Dodge Ram 2500, 6.7 Cummins Diesel, 22x14 American Force, King Shocks, Amp Steps on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ram 1500 to get Pentastar V6 option in top-shelf models

Ram has seen such positive customer feedback from its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlight eight-speed automatic transmission in the Ram 1500 that it's bringing the powertrain upmarket, and it's now going to be available in truck's Laramie trim level (Laramie Limited pictured above). The new choice means better fuel economy and lower pricing in one of the 1500's higher-end models.
A Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4x2 with the 3.6-liter Pentastar and eight-speed automatic will retail for $38,775, plus a $1,195 destination charge. It's a savings of over $1,000 over the trim's current starting price.
Ram says the decision to offer the V6 option was customer driven. "Today's V6 engine is a lot stronger than yesterday," said Nick Cappa of Ram Truck media relations to Autoblog. Cappa notes that dealers have reported buyers returning from test drives who can't believe there are only six cylinders operating underhood.

2017 Ram Power Wagon starts at $53,015

Ram has finally released pricing for the new 2017 2500 Power Wagon, and it won't come cheap, starting at $53,015. The good news is that you still get plenty of hardware and appearance upgrades. The better news is that there's also a way to get the same capability for a discount. Every Power Wagon model still gets a bevy of off-roading features, including Bilstein shocks, 33-inch tires, locking front and rear differentials, electronically disconnecting sway bars, chassis armor, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch. Each one also comes with the Ram 2500's 410-horsepower V8. This year, the standard grade Power Wagon also gets a much more aggressive exterior thanks to the Ram Rebel-style black front grille and trim. The black trim is complemented by a retro Power Wagon stripe just behind the rear doors, as seen on late '70s Power Wagons and the recent Macho Power Wagon SEMA concept. Inside, the Power Wagon also gets seats with embossed tire tread patterns, like the Ram Rebel. Buyers who want to be coddled on the trail can then upgrade their Power Wagons with the Leather and Luxury package for $4,495, which adds satellite radio, UConnect, heated leather seats and steering wheel, and voice control, among other things. With the introduction of the Leather and Luxury package, Ram will also phase out the fancy, $59,465 Laramie Power Wagon trim. However, if you don't need the extra style of the Ram Power Wagon, there's a cheaper way to get the substance. The way to do this is to order a Ram 2500 Tradesman in crew cab, four-wheel-drive configuration, and then choose the $8,450 Power Wagon package. When added to the Tradesman's $39,865 starting price, you'll have a Power Wagon for $46,995 provided you don't add anymore options. That's a substantial savings of just over $6,000. Now you won't get the fancy interior or the Rebel-style exterior appointments, but all of the important mechanical bits are the same. In a way, it's the off-road version of a " sleeper." So whether you want style or savings, there's a Power Wagon for you. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: Chicago 2016 View 18 Photos Image Credit: Ram RAM Truck power wagon ram 2500 power wagon

Detroit 3 to implement delayed unified towing standards for 2015

Car buyers have a responsibility to be well-informed consumers. That's not always a very simple task, but some guidelines are self-evident. If you live in a very snowy climate, you generally know a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro might not be as viable a vehicle choice as an all-wheel drive Explorer or Traverse, for example. If you want a fuel-efficient car, it's generally a good idea to know the difference between a diesel and a hybrid. But what if it's kind of tough to be an informed consumer? What if the information you need is more difficult to come by, or worse, based on different standards for each vehicle? Well, in that case, you might be a truck shopper. For years, customers of light-duty pickups have had to suffer through different ratings of towing capacities for each brand. For 2015 model year trucks, though, that will no longer be a problem. According to Automotive News, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group have announced that starting with next year's models, a common standard will be used to measure towing capacity. The Detroit Three will join Toyota, which adopted the Society of Automotive Engineers' so-called SAE J2807 standards way back in 2011. The standard was originally supposed to be in place for MY2013, but concerns that it would lower the overall stated capacity for trucks led Detroit automakers to pass. Ford originally passed, claiming it'd wait until its new F-150 was launched to adopt the new standards, leading GM and Ram to follow suit. Nissan, meanwhile, has said it will adopt the new standards as its vehicles are updated, meaning the company's next-generation Titan should adhere to the same tow ratings as its competitors. While the adoption of SAE J2807 will be helpful for light-duty customers, those interested in bigger trucks will still be left with differing standards. There is no sign of the new tow standards being adopted for the heavy-duty market.