals and three more for the side markets. The taillamps are also trimmed in black with an assortment of LEDs, and the Parkview and Parksense systems are included as well – all for prices starting at $42,140 (plus $1,195 destination). Scope out the details in the press release below.

Popular Ram "Black Package" Expands to Ram Heavy Duty Pickup

April 3, Auburn Hills, Mich. - For 2014, on the heels of an overwhelming response for the Ram 1500 Black Express package, the brand now offers a new, even more imposing visual appearance treatment for the Ram Heavy Duty (2500 and 3500 SRW).

Making its debut at this week's Atlanta International Auto Show, the Ram Black Appearance Group is a combination of brute force and style, with powertrains offering best-in-class power in both gas and diesel, not to mention a long list of features not found anywhere else in the segment: Cargo-view Camera, RamBox, manual transmission for diesel and a best-in-class ride from Ram's link coil rear suspension (2500) with air suspension option (both 2500 and 3500). The most capable Heavy Duty also is the "baddest-looking" factory-built truck on the market.

The 2014 Ram heavy Duty Black package is distinguished by its all-black exterior. Starting with 20-inch black aluminum wheels, it also features fog lamps, black grille surround with black horizontal inserts specific to the two available trims. Of course body-color front and rear bumpers and head badges on the grille and tailgate complete the look, camouflaged in darkness. All body-side badging has been removed unless if ordered with a Cummins engine. For those trucks, only the diesel designation remains.

"Ram has continually pushed the limits of truck design and paved new themes that have been copied by competitors," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Black package on the Ram Heavy Duty is proof that our designers are passionate about trucks and will continue to maintain our trendsetting leadership."

Looks and technology go together. The Ram Heavy Duty Black package features premium bi-functional halogen projector headlamps with black bezels, 15 amber LEDs for park/turn/position lamp and three amber LEDs for the side marker. The taillamps also include black finishes and are comprised of 15 red LEDs with three red LEDs for the side markers. Also, as part of the Black package, the trim includes Parkview and Parksense.

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty Black package is available in Ram 2500 and 3500 SRW, Crew Cab and Mega Cab, Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie models with the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive.

Ram Heavy Duty Black pricing starts at $42,140, plus $1,195 destination charge and is currently open for orders.

About The Ram Heavy Duty

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty adds new powertrain, suspension and innovative features that deliver the most powerful, capable and comfortable heavy-duty truck in the segment. Ram's Heavy Duty line offers an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with best-in-class (gas engine) 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Other engine options include the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and the renowned 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6, cranking out 385 horsepower and best-in-class (diesel engine) 850 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty takes lessons learned from the successful Ram 1500, adding an all-new five-link coil rear suspension system for best-in-class ride and handling. Also offered is an exclusive rear air suspension system on both the Ram 2500 and 3500. The robust options meld with a new front suspension to handle the best-in-class 30,000-pound towing capacity.

Innovative features such as a cargo bed camera, 5th wheel/gooseneck trailer prep package and the popular Uconnect system come together to offer customers the best Heavy Duty trucks in the segment.

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

By Noah Joseph