An impressive lineup, cheap gas and free money are propelling huge sales gains at Ram.
The fastest growing truck brand in the U.S., Ram, is about to debut a series of factory and Mopar custom pickups for the 2015 model year. First up is the new Ram Rebel with a blackout grille without the traditional crosshairs, a lift kit, blacked out wheels, black steel bumpers, and either monochrome or two-tone paint.
Revealed at NAIAS, it’s part of a growing and bewildering array of Ram pickups that slices the booming market into almost individual buyer segments. Ram Rebel is the 10th member of the lineup, which includes Tradesman, Express, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited.
Rebel comes only as a crew cab model with 5-ft. 7-inch bed. Both 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi powertrains are offered, as is a choice of either 4X2 (Hemi only) or 4X4 configurations. RamBox – the storage compartments in the side of the bed – is optional.
Hemi 1500 Rebel trucks are available in 4×2 or 4×4 powertrains with 3.92:1 or 3.21 gear ratios. When equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, Rebel is available in 4×4 only with a 3.92 gear ratio, allowing the engine to leverage its power and torque.
Both the V6 and Hemi V8 engines have an optional rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied – helpful in off-road driving conditions. The design automatically unlocks the differential for normal on-road driving, allowing the wheels to spin independently for improved drivability. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on both.
Ram claims the 2015 1500 is the most advanced and efficient truck in the light-duty category with:
• Best-in-class fuel economy at 28 mpg with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V66
• Exclusive link coil rear suspension and optional 4-corner air suspension
• Only manufacturer in light-duty class to offer diesel, gasoline, and flex-fuel
(E85 capable 3.6-liter V6) engines
