What is Ram Planning for the 2011 Chicago Auto Show?

[GMTruckGuy74]

What is Ram Planning for the 2011 Chicago Auto Show?

Posted by Mike Levine | February 7, 2011

By the time you read this post, we'll probably be on our way to the 2011 Chicago Auto Show where Ram is expected to unveil "a truck aimed at carpenters, plumbers and other tradesmen," according to Automotive News.

We don't have any more information to share, for now. The Ram folks are being very tight-lipped about their scheduled press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Central. What we do know is that we'll be there to bring you the news direct from the show floor.

[source: Automotive News]

Link:

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/02/what-is-ram-planning-for-the-2011-chicago-auto-show.html

[ocnblu]

Prolly some sort of homely Fiat van with a crosshair grille.

[crunksoulbrotha!!`]

Prolly some sort of homely Fiat van with a crosshair grille.

I hope 2 hell not!!

[Drew Dowdell]

OCN is probably right.

[Robert Hall]

Maybe a version of the little Doblo (Transit Connect size) or the big Daily or Ducato (Sprinter sized). Called Ram Tradesman, I bet. Maybe they will do a retro trim package called "Street Van" w/ stripes and chrome mags like they did in '78..

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, this was a disappointment...

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is being introduced by Ram CEO, Fred Diaz.

"It's specifically designed to target the needs of small businesses and contractors. It's a hard working truck for hard working people."

Ram Tradesman will come with standard 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Rated at 20 mph highway. It will also come standard with a Class IV trailer hitch and heavy-duty oil cooler. Can tow up to 10,400 pounds -- best in class entry level work truck.

Will be available in 2Q of 2011. Starting at $22780, including destination.

"Why settle for a V-6 when you can get all of this value," Diaz said.

Note the picture of short bed truck at the link below. Short bed for a Tradesman work vehicle??

Link to Press Release: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

However, the diesel wars continue...

2011 Chicago Auto Show: Ram Increasing Heavy Duty Diesel Power Ratings

Posted by Mike Levine | February 9, 2011

It's officially official that the new torque figure for the Cummins 6.7-liter will be 800 pounds-feet.

No changes to exterior.

"Get a load of this new bad boy. Guaranteed to defend the title as the most capable truck on the planet," Diaz said.

Has new high-output 6.7-L Cummins I-6 engine. Increasing 23%, from 650 pounds-feet. Standard on all 2500 and 3500 models equipped with automatic transmission.

Most towing of any one-ton HD pickup: 22,700 pounds.

The Ram will continue to not require the use of desel exhaust fluid to meet emissions. It will be urea-free, using Cummins technology to reduce NOx without DEF refills.

The truck goes on sale in the second quarter of this year. Can you say HD Shootout?

See link for more information on the diesel upgrades: http://news.pickuptr...er-ratings.html

Edited February 9, 2011 by Oldsmoboi

[ocnblu]

I would rather have seen a homely Fiat van with a crosshair grille than Dodge's version of a Chevy W/T (neither of which are really work trucks, only base versions of their half tons... blah.)

[Intrepidation]

Well now we know, a big power boost for the HD trucks.