Ram’s Powerful New Pickup Teased – But Not for Everyone

Ram has recently released a brand new teaser for a completely new midsize pickup for the South American markets and it's already getting attention. Billed as tougher, bigger, and more capable than the existing Ram Rampage, this new model will feature a proper ladder-frame chassis and be powered by a turbo-diesel motor. While the company is building it for the Brazilian and Argentine markets, its aggressive styling and work truck attributes are sure to attract the eyes of North American truck fans.

First Look Shows a Tough, No-Nonsense Truck

Ram’s teaser campaign leaves just enough to the imagination, but the details already provide a big picture when you review the front end:

• An oversized grille with the Ram logo showing large in the middle
• What looks to be modern-style slim LED headlights for a sharp high-tech look
• Hood marker lights hinted towards wide aggressive proportions
• “Turbo” and "Nightfall” badging styling indicating some form of performance-oriented trim

The stance overall looks muscular and ready for business, with the addition of beadlock style wheels and mud tread tires that firmly indicate this truck will not shy away from rugged trails. The introduction of a sport bar with auxiliary lights also hints at Ram targeting weekend adventure enthusiasts as much as it is just working professionals.

Built the Old-School Way for Heavy-Duty Work

Unlike the unibody Ram Rampage, this new truck will be built with a body-on-frame architecture—this is the preferred configuration for serious towing, hauling, and off-road. This platform is also shared with the Fiat Titano and Peugeot Landtrek which have proven themselves in tough markets.

A ladder frame means:

• Better performance in durability carrying bad loads
• Less twist on still uneven surfaces
• Fewer obstacles in retrofitting after-market items like winches, or heavy duty bumpers

It’s the kind of engineering that points to the Ram’s intent to go toe-to-toe against South America’s toughest truck competitors.

Diesel Engine Promises Power and Endurance

Under the hood, we'll likely find a 2.2-liter Multijet II turbo-diesel. This well-known engine is expected to produce roughly 197 horsepower and a hefty 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. That will come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, which should provide pulling power as well as the capability to traverse remote conditions.

For buyers in South America, a diesel like this is not just about the fuel efficiency, it's also about the reliability in rural locales, long-range capability, and the torque that makes towing or hauling a much easier task. If Ram sticks to this premise, it will be a serious tool for both work and play.

Argentina Will Build It, Brazil Will See It First

Production will be done at Stellantis' Cordoba facility in Argentina, which already knows how to manufacture tough pickups for the region. By making it in the country, Ram can:

• Keep pricing competitive in the key markets of Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay
• Reduce import fees and the timings on deliveries
• Have the production meet the specifications of South American buyers

The launch will start in Brazil and be rolled out to the rest of the continent. And while there is no current confirmation for a US launch, this truck's size, style, and specs would find a home in America's midsize segment, sitting alongside the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado.

A New Middle Child in Ram’s Pickup Family

This new truck will fill the gap in Ram’s South American lineup:

• Below: Ram Rampage – Compact, unibody, urban
• Middle: New midsize truck – Body-on-frame, rugged, diesel
• Above: Ram 1500 – full-size, imported from North America

This middleground is one of the most competitive spaces anywhere in the pickup landscape, so not only will Ram need the appropriate blend of toughness, comfort, and pricing, they will also need to find a way to not only compete but thrive in this competitive market.

Ram Midsize Truck Specifications

Could This Be the Modern-Day Dakota?

For truck fans in the US, the Dodge Dakota has special meaning as a midsize pickup offering more than any compact truck without going to a full-size truck. While Ram has not confirmed any name, some intel points to this as a possibility that we could see the Dakota nameplate revived in certain markets. If Ram goes down this road - and that's a pretty big if given the current labour issues in Canada - it could mean a significant addition to the US line up.

Conclusion

The forthcoming reveal has already got auto enthusiasts buzzing with early tips fo the response is already starting to gauge expectations. Although the final reveal will not happen for some time, all of the clues suggest a major leap in both design and performance. Now the anticipation will be for the event to happen as this brand is about to reveal something groundbreaking for its segment.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops